You Imagine discussion

Hi all,
I find myself in a bit of a pickle right now. As some of you may know I've been looking for an artist to turn my prose novel into a Graphic Novel. Well, it seems I've found the proverbial Diamond in the Rough. I placed an ad on the art site I frequent & this young man answered my ad. He's a Manga artist and when I say this HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT has mad, crazy talent, I mean it. My story will have some rated "R" scenes in it. I don't know exactly how old he is, but have asked and am waiting for a reply. I'm not too concerned with the fact that our time zones are completely off with each other (he's in Sweden), but am a bit worried about his age. I was looking for the next Joe Jusko and found the next Kazuki Takahashi (Yu-Gi-Oh creator) instead.
Does anyone have any sage advice to lend me?
Lynn
(I hate typos- had to edit)

Hi Lynn. It sounds like you're really moving forward. That's great. Here are my thoughts: If you're self-publishing, you can choose who you want to illustrate for you. If you want to submit your prose to a publisher, they like to choose their own artist.

If you're self-publishing, why not hold out for the look you really want, instead of settling for a different style that could give a whole different feel to the graphic novel? Just a thought.

~Karey

Hi Karey,
Yes, I'm rolling like a skateboard down a hill, but am nearing the bottom. It's been a day or two with no new replies. lol
I finally got a reply from Sebbe. You wouldn't believe he's 18 by looking at his photo. I'd be self publishing the OGN in 55 page issues. I hadn't completely settled on which style I want the story to be drawn in, but Sebbe made a suggestion of fusing Manga & American styles to see what it would look like. Not only is this guy a great artist, he's got some really interesting ideas. I don't feel as if I'm settling on him at all. The only other people who've replied are 3D artists and a tattoo guy. The tattoo guy is good, but he draws in black & white, which would leave me coloring it or looking for a colorist. 3D artists would work, if I can find the right one, but both those routes increases my workload and detracts from my writing. Sebbe is the first person I've met who even comes close to having the talent I'm looking for. I'll know for certain if I will want to work with him after he sends across a few drawings.
I will keep you all posted.
Lynn

Thanks for the update! Keep up the good work. It's hard work, but hopefully fun at the same time since it's what you love to do...?

Well, it's time for another update. I posted another ad at a different art site and am once again flooded with artists. I have 2 women in the states and 1 guy in Indonesia. All three of them are really good. So I was thinking maybe I should just ask them all the draw the MC from a description I provide and see who comes up with the best sketch. This way all the artists are drawing the same thing. I don't think Sebbe is THAT interested as we haven't chatted more than twice.
I'm enjoying the hunt though and finding some really terrific artists who are all doing commission pictures so I can't go wrong. I just wish I had a little help with the emails I have to write.
Blessings,
Lynn

The list of potentials grows by the day....