Finding A Job As A Comic Book Artist

The life of a comic book artist is much like any other in the creative field, such as writing, acting, fashion design, animation, in that it requires a certain kind of person to endure the arduous process.

If you can create a dynamic portfolio that showcases diversity and talent, then you're well on your way to being "marketable" to the comic book industry. Although, there will also be a lot of self-motivated networking at comic conventions, pitching to publishers, meeting new people and applying to freelance jobs online.

The good news is that dedication often pays off with more secure contracts over time and you'll find yourself with a rather rewarding, creative career ahead of you.

Your success is often dependent on your own personal motivation. Mike Mignola, Hellboy's comic book creator, says he works seven days a week from 9am - 9pm at his home studio, taking breaks throughout the day as needed.

That is one perk of this job; that you are relatively free to craft your own schedule, although there are deadlines.

"If you're working for a comic publisher like Marvel or DC Comics, you usually have to turn around a five to six page strip in about three weeks," says British comic book artist Jim McCarthy. "A graphic novel takes much longer – it might be eighteen months to two years from the original inception to a finished book."

Unfortunately, finding a comic book artist job isn't always easy. DC and Marvel Comic Books are considered very competitive to get into, so most newcomers will have to prove themselves and seek out smaller, independent jobs first.

Job sites like www.digitalwebbing.com, www.coroflot.com, www.simplyhired.com, www.getafreelancer.com and www.craigslist.org are becoming increasingly popular ways to find work. Yet the best way is said to be good, old-fashioned leg work and towing your portfolio to convention after convention and dazzling publishers with your resume and eye-catching illustrations.

For more resources on getting started, be sure to check out www.comicbookresources.com and www.theaoi.com.

To read more Finding A Job As A Comic Book Artist

The Universe Of Marvel Comics

Marvel comic books have truly endured the test of time, with nearly seventy years in the comic book industry. What started as a few niche pulp magazines sprouted into an entire Marvel Comics Universe, including comic books, trading cards, films, merchandise and "Motion Comic" DVDs.

While technology has thrust comic book heroes from the glossy pages of a magazine to computer screens, cell phones and the big screen, the characters and storylines have proved to be timeless.

In the 1960s, editor and visionary Stan Lee was given complete creative control in the studio. He enlisted the comic book art of Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby, who created comic book heroes like X-Men, Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Dr. Strange and the Silver Surfer.

What makes Marvel Comics distinct from DC Comics is that the characters have a more human appeal. Unlike comic book heroes like Superman or Wonder Woman, who were born with super powers, the Marvel heroes were created through science accidents or dramatic events.

The settings were in real places like New York City, Los Angeles or Toronto and the struggles were very real as many of the "anti-heroes" struggled with vices (like explosive anger) and psychological tension.

Many of the Marvel heroes didn't really want to be heroes and longed for normalcy. In later years, some comic book characters even struggled with drug addictions or turned from good to bad.

Marvel Comics publisher Dan Buckley is looking to the future. He hopes that people will continue reading comic books using new formats like motion comics, as well as cell-phone and iPod comics or downloadable issues.

He does worry about the loyal little comic book store owner, though. "We don't want to do anything to hurt anyone in the short term. We're still quibbling about what the primary form of revenue will be," Buckley said, relaying that some comics can be found online for free.

So far the internet has been a great promotional tool for the comic book industry.

To read more The Universe Of Marvel Comics

DC Comics With Popular Superheroes

Perhaps no one understands the concept of "heroes and villains" or "good versus bad" as well as Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson. Malcolm was born into a highly regarded Portland family who entertained guests such as Teddy Roosevelt and Rudyard Kipling.

He found his calling as a young army officer, serving around the world in Japan and Russia. According to Wheeler-Nicholson, he "chased bandits on the Mexican border, fought fevers and played polo in the Philippines, led a battalion of infantry against the Bolsheviki in Siberia, helped straighten out the affairs of the army in France [and] commanded the headquarters cavalry of the American force in the Rhine."

It was only fitting then, that he would go on to found DC Comics, leaving behind a legacy of graphic novels that took a closer look at the struggle between heroes and villains.

Following the "Golden Age of comic books" came the "Silver Age" of the 1950s and 1960s, where DC Comics superheroes became a little more human. The Flash was the first DC character that wasn't created by supernatural or alien means.

He had been human, until a lab accident imbued him with superhero powers. While many more characters would follow this model, particularly by Marvel Comic Books, The Flash was the precursor and inspired an amalgamation of science fiction and superheroes that persists even today.

DC Comics may be the oldest of the "superhero" genre, although it's certainly not the only one. Its rival, Marvel Comics, has seen decades of illustrious success, picking up its steam in the 1960s, pushing comics graphic novels to new heights as a way to grapple with psychological issues and purge frustrations with oneself and society at large.

There will always be heroes and villains in the world so it's unlikely that this medium, which is often passed down from generation to generation, will ever die.

To read more DC Comics With Popular Superheroes

The Popularity Of Anime Comics

Gen-X'ers and older Gen-Y's grew up in the 1980s, when comic book series cartoons like "The X-Men," "Justice League," "Captain America," "Teen Titans," "Spider-Man," "Batman," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "The Transformers."

As these kids aged, they became adults in their 20s and 30s, creating comic book movie blockbusters to keep the legacy going. The next generation of younger Gen-Y's would look to Japan and China for their comic book series.

They grew up with "Dragonball Z," "Pokemon" and "Sailor Moon." Anime comics came to America with surprising fervor and it's not likely to dissipate anytime soon.

Moreover, the messages in anime comics reach today's youth at a level that traditional DC or Marvel comic books missed. Anime focuses more on emotions, relationship struggles, introspection, adventurous personal quests and the hero's journey; all in surreal, magical surroundings.

Unlike cartoons for kids, anime characters will die and complex relationships are formed. Nothing is off-limits in the anime world, not even sex or violence. People are confronted with deep concepts and provoked to think about the meaning of life. In a way, it's the softer, psychological side of Marvel, blended with the magical, omniscient qualities of a DC superhero: the best of both worlds.

For the male fans, some manga comics are adapted to show sexier heroines -- some in their coy school girl uniforms, others with more Westernized curves and futuristic apparel. Yet for the female fans, plots center on soap opera type stories of love, longing and character development. In fact, women make up half the attendees at the anime comics conventions.

Perhaps the reason for AD Vision's success is that they're all fans of anime comics and manga comics themselves. "Everybody here in some capacity loves anime very passionately, or they love manga," admits John Ledford.

Currently, he's looking at more movie opportunities, particularly for "Neon Genesis Evangelion," thanks to rampant demand from anime fans.

To read more The Popularity Of Anime Comics

Big Screen Success With Comic Book Movies

The first comic book series to be adapted to the small screen was "Superman," which debuted as a TV series in 1966. It wasn't until 1966 when "Batman: the Movie" came out, later followed by "Superman: The Movie" in 1978, that the genre of full-length comic book movies really took off. The characters were so "real" to audiences that many say there will never be another Superman like Christopher Reeves or another Batman like Adam West.

While the 1995 movie "Batman Forever" (directed this time by Joel Schumacher) proved to be more financially successful than its predecessor, the critics weren't as generous and criticizing everything from the "hard-rubber bat suit" and "obviously fake, computer-generated Gotham City" to Tommy Lee Jones' "Harvey Dent knock-off" performance and the "predictable climax."

Nevertheless, audiences believed in comic book movies and they went to see the 1997 "Batman and Robin" in mass droves, bumping the comic book movie to #1 at the box office that week, and yet the aftermath was such an abysmal failure that "Batman" George Clooney offered to personally "refund anyone who had the misfortune of paying to see it." If it weren't for director Christopher Nolan's brilliant stroke of genius, the Schumacher legacy may have tainted the Batman franchise forever.

"You could tell having seen Iron Man and having seen Batman, that the writers and producers and directors now know how to treat these movies," Marvel Comic creator Stan Lee said.

He added that comic book movies will continue to get better and better with new technology and adaptations. Coming up in 2009 is Marvel's highly anticipated "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" prequel, starring Hugh Jackman, in addition to another "Punisher" movie. "Iron Man 2," "Thor," "The Avengers," "Spider-Man 4" and another "Captain America" are also reportedly in development for subsequent years.

As for DC, "The Spirit" and "The Watchmen" are set for release in 2008 and 2009, the latter of which has many comic book fans talking. Several more movies have been in development for the past few years, including: "Superman (reboot)," "The Green Lantern," "The Justice League of America," "Wonder Woman" and "Batman 3."

To read more Big Screen Success With Comic Book Movies

Ancient Japanese Craft Of Paper Folding

Origami is sometimes referred to as the ancient Japanese craft of paper folding, but this art form actually started in China, hundreds of years earlier. In the sixth century, this art was introduced to Japan at the same time that paper was introduced there.

The traditional form is based on a square piece of paper, from which an endless variety of shapes can be created through a various numbers of folds. When practiced in ancient times, this art form did not involve cutting or pasting.

Many artists have contributed to this paper folding art form. Josef Albers is given credit for creating curved and spiral shaped works, and Akira Yoshizawa introduced other new techniques and intricate art forms as well.

His wet paper folds help to hold the shape better when the design calls for more complex structuring. For the past thirty years, The American Museum of Natural History in New York has erected a Christmas tree adorned each year with different paper shapes, like origami stars, cranes, dinosaurs, turtles and others.

This art form can be a fun craft project or hobby for the average person, but there is a small group of artists who have really taken it to the next level. Previously, paper folding was created by simply guessing which folds to make and getting lucky when an interesting shape formed.

Now, with the aid of computers and mathematics, and the origami math geometry Kawasaki theorem education, it is being taken to higher levels of style and precision.

To read more Ancient Japanese Craft Of Paper Folding

An Ideal Personalized Gift Is A Photo Pillow

Photo pillow is an ideal personalized gift for a friend or family member. You can include a photo of the receiver of the gift on the pillows and blankets. You may even include a picture of the couple, if you are presenting a wedding anniversary gift.

These days, we need better gift ideas to please the receiver of your gift. Rather than giving a predictable gift, that may not be used or re-gifted to someone else, you can make an effort to arrange a personalized gift that will surprise the receiver of your gift.

It is easy to arrange for an ideal surprise gift with a combination set of photo pillow with a photo blanket.

The usual gifts on Christmas Day and other social occasions are rather dull and predictable. Examples include ill fitting shirts, socks, underwear and other predictable gifts.

These are gifts receivers may not use and are often taken back to the store to exchange for other items, or re gifted to someone else. If the effort is made to arrange for a personalized gift, then it will be much more appreciated.

Another way to ensure satisfaction, is to discreetly enquire on the needs for a gift, without giving reasons for your enquiry. For example, you can ask about pillows and blankets and the need to increase the variety and replacement of old pillows and blankets for the long cold winters and hot summers.

Everyone likes to sleep in comfort with photo pillows.

To read more An Ideal Personalized Gift Is A Photo Pillow

Creating Art With Origami Instructions

Art enhances life. It can increase hand-eye coordination, technical abilities, problem solving skills, imagination and patience, as well as instill a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

One art form that is enjoyed by the very young and the very old can is origami. Origami instructions are diagrammed so that anyone can follow along and get a sense of fulfillment from making easy, or more complicated fascinating folds.

Although actual origami paper will typically produce the best results, it can get expensive if you are just beginning and are making lots of mistakes.

If you choose to use sheets that are not labeled for origami use, then make sure it is crisp but not so stiff that it tears when you manipulate it. Now all you need is some origami instructions and you will be ready to begin.

Origami is one of the oldest and most relaxing artistic activities that can be enjoyed by children as well as adults. Get some paper and begin with origami instructions.

If you want to purchase special colors and designs, you can find what you need at any local hobby or arts and crafts store. What a wonderful way to embrace your artistic side.

To read more Creating Art With Origami Instructions

Creating Traditional Origami Animals

Meditation is a practice that allows a person to become very relaxed; in some cases it can help with finding inner peace. There are many ways to go about meditating and one of them, surprisingly enough, is through the practice of origami.

Because of the sometimes intense focus needed to complete an origami paper craft, it goes hand-in-hand with meditation as a way of relaxing the body and mind. Origami animals, such as the crane and the frog are traditional models used when creating this art form.

You must be able to clear your mind of all distractions and allow one simple focus to take over; building origami animals.

This also helps your body release the stresses that build up during the day. Concentrate to allow an almost hypnotic state to occur. Clear you mind and focus on each crease.

Don't forget that less can be more in meditation and with making origami animals. Just a simple focus or thought can lead you into a deep relaxation, as can working on an origami diagram like a crane.

As time goes by, creating a crane will become another aspect of your meditation.

To read more Creating Traditional Origami Animals

Knowing Where To Buy Origami Paper

Each piece of origami paper must be in the form of a perfect square. This shape can help you create intricately folded paper creations that are just mind-blowing.

There are a plethora of styles and sizes available, and just knowing what is out there is enough to get those creative juices flowing and your fingers itching to begin making some fascinating folds.

The benefit of having the Internet at your fingertips is that you can see the papers you might choose to buy, so that your project turns out just how you envisioned it.

You will find that many origami projects are worked with a single-sided piece of origami paper. The folding begins with the white side or the "wrong side" up. This is also true when making tea bag folds.

Now you have the first decision out of the way, which is whether to use single or double sheets. If you take the time to do so, you can choose which double colors to use and whether to combine plain sheets with patterned sheets to create color combinations that are endless.

To really get to know their properties, take your time in exploring and experimenting with your origami paper options; learn their properties so that you know how they will bend.

Store them carefully so that you will have them readily available for your next project. It really helps to anticipate and plan your next project to help keep your enthusiasm high.

To read more Knowing Where To Buy Origami Paper

Tips On Learning How To Make Origami

What is origami, you may ask? It is the ancient art of paper folding. It is thought that it evolved from the practice of letter folding during the seventh century AD.

Ever since that time, it has become more and more popular in Japan and its popularity has spread to the rest of the world. For many people, the challenge of learning how to make origami is a most enjoyable experience.

When learning how to make origami, always remember to take your time and fold with care. Pay special attention to how you make your folds to create a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing origami piece.

Choose a flat surface that is solid and has good lighting as your construction area. For example, when you are instructed to make a fold along the center line, try especially hard to ensure that the fold is perfectly centered.

As you bring the edges of the paper together, allow the corners to meet exactly before you press the fold down.

It helps if you are patient as you begin this paper craft. It takes time and practice to learn how to make origami. Work slowly and with accuracy so that you can eventually become a skilled origami artist.

Slow down and remember to enjoy the complete process of creating your pieces. Don't lose sight of why you are doing origami, such as for fun and relaxation, or for artistic development. Be patient too, as origami requires a lot of attention to detail.

To read more Tips On Learning How To Make Origami

Better Ideas For Pet Photography

Pet photography is one of more challenging fields in the world of photography. If you can take a series of portrait, action and candid images of your pet in your home, then you are on the way to creating good images. This gives you practice to improve your technique, especially if you are seeking to become a pet photographer.

One of the biggest challenges with pet photography, is the need to control your pet. If you are looking to take quality images of your pet, you may need one or two assistants, to help control your pet, especially if you are outdoors and your pet may be a hyperactive dog running after other dogs, causing lots of mayhem.

Being patient and controlling of your pet, will help you take better images of your pet.

I find the easiest images are the ones around the home, taking candid images as my pets are playing around the house. Relaxing, sleeping, playing with my children and running around the backyard and in the park nearby.

These are often the best images. To avoid the pets getting tired waiting for me to fiddle with my camera, to get the best settings, I pre set my camera before I call out her name and then I take the picture.

I have a little home studio where I take portraits of family, friends and my pets. I always have family members help me set up the equipment and bring in the pet. I like to use a bland background, so the pet stands out in the image.

I have framed many of my pet photography images and placed them all around the house, along with many family portraits.

To read more Better Ideas For Pet Photography

Wedding Photography Secrets For The Best Wedding Images

Wedding photography secrets can help guide you to choose the better photographer for your wedding. One tip is to look at samples of recent wedding images taken by the photographer, including three or four complete sets of wedding images, covering the whole wedding day.

Depending on the agreement between you and the photographer, the photographer may shoot images of your wedding all day, from the bride leaving the bridal home with her parents, to the wedding ceremony, images of the wedding entourage at a nearby park and then more images at the reception.

One of the best tips for your wedding, is to state clearly the images you want for your wedding. If you already have an example of an image, and you want a similar image, then show the image to the photographer. The cost of creating this image should be included in the overall wedding photography package.

For example, you may need images of the mother and father of the bride, before leaving for the wedding ceremony, images of the wedding ceremony and specific images of the entourage at the park.

Although some photographers are willing to shoot some images after a wedding, many will charge an extra fee, for the extra shoot. Every effort must be made to ensure you get the images you want, on the day of the wedding.

If you are looking to share your images online, ask the photographer if there are any restrictions about using his images online. There is usually a fee for use and this fee should be included in the final price, and stated in the quote of estimated costs.

Now you know how to avoid any escalated costs when you are informed with wedding photography secrets.

To read more Wedding Photography Secrets For The Best Wedding Images