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1.09.2006

Self Imposed Deadlines

Hey gang, I just wanted to write something brief to talk about work production. It's something that I've really been working on; because I know as an artist (especially as an artist who works full time as a systems admin and a father of two) it can be hard to put out work on a consistent basis. Anyway, I try to keep a rough journal at my art table with a brief description of every piece (typically a comic book page) of work I complete, and the date. It's something I picked up from Rafer Roberts, when I was cutting my teeth on Plastic Farm contributions. Anyway, look at these numbers:

2003 I completed 23 pages of artwork.
2004 I completed 40 pages of artwork.
2005 I completed 78 pages of artwork.

I think that's a good degree of growth. This year, I want to break 100. This year I'm releasing my first self published book. This year, I'm dipping into my own pocket to print my art. This year, I cease to be a hanger on, or a backup supporter, and present my work on a grander stage. For better or for worse, I hope to be more visible this year.

That also means that I have to be able to stick to deadlines. To self imposed deadlines. When we release the first issue of "The Alberic Heresies" later this year, the second issue will be finished. I'm hoping that when we release the second issue, that the third will be done. That means I need to be able to draw, ink, scan, grayscale, and letter 32 pages every three or four months. I'd rather it be three, but don't want it to take any more than four.

I've had the luxury of talking to people who have either rubbed shoulders with publishers, or worked directly with them. They say that this is not fast enough to get a publishing deal. These same folks tell me that I'm prolific when I can stick to my self imposed schedule. What does this mean? Probably, it means I'll never work for a large scale publisher. I can produce a page a day if I don't have to work. I know that now. I am focused enough. But honestly, I have so much financial responsibility that something really special would have to happen for me to be able to make the jump as a self publisher to a professional.

It struck me a few months ago that I'm ok with that. Why am I drawing? To get rich and famous? To escape my day job? Not really. I have a pretty good life. I like my job, I love my family. I also love comics, and I'm living out a dream I've had my whole life. When asked at age 13 what I wanted to do when I grew up I answered "I want to draw comic books". That was 17 years ago. Guess what? Nothing has changed.

So anyway, I just wanted to write something to talk to some of the artists in the group about setting goals. Goals are a good thing. If you are like me, you need motivation. You need something to shoot for, and unfortunately, since you're a self publisher, you have little pressure to produce on a schedule. I've been fortunate to work with people who weren't afraid to call me and say "Goddamn it, I need this work finished TOMORROW!" As much as I may have resented it at the time, I really appreciate and respect those people now. I'll break 100 pages this year, guaranteed.

How many will you get done?

Jacob at 1:46 PM  |  link to this     

4 Comments

You're never gonna pass 100 if you keep blabbering! ;) I don't set a page count goal for myself. I think that'd take the fun out of it for me and I'd burn out fast. But I do set at least two hours a day to draw. Whether I get one panel done or one page, I'm cool with it. If I take a break for holiday or something, it's often a bit harder to get back on schedule. It's kinda like exercising--it's hard to get started, but once you do, you get into a grove.

Dembicki at 1/09/2006 4:07 PM   

BTW, the opening panel in JRod's story--SWEET! And that's coming from a guy who ain't fond of baseball!

Dembicki at 1/09/2006 4:09 PM   

I think you need to factor one more thing into the equation.

I’ve seen some of your art over the past couple of years – your talent has increased tremendously ALONG with your page count and that counts for something. As you get more comfortable and begin to settle with your style, you’ll find yourself putting down the pages even quicker. Maybe even loosen up a bit.

I look at Noel, the Elk’s Run artist. He’s been doing this for time and now that he’s settled in his style he inks his roughs and puts out a page a day, sometimes more, all the while working a day job like the rest of us.

You see your growth in page count; I see it as page count with quality of pages. It’s really something amazing.

When asked at age 13 what I wanted to do when I grew up I answered "I want to draw comic books". That was 17 years ago. Guess what? Nothing has changed.

Well, you are drawing comic books.

And Matt, Jacob's pages are indeed sweet.

Jason at 1/09/2006 4:31 PM   

I understand the measuring you're talking about---even the minimum goal can be downright thrilling to reach when you're working full time.

Even if you were drawing all of the time, I guarantee you'd be devoting close to the same amount of time to your "personal" work. Requests for illustrations, paid work, guest spots, etc., would still pull you away.

You have gotten into your groove---your style is strong---maybe that's the key to getting more pages done.

Deb at 1/09/2006 11:43 PM   

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