Creative Path – Fork in the Road
In my last post, I did a recap of my first involvement in Artist Alley at my very first convention – Pensacon 2016. Not to backtrack, but I learned a lot, and I had great time. The people working the event as well as the congoers couldn’t have been nicer. It was a very positive experience getting my feet wet.
Now, since then I have been reading a lot about artists at these events, who do essentially what it was that I was doing – selling my original artwork of other existing characters.
In my research, I’ve learned what has become much of what floods Artist Alley(s) is people selling prints; prints of other peoples’ and other companies’ properties. While many say it’s a bit of a gray area, I do have the opinion on the matter from many industry artists that I admire and respect regarding the copyright aspect of it.
There are quite a few artists do not like it or respect it, but understand that people get away with it because the monetary gains of those artists are minimal in the grand scale of what it would cost a huge corporation like Marvel or DC to litigate. It’s easier for them to turn a blind eye – though it technically isn’t legal.
While that may be so, several artists in this field don’t like this practice – at all. I would love to quote some of the things here that I read on Twitter and Facebook regarding this topic, but without permission I hesitate to do so (I really don’t want to piss anyone off). Suffice it to safely say that most pros that I know are not a fan.
There is what conventions’ Artist Alleys once were vs. what they have become. I have learned from many pros that it used to be about artists promoting their own book, their own work, and themselves. An opportunity for fans to talk with their favorite artists. A chance to get an original commission from an artist you have always admired. And avenue for independent artists to endorse their own creations and their own work.
Again, speaking from the standpoint of various artists I know, it has morphed into something completely different. More than artists pushing their own book, or doing commissions for fans, it has transformed into people selling “cool” prints of existing characters for a quick buck. Surprisingly, many of the people at the booths selling these prints aren’t even the artists who drew them – in ARTIST Alley!
Not to take away from the talent of these artists who draw these prints, but what they have done is taken something special that existed in the comic convention arena, and converted it into a total flea market atmosphere. It is drawing prints of copyrighted characters (illegal) simply for the sale of prints. It has become more about the mad dash of chasing that almighty buck, in turn drowning the love of the art, the craft and creation of comics itself.
I feel like drawing copyrighted characters for fun and appreciation is fine, as in fan art. I do it, and I’ll continue to. But multiple prints of any given character for the sole purpose of selling at cons to make some money? Not the same thing as being a comic creator.
This is exactly what I did at Pensacon this year. Had I done the extensive digging that I have been as of late, I may not have gone the route I did. I hate to be the one to claim ignorance in this instance, but that is the truth. I didn’t know any better.
In light of this personal realization, I’m not going to do it anymore.
Am I not going to get a table in an Artist Alley to promote myself, and my work again? NO WAY! Of course not! Don’t be absurd!
I am not going to be a “Print Peddler” of other properties. Not going to do it. It is a cheapening that I am now fully aware of, and sensitive to. Oblivious until recently, I now know how it hurts the business rather than helps, and I’ll be damned if I remain on what I deem the wrong side.
Instead, I am going to focus my efforts more on where I feel they should be focused: my original work. I have a lot of ideas swimming around in my skull, and I need to concentrate on getting them out.
I am going to put myself into my work, and my exceptional and distinctive thoughts into it. Sure, I could continue spitting out my spin on reproductions of my favorite characters, and turn them for a few dollars. OR I could emphasize on my own original story, imagination and art ideas, and create my own world.
Isn’t that essentially what I want in this industry for anyway? To make my own mark?
Sure, should I be lucky enough to be provided the chance to work on a Batman, Daredevil, Spider-man, Superman, etc., I would JUMP at the opportunity! I’d be a fool not to.
But to get that sought after landing spot, to get noticed by the right people, well, it doesn’t come from selling a really cool Incredible Hulk print at a convention.
It comes from storytelling. It comes from imagination. Original ideas and unique characters. And above all, hard work, patience, and the willingness to always continue learning.
If it’s good it will garner attention from the right people, and I’ll make my mark.
So, the efforts on my part have shifted. No more taking the easy way out, and seeking to capitalize on the success of others before me – to make a quick buck.
I am about to put pencil to paper and digital pen to screen, and get to work. To work on something that is mine. Something that means something to me. Something that I love, and believe in.
Until next time, stay tuned –
