Thread by @JimZub

An animation industry friend reached out to ask me about creating his own graphic novel.

He assumed, like a lot of entertainment people do, that he could waltz in, get his concept published and then pitch it as a movie/TV show.

I asked about his art budget.

"Won't the publisher pay for that?"

Not if you want to retain media rights.

"Oh. Well, how much will it cost?"

It varies wildly, but high quality art and production on a 100+ page graphic novel could run $30,000...probably more.

"WHAT?!"

You're asking an artist to dedicate themselves to your project for at least 6 months, and probably more. You want to keep all the rights.

Dude, you work in animation. You know what art is worth. You'd never make these flippant assumptions about an animated film.

If you want to make a graphic novel, that's great!
I 100% support anyone and everyone making comics.
Just don't assume it's easy, cheap, or a quick road to movie/TV glory.

Over the past 8 years I've invested solid 6 figures in art production on my creator-owned comics. I've made it back, thankfully, but there were no guarantees that would be the case. It took a ridiculous amount of time, effort, and luck to make this work.

I explained to him about the trend where celebrities fund comics for their previously failed movie pitches and hopefully naive newcomers pitch their transmedia uber-concepts they assume have never been tried before.

He seems less excited now.

Did he think I was just coasting here making comics? I'm honestly a bit offended.

Comics can be very DIY. They can be put together by individuals or small creative teams in ways that film and animation can't, but that doesn't make it easy.