Big Bang Etiquette: Tips for Writers & Artists Working Together
Sometimes it feels daunting to start talking to someone you don’t know on the other side of the world, particularly if you’re a little shy. Here are some tips to make your Big Bang experience fun and productive!
After all, it’s in everyone’s best interest to finish the fic and artwork. So we have tried to come with a handy guide. Hope this helps you!
For Writers:
1. Be Clear with Your Vision: Share your story ideas early. Let your artist know about key scenes or vibes that inspire your work.
REFERENCES, REFERENCES, REFERENCES: These are key to make sure that the artist understands what you are envisioning.
Pinterest boards can also be your friend.
Share your outline and your chapters as soon as possible so that the artist can start planning!
2. Respect Artistic Freedom: Trust your artist’s interpretation. Their unique perspective adds depth to your story.
Be Open to Surprises: Your artist may come up with ideas or visual elements you hadn't considered. Embrace their creativity as it often leads to a richer final product.
Constructive Criticism: If you’re unsatisfied with a piece, don’t be scared to speak up, but do so respectfully. Frame your feedback in a way that’s encouraging and helpful, like suggesting adjustments instead of outright rejections.
3. Deadlines Matter: Stick to agreed timelines. Your artist is working around them too!
Plan Ahead: Keep track of all deadlines and set internal checkpoints to ensure progress is on track. If you anticipate delays, communicate early to find a solution together.
Be Reliable: Consistent and timely updates build trust and show your commitment to the partnership. If you meet your deadlines, your artist is more likely to do the same.
For Artists:
1. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to seek clarification on characters, settings, or moods. A little detail can spark the perfect illustration.
Dig Deep: Ask about character motivations, the tone of scenes, or any specific visual details the writer envisions. Even small things like the color of a character’s eyes or the style of clothing can make a big difference.
2. Share Progress: Show sketches or drafts early on. Feedback from the writer can steer your work in the right direction.
Step-by-Step Updates: Share your progress in stages—initial sketches, line art, color blocking, etc. This allows the writer to give feedback at each step, preventing major overhauls later on.
Encourage Input: Invite the writer to share their thoughts openly. Remind them that it’s easier to make changes during the sketch phase than in the final stages.
3. Be Flexible: Sometimes the story evolves. Adapt if needed and stay open to adjustments.
Offer Solutions: If a requested change seems challenging, suggest alternatives that stay true to the writer’s vision but might be easier or more effective artistically.
4. Respect the Story: Your art enhances the writing. Keep the narrative in mind and aim to complement the writer’s vision.
Stay True: Your art should reflect the mood and style of the story. Whether it’s lighthearted, dark, whimsical, or intense, align your artistic choices with the writer’s narrative goals.
For Both:
Communicate Regularly: Check in often, even if it’s just to say everything's on track.
Be Considerate: Life happens. If something’s going off course, let your partner know ASAP.
Celebrate Each Other: Acknowledge each other’s efforts. This project is a team effort—cheers to collaboration!
Ways To Get Conversation Flowing:
1. Artist
Ask the writer what inspired the story or how they come up with ideas
Tell the author your favourite scenes. The creation process takes a long time, and some writers miss getting the in-flow of kudos and comments from Ao3 for motivation. During this phase, you are their source of motivation!
2. Writers:
Ask why the artist why they liked your idea.
Tell them about yourself, anything from the Timezone you are in to help with communication or to what inspires you.
If you have something big coming up, like a holiday or an exam, let your artist know. Who knows you might find out you have similar interests!
3. Both:
Talk about anything and everything! Compare head canons, your favorite episodes, maybe even your favorite fics!
Provide regular updates! Ask for feedback. It doesn’t have to be a complete work. You’re just providing each other reassurances that there’s progress!
Remember this is more than an event, this is FANDOM! And we are here to have fun and make new friends!
