By Deborah Tyson
It’s an exciting time with Kids Comics Unite’s PitchFest 2025 happening right now. Kids comic artists/writers and creative teams are participating from all over. Perhaps you wonder how to form a creative comic team with an author or illustrator? Here’s some firsthand, professional advice from PitchFest 2023 2nd place finalist, Deborah Tyson—comic illustrator, writer and LET’S GO! Anthology contributor—on how illustrators can successfully work with authors on pitches and projects for self-published graphic novels.
Reminder: The deadline to enter PitchFest 2025 is Monday, March 3. Get your submission and event ticket here.
~ Anthology Newsletter/Blog Co-Editors, Edna Cabcabin Moran and Maritza Ruiz-Kim
In the world of comics, authors and illustrators have a special relationship that is not often seen in the children’s book publishing industry. In traditional publishing, where authors and illustrators almost never cross paths, it is now considered acceptable in graphic novel projects for authors and illustrators to collaborate and pitch together. So, it is not uncommon for illustrators and comic artists to be approached directly by authors to work with them on their project.
However, maybe you have been approached by a self-publishing author yourself and don’t know how to proceed? Let me give you a few pointers based on my experience.
Start Off on the Right Foot
Imagine you have just received a DM or email from an author pitching you their story (usually written as a script). There are a few things to consider right off the bat. Firstly, and most importantly, think about if you like the story and if you feel like it is a good fit for you. Consider how your art style will fit, and if the genre is in your wheelhouse. Think about where your strengths and weaknesses lay. Can you draw the vehicles in the story, or design the alien characters? What about the landscapes or buildings? Are you comfortable with these?
As you continue chatting, you should meet them in person (even if it is only on a video call). Get a feel for their personality and think about if you would make a good working team. Find out what their expectations are for working. Do they want to meet regularly to discuss your progress? If they hand you a finished manuscript to you, will they give you free reign? Do they want to collaborate on writing as a team? Also, what would you prefer?
Do A Trial Run and Take Notes
Illustrate one page or do a spread for them, or even just the character sheets. Yes, you can charge for this! [Editor Note: Charging for your artwork at the trial stage for both traditional and indie publishing is an advisable professional practice. For information on how and why to charge, check out The Graphic Artist Guild Handbook: Pricing and Ethical Guidelines AKA PEGS.]
Take notes on how it went and consider the following questions: Did you find that your author was a good communicator? Did you have solid interactions with them? Did they like the work you produced? Then you may have found a good match.
On Saying YES to the Project
If you decide to move forward with the project, start talking about a collaboration contract. (Tip: If you purchase the Graphic Artist Guild Handbook or join the Graphic Artist Guild–members get the Handbook for free–you can access their downloadable contracts here.) It’s a good idea to have some kind of contract in place to protect the rights to your work. You can write your own contract, but it’s also a good idea to consult with an agent or lawyer if possible.
Here are a few points to consider for a contract: What work are you committing to, and what are the specs? When should the work be completed (and how can you extend the date if need be)? How will you deal with future publishing contracts, and copyrights? How will you each be compensated for the work? What happens if you get signed by an agent? What happens if you plan to self publish the work? There are many other things to consider, so please research this carefully.
It is best to work very closely with your author clients in the brainstorm and roughing stage to keep from making big changes in the inking stage.
Deborah Tyson
Start the Work, Maintain Communication
Now that you are ready to begin work, how can you have the best working relationship with your author? Personally I like to keep in close contact with the authors I work with, showing them my progress on a weekly basis. I tend to work in stages and allow them to approve each stage and offer feedback.
Here are some tips: While it can sometimes be frustrating to work with someone who is very particular, it is best to work very closely with your author clients in the brainstorm and roughing stage to keep from making big changes in the inking stage. Also, don’t leave them in the dark if you fall behind. For example, send them an email explaining the unexpected event (such as an illness or change in your work schedule, etc.). Explain how this will affect the end date you discussed.
I have worked both with authors that have been laid back and with authors who have been very particular. I feel that as long as you maintain your boundaries you can have a healthy working relationship with just about anyone.
Finally, cultivate your professional friendship by celebrating your small victories and enjoying the process. I had an author excitedly call me every time I finished a stage in the process which felt like a little pep rally! Because she lives nearby, I was able to attend her book launch and signings. Another author sent me stickers she had made of my art as an extra thank you after the book was published. These women have become so special to me.
In Conclusion
If you worked well together, and are happy with what you have made, you may continue to have a wonderful working relationship for years. Collaborating with someone that you have come to know and with whom you have developed a solid routine is like any other relationship. You have to work to get there, but it’s wonderful when it happens.
Good Luck!
Credits: Article header includes a photo by Peggy from Pixabay, Above illustrations by Deborah Tyson.
About Deborah Tyson
Deborah is an author-illustrator who lives in SE Pennsylvania with her husband and three sons. When she is not drawing or writing, she loves learning new recipes from around the world and reading memoirs of people from all walks of life. Bringing smiles to kids is her greatest joy in life.
deborahtysonart.com
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