Agency Publishing Seeking an Artist or Artistic Team

[oblesklk1]

We haven't done this in a very long time, but we're looking for someone interested in continuing our Cyriaan Chronicles line of comics, and we'd prefer to have it be someone within the community.

For those that have never heard of us, we have been producing high quality tickle torture comic books for several years now. Our web site is www.the-agencies.com. Our main comic universe is "The Agencies" and is already being covered very well by another artistic team.

Our last Cyriaan Chronicles comic book was published two years ago. We temporarily halted the product line in order to market The Agencies a bit more. Now that we've gotten down the road a little bit, I was interested to see if I could find anyone willing to take over our fantasy line, and bring back The Cyriaan Chronicles starting with Issue Five.

This would be a serious undertaking. It would not just be for an issue or so, you would be the permanent artist on that line. It is a lot of responsibility, and I'm looking for someone serious about their art and professional development. I'm attaching samples of some of the artwork our current artistic team is doing with The Agencies, so you can see the caliber of stuff we're talking about.

There is no experience necessary; I am not interested in what you've done in the past, only what you can do today and in the future. Having said that though, I will need to either see a portfolio, or some sample of what you can do today.

I want someone highly motivated, that is excited about tickling, about comics, about defining their own look and mark with this material. I want someone eager to start on a project, and always willing to come up with suggestions on how to improve the product and characters. I want someone who loves the fantasy genre, and doesn't mind spending hours drawing unicorns, elves, feathers, and whatever other silly things come to mind 🙂

You would be doing all of the artistic work for these books. You would take a finished script, and turn it into something beautiful. That means you will need to be able to pencil, ink, and color (or find someone that wants to help you to be able to do all three).

It is a lot of hard work, but trust me, it is very rewarding. If you're interested in working with us (yes, it is a paying gig), just PM me with samples of what you've done, and a little something about yourself.

If I can't find anyone in the short term, we'll just stick with The Agencies for now 🙂

 

[Journia]

Well, if you look at my art, around the tickling art archive.....I don't think it is up to the caliber you would like, but with practice I am willling to improve. Can't say I would do it, I just like dropping me pennies in here.

 

[LonelyKimiko]

I really liked your stuff when I was a member of Tickletown, and I hope you manage to get some decent artists to continue the work. As for me, I'm just practicing like hell to try and get up to a good standard ^_^ .

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

That's a very exciting offer, especially considering the ammount personal control and freedom I'd have with it. While I have the skills and talent necessary to help you, I am not in a position to....or I should say I'm reluctant, unfortunately. 🙁

Thank you for making this offer to us all, however. You were professional and articulate, yet friendly and encouraging. I've never personally seen it done quite this way here on this site before, so it caught my attention.

I hope you get the position filled and can continue your comic. Best wishes. 🙂

 

[oblesklk1]

Thanks for your replies. We still haven't found anyone will to sign the contracts yet, but you never know. It's a tough position to fill, and requires a lot of work.

All that aside, I hope summer is finding all of you well!

 

[LonelyKimiko]

All good here. I hope it's going well for you too. And good luck finding somebody for this. Seeing TK artwork of this kind of quality is realyl something to look forwards to ^_^ .

 

[oblesklk1]

Thanks 🙂

I'm in talks with more professional artists, some of which have done work for Marvel before. So the stuff I want to produce is very high quality; but I have to juggle what people are willing to pay with the costs involved. They're even more expensive than the team I've been using for The Agencies, so I don't know. It's a risk.

The emails I keep getting are saying "more more more." Which is good, but I'd need to hire another team to speed things up. I do have some leads on tickling artists, so I definitely want to see how things go there.

The fantasy theme is really fun, but I do worry because those books never sold as well as The Agencies. There may have been other factors at hand (poor marketing on my end). But it seems that people really like fantasy, so I'd definitely like to give it another try.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Thanks 🙂

I'm in talks with more professional artists, some of which have done work for Marvel before. So the stuff I want to produce is very high quality; but I have to juggle what people are willing to pay with the costs involved. They're even more expensive than the team I've been using for The Agencies, so I don't know. It's a risk.

The emails I keep getting are saying "more more more." Which is good, but I'd need to hire another team to speed things up. I do have some leads on tickling artists, so I definitely want to see how things go there.

The fantasy theme is really fun, but I do worry because those books never sold as well as The Agencies. There may have been other factors at hand (poor marketing on my end). But it seems that people really like fantasy, so I'd definitely like to give it another try.

Would it be right for me to think that the samples you provided are the quality you expect or want? I hope I'm not yanking your chain or anything, but could you be more specific about what you expect versus what you're willing to compromise on?

I think knowing what you want specifically or preferably would help in finding the right person. You definitely do not want someone who is just going to wing it.

Also, as far as style is concerned, could you be more specific on this? I know you've said you'll leave alot of the decisions up to the artist, but there are sub-divisions you might prefer over others.

Stating whether you want western-style comics or eastern-style manga is a big indicator in the types of people here that will answer you. This forum has mostly anime artists and very few that are not anime style artists have the skills you'd probably expect.

Most of your publications, thus far, from what I can see, have a distinct western style and your feature publication has a "Danger Girl" look to it. It's distinctly american. I'm not sure what your opinion is on anything other than western.

 

[oblesklk1]

These are all fair requests/questions, so instead of answering you personally, it would be easier I think to answer so everyone can read, if they're so inclined.

Would it be right for me to think that the samples you provided are the quality you expect or want? I hope I'm not yanking your chain or anything, but could you be more specific about what you expect versus what you're willing to compromise on?

I think knowing what you want specifically or preferably would help in finding the right person. You definitely do not want someone who is just going to wing it.

I have two general level of expectations. I have expectations of those within the tickle community and I have a differing set of expectations of those outside the tickle community.

Those within will have a natural love of the subject matter, but will most likely be doing this as a hobby. I am willing to be flexible with those within the community, as I understand life plays havoc with deadlines sometimes. The style I'm expecting will vary, as well, with the artist's abilities. I will offer suggestions on how to make the female characters more appealing, but I would not offer a drastic artistic style change outside of something the artist is comfortable with.

Those artists outside the community cost a whole bunch, but do this for a living. They have no intrinsic love of the genre, and do it for a paycheck. They will be as specific as I want, and will do any style I want. I am quite a bit more specific and detail oriented with them, since that's what I'm paying them to do.

Hopefully this makes sense.

Also, as far as style is concerned, could you be more specific on this? I know you've said you'll leave alot of the decisions up to the artist, but there are sub-divisions you might prefer over others.

Stating whether you want western-style comics or eastern-style manga is a big indicator in the types of people here that will answer you. This forum has mostly anime artists and very few that are not anime style artists have the skills you'd probably expect.

All of your publications, thus far, from what I can see, have a distinct western style "Danger Girl" look to them. It's distinctly american. I'm not sure what your opinion is on anything other than that.

This is a good point, too. I will probably continue producing art in the American style for now.

All truth be told, this is mostly due to my own lack of experience with manga. It isn't what I grew up with. The writing style is a lot quirkier and a bit more comical than what I'm used to doing. I can write humor, but it's tough for me personally to write humor that appeals to a wide audience, so I'm left feeling uncomfortable doing it. I have no objections at all to any team that would want to come in and write and draw their own manga scripts. I've no evidence that would suggest manga would sell better or worse than the American style stuff we're doing currently. So it's not really a marketing or sales issue, it's a "I'm currently writing all the scripts for our books, and I'm not comfortable writing manga scripts" deal.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Yes, I made these public questions for the benefit of everyone else, so I'm glad you decided to do it this way as well. 🙂

American styles that were prevelant between the 60's and the late 90's don't have the same show of force that they used to in the face of the anime craze. The anime industry is tough competition, and they already have a firm hold on a large percentage of north americans. It's recieved a cult-like following and it's changing the way people draw things.

There are alot more quasi-anime series than there used to be, as there are what used to be western style series, being remade into some anime/western hybrid.

It's really up to you of course and something I would consider if I were in your position. Manga has been successful in it's ability to take on all the genres (romance, action, comedy, sci-fi, adventure, role-play, fantasy, horror, etc) and provide an equally sound alternative to western style comics. The anime is just as successful most of the time, as well. They also get away with alot more, theme-wise because the japanese artists in general are quite liberal and don't have some the same hang-ups american artists do, which is why many americans appriciate them for it.

It may be a viable choice for you down the line, but I wish you well with what you're doing. It's very impressive considering it is not mainstream. Your company definitely stands out here. You're blessed to have those talented people, and they're blessed to have someone as seemingly caring as you leading them. 🙂

 

[oblesklk1]

I may yet change my mind on the manga scene. I'm not sold on it right now. But life is fluid, and so are opinions. As a matter of fact, I've practically been begging Lost One Zero to do a project with me for a bit now; I don't know what you'd consider his style (manga/western hybrid?). So it just depends on the artist, the project, and how comfortable I am writing for it. For some reason, any writing I have a hand in takes itself a bit too seriously, which isn't like my personality at all. Kind of strange.

I'll think about it. As I referenced above, I'm not going to force any tickling artist outside of a realm he/she is comfortable in. If I get a good feeling for an artist's work and drive, and they're versed in manga style, manga it is.

And thanks for the last couple of lines. I consider myself blessed in that I'm part of a greater community that really cherishes, nurtures, and encourages its artists. It's genuinely a beautiful thing to see, and a wonderful environment in which to try something new.

Having been part of both the traditional tickling video scene (with tickletown.com all those years) and the comic scene (current stuff at www.the-agencies.com), it's weird how much more fun and relaxed the artwork stuff is, even though it doesn't make any money, yet how stressful and anxiety ridden the traditional tickling video stuff was.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

I have heard of him, but I'm not fimilar with him personally or with his art. I've probably seen it and for some reason and can't place a name with the style. There are alot of anime artists here, as I've said.

But if you know enough about him to want to work with him, thats really good. 🙂

Attached are a couple samples of my anime/anime realism pieces. I would have liked to help you if I was able to and you would have me, but to be perfectly honest, I haven't officially done anything professional for someone else yet. This is not counting commissions or my own original projects.

A part of me feels uncomfortable having my first professional work being for a fetish comic. It would be fine if I was already established professionally, but it's a bit uncomfortable starting off that way for me, especially considering I am not a fetishist myself. If it wasn't fetish related I may have jumped at the chance, actually.

If you ever dabble in anything non-fetish related, feel free to drop me a line if you want. It would be nice, even if it was just to chat with you again. :happy:

In any case, it bares repeating that you offer an awesome quality product and I wish you the best of continued success. 🙂

 

[cyclypse]

I totally agree with vlad on this. It would be rather uncomfortable for first time professional work to be fetish material. I really hope you find some amazing artist s to help out. I love the Agencies and would love to see what you could do with the fantasy genre.

Don't rule the manga/anime style out either. It works QUITE well with fantasy. Here's a few pics of a fantasy comic i'm working on using the manga/anime style.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

That's a relief to hear someone else say it too. I was thinking maybe I was the only one here who felt that way, or that what I was saying was insensitive to fetishists or fetish artists somehow.

It's not that drawing this stuff is bad or something to be ashamed of, but it can negatively affect who hires and who denies you, professionally, in the mainstream industry. The chances of people taking you seriously aren't very good. If it's also the only work you have to show for yourself currently, it's also the only known reputation you have also, and things like that follow you around until you're in good with a company or are popular enough that things like that cannot possibly harm you.

Throw in the fact they're going to ask you questions, and ask about your previous employer, then they'll most likely find out about your involvement in sites like this, and end up learning more than they should or more than you feel comfortable with.

If there are others that feel like you and I do, I highly suspect they would not even put down that they worked for a fetish comic in their resume, for these very reasons, even on the off-chance that it may benefit them somehow.

What's frustrating about this idea is that I'm not even a fetishist, yet I have the same worry many of you guys do when normally I wouldn't! Why the hell should I care?! GRRR! XD

What's even more frustrating than that is I'm talking about a hypothetical situation that doesn't even apply to or affect me and I'm letting it bother me anyway! XD ROFL!

 

[noneya]

I also agree with vlad and anime 316

 

[morgandee]

i guess i will apply

here is an art sample

 

[cyclypse]

Oriya you freakin rock \m/

 

[Kenjisan]

i guess i will apply

here is an art sample

That picture reminds me of White Ninja! Hot damn, White Ninja is awesome!

 

[Kalamos]

This thread is getting out of control.
Good for exposure, though...

...

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

I agree. I'm the only one having an honest conversation with him, now it's just becoming spam. It would be nice if others could be a little more considerate of his topic. It's about his business, afterall.

 

[Kenjisan]

So, Anime 316 and I post one little comment about a picture, and all of a sudden, the topic is becoming spam? Come on! I'm completely considerate about his topic, and I've been following it for a few days now. The digression has not been extreme enough to say we're being inconsiderate IMO, however, if it seems that way to oblesklk, then I apologise.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

So, Anime 316 and I post one little comment about a picture, and all of a sudden, the topic is becoming spam? Come on! I'm completely considerate about his topic, and I've been following it for a few days now. The digression has not been extreme enough to say we're being inconsiderate IMO, however, if it seems that way to oblesklk, then I apologise.

Even though you do not mean it that way, which no one is of course saying you do, it has the potential to lead the topic astray anyway. No one is also saying anything about it being extreme. Also, you two are not the only ones who posted after my post to him, there were others. Nothing you said was wrong, I just feel maybe it should be avoided at this point, for oblesklk's sake.

I only said what I said in the interest of keeping this man's thread afloat until he either no longer needs it, doesn't care, or stops responding to it, which he is free to do at any time.

The only reason I care so much in this instance in his thread being maintained properly is because I know that if it were me and I was being serious like he is in my proposals and offers, and if I was here on a business call, that I would want only serious responses, ones that will help me, etc.

I'm only trying to accommodate him. He was gracious enough to extend this offer to anyone capable or willing here, and I feel we owe this much to him at least.

Maybe he doesn't mind it, I don't know. If he doesn't, then forget what I've said and pay it no mind. Just know that I wasn't the only person who said something. 🙂

 

[Umojar]

I gotta agree with VD here. It was something I didn't consider beforehand, but I really wouldn't want my first exposure to be that kind of thing. Especially when this definitely is not the only thing I can do.

On the other hand, it shouldn't hurt as much if the person is really good. If the technique and style is good, it should show through in spite of what the subject matter is. As long as the person has other art to show as well(which any serious artist should), I can't see an employer making that big of a deal over it. I know tickle fetish art may be strange to someone that doesn't understand, but it's relatively tame compared to other fetishes(IMHO).

It is a valid concern though, since it's possible that the employer is some kind of close-minded prude. But I also think that as long as you present yourself professionally and as someone that's serious about the job I can't see why they should deny you for something like that. Maybe I'm being naive about it...

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

I gotta agree with VD here. It was something I didn't consider beforehand, but I really wouldn't want my first exposure to be that kind of thing. Especially when this definitely is not the only thing I can do.

On the other hand, it shouldn't hurt as much if the person is really good. If the technique and style is good, it should show through in spite of what the subject matter is. As long as the person has other art to show as well(which any serious artist should), I can't see an employer making that big of a deal over it. I know tickle fetish art may be strange to someone that doesn't understand, but it's relatively tame compared to other fetishes(IMHO).

It is a valid concern though, since it's possible that the employer is some kind of close-minded prude. But I also think that as long as you present yourself professionally and as someone that's serious about the job I can't see why they should deny you for something like that. Maybe I'm being naive about it...

While what you're saying is true, which is why I didn't feel I needed to defend it, it is also true that american manga companies these days are becoming more and more politically correct, as they have a demographic to appease and cater to. There is most certainly a responsibility (and liability) on their part, and many of them have very shakey budgets, that if even one mishap were to occur it would topple their business. This is more true to up and coming companies who scout new talent and are trying to get their feet off the ground, however.

Anyways, since oblesklk is not here to partake of this conversation, I'm beginning to think it's a little uncooth to be carrying on in his thread without him here, considering the professional nature of it. While the conversation was originally between him and I, which made it ok since he was as much a part of it, I think I'll be bowing out of this until he returns (if he does) or has something to say.

I certainly wouldn't want him to feel obligated to humor a conversation.

 

[juggernaut]

Vlad, you can PM me or start another thread if you like, but let me say this. You guys don't need to stress about something like this being your first exposure or professional job. I could work seven nights a week on this and no one would know it if I didn't want them to. You're not obligated to put it in a portfolio and you'd never have to admit to participating. However, it would be a paying job and would be good training for working against deadlines, butting heads creatively, accepting someone else's direction... everything you'll experience if you get into this for any kind of income. I've got 16 years of experience talking here. The reality is enjoy what you can and most importantly... take care of the client's needs. I wouldn't give a nickel for the best tickling art in the world, but I could provide it, get paid, and move on. Maybe this isn't particularly the right gig for some of you, I don't know. But I do know if you think like this, you'll just be cheating yourself out of experience. I'd say for anyone interested, do like Ness and start with a few covers. See how you respond to deadlines and art direction and figure out how to work. It's not the same as sitting at your leisure, feeling uninspired and just quitting for a while if you feel like it. A few things like this could be good, yet light, prep work. Just a thought.


And by the way... Oriyaborealis... [as much as I dislike the phrase GD] that submission could be the funniest thing I've ever seen in this forum.