Into Submission...

Bruce mentioned it the other day, "Who gets rich creating comics?" Unless you're high on the foodchain even popular cartoonists aren't making ends meet. Being published doesn't mean you'll be able to quit your day job. There's an article in the latest Comics Journal listing cartoonists who're now destitute, homeless, etc...

It's just another sign that the comics industry is on it's last legs.

So, why are there so many folks trying to get in? Look at these postings in Digital Webbing's Talent Search:

Looking for an artist for Megatokyo comic style ongoing story. No pay upfront. Will collaborate on how to make money with complete project.
• 03/13 • CONTACT: deishawn2003@yahoo.com

Geez, Megatokyo? So you just want pencils? No finished inks? For Spec? Good luck!

Seasonesed or Unseasoned We're looking for those with an ANIME/MANGA approach to do an episode of a sci-fi webcomic thriller We're not looking for the kiddie stuff that's flooded the market. We're looking for something more adult or sophisticated along the lines if Masumune Shirow , Satoshi Urushihara, Kevin Lua (Vampi) to Adam Warren. If your work is pretty similar to that of any of those previously mentioned you should be fine.THis is non-paying UNITL distibution online or print
• 03/13 • CONTACT: jedi5@wanadoo.fr

There's so much I could say about seasoning here, you want hot&spicy, BBQ or new RANCH seasoned artists? Or we'll take any bland artist that comes our way. Again, no money! It's on Speculation....

I'm need a manga or an American-manga artist to draw 6 pages for a comic submission to image comics. $9.50 per page. I'm also looking for an artist who will at least devote 1 year worth of drawing (6 issues) and I am willing to conitnue pay for other pages to be drawn. (I will not pay for character concepts.)
• 03/13 • CONTACT: ARHicks00@hotmail.com

Dude! I'm a need a manga, too! At least this guy is willing to pay, course that page rate isn't gonna really attract anybody will any real talent. The part about not paying for character concepts sends a distinct warning vibe...

Need one artist (pencils, inks, letters, finishing)in the anime/manga for an accepted story. Pay will be based upon sales. Story already approved. Story is fantasy based (ie D+D) and will be four issues. Please send one to two examples of sequential work to myself and to Rod Espinosa, submissions editor of Antarctic Press
• 03/13 • CONTACT: ironminotaur@grandecom.net

I like that, "one artist in the anime/manga," it sounds like a recipe. "Take one artist and gently fold artist into anime/manga mixture...." Man, I must be hungery from that seasoned or unseasoned artist comment..... OH Hey! Rod Espinosa! I love that guy's work! So why is Rod screwing around with comics proposals and comics business administration crap? Rod, go back to what you do best! Writing and drawing comics!!! Oh, wait...there's no money in that....