
Comic Book Artist (Pencils & Ink)
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Job Description
Creative Brief
Title: Tankdrome – Volume One & Ongoing Series
Writer: Ryan Magnon
Project Status: Fully funded. Complete 130+ page script (6 chapters).
Project & Opportunity
In the far future, nations settle disputes not with armies, but in the global sport of Tankdrome. Volume One follows Memphis rockabilly Bobby Nash and his chrome-striped ’57 Chevy-tank, Long Tall Sally, as he discovers that fame and fortune mean nothing compared to community, family, and true love.
I’m seeking an American or Canadian comic artist (pencils & inks) or a small studio (pencils, inks, and colors) to join me long-term. If you enjoy drawing stylish people and vehicles, and want to help build a distinctive ongoing series, this could be a great fit.
Series Snapshot
- Target reader: Ages 8+
- Tone: Satirical (like Mad Magazine), big-hearted (like a Frank Capra film), action-packed vehicle battles (like Gundam).
- Themes: Sacrifice, decency, honor.
- Format: Multi-volume series (~130 pages per volume). Two volumes per year, released as monthly 20–25 page chapters, collected semi-annually.
Volume One Overview (ready to draw)
Six-chapter arc tracing Bobby Nash’s rise, challenges, and ultimate test against his ghostly rival “Underground”—with twists involving mob bosses, betrayal, and a final showdown between former friends.
Visual Direction
- Line art: Clean inks with strong variation in stroke weight (see Splatoon manga/promo art).
- Color: Bright, cel-shaded with occasional soft shading: Rockman.EXE, Pokémon anime, My Hero Academia, Street Fighter adaptations. Additionally, halftone/pattern accents encouraged: Splatoon manga/promo art
- Anatomy: Stylized faces + realistic proportions. Comparable to Street Fighter, Omega Strikers, Rockman.EXE.
- Uniqueness: Style must feel distinctive—anime-inspired is welcome, but not required.
- Panels: ~5 per page on average.
- Originality: No AI-generated art.
Assets Available
- Characters: 13 designed (rights retained), with full lineup & vitals. New characters introduced each volume.
- Vehicles & Stadiums: 3D models in Solidworks/Keyshot/OBJ for reference or overpaint.
- Script: Fully panelized with cues (balloons, FX, etc.).
Collaboration
- Commitment: Flexible start date; ideal target is 20–25 pages per month.
- Workflow & Revisions: To be determined together for efficiency.
Rights & Compensation
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Page Rates:
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Pencils & Inks: $75–$125 per page (negotiable by experience)
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Colors (for studios): +$30–$75 per page (negotiable by experience)
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Royalties: 1% of net publishing revenue starting Volume 1, increasing +1% per volume (max 5%) with increases applied retroactively. In return, I ask artists receiving royalties include the book in their existing marketing (conventions or social media, for example).
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Tests: A sample page art test might be necessary. If so, you will be compensated $300 per page.
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Credit: Artist’s name featured on every cover.
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Usage: My company owns the work, but you retain the right to use it in your portfolio after publication.
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Extras: Promotion on social media and 10 complimentary copies of published work.
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Prompt Payment: You will be paid within 30 days of your invoice or an additional 10% compensation applies.
Work Culture
The book series is suitable for children’s and Christian bookstores. While not explicitly religious, the work will reflect wholesome themes and avoid material contrary to those values. Likewise, I’m compelled to screen artists whose public and online presence features graphic material.
Deadline: Rolling. Position open until the right partner is found.
Skills & Requirements
- Experience delivering comic art
- Experience in utilizing 3D assets for 2D drawings.
- Experience in utilizing vector assets
- Fundamental character design art skills (foreshortening, line of action, expressions, etc.)
- Fundamental sequential art or storyboarding skills (camera placement, visual continuity, framing & composition, etc.)
Please email [email protected] the following:
- A brief cover letter introducing yourself, letting me know what about the project is most appealing to you, and what your availability would be.
- 3–4 sequential samples (characters, environments, and, ideally, vehicles).
Thank you for your interest!