The Septagon Briefing #1: Professionalism
Written By: Dr Preston Park Cooper
There’s something that’s important in the comics industry that, if you’re pretty new to it, you might think you would find everywhere: Professionalism. Unfortunately, it isn’t so.
I once made a proposal to a company which I shall not name. I told the story of what happened with this proposal to two different writer friends. Each of them had an identical initial reaction (and I didn’t tell them both at the same time, so one wasn’t just agreeing with the other):
“Darn—” Actually I don’t think either of them said DARN exactly, but you get the idea— “I was going to pitch something to them, but now, forget it.”
Writers talk to each other. ARTISTS talk to each other. EVERYBODY talks to each other. If I sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement), I don’t go and tell others about how things are or were going, but an NDA is a sort of sign of respect as well, a signal that says that everyone understands that This is now a situation in which Business shall be discussed. That’s already a situation in which (you’d think) that all involved plan to be as professional as they can. But you’d be surprised how unprofessional some people in this industry can be, with or without an NDA, and those people might be quite surprised at how such things get around; this is true at the bottom levels, at the higher levels, and in between. Ask anyone who’s worked in the comic book industry for some time, and they’ll tell you that in no other industry do so many people try do business as you see people doing in this one—“Not even in the MUSIC industry,” these experienced veterans will sometimes whisper in awe—truly the penultimate insult (which makes you wonder if those in the know use “only in the comics industry do people make such insane decisions” as the ULTIMATE insult).
On the other hand, this means that when someone is particularly professional, it really stands out. When I first met Josh Adams (son of Neal Adams), he seemed a pleasant, enthusiastic, talented young artist—but his correspondence, and the things he said and the ways he said them, evidenced someone who’d evidently picked up how to be professional (gee, imagine where he might have done so). If Josh likes an idea, he’ll tell you; if he can do something, he’ll tell you– without exaggeration; if something isn’t working, he’ll explain this as soon as he realizes it; if someone he’s introduced you to is less than professional, Josh’ll apologize to you. When I told my wife Barbara that I wanted to talk about this topic, Josh was the first positive example that came to her mind, and I instantly agreed.
I know a manga editor (whose humility I won’t embarrass by naming him) whose attitude with which he approaches his work is notably admirable: he’s enthusiastic about what he does; he doesn’t gloss things over or hide his opinion; he’s enthusiastic about talking to YOU; if he makes any sort of small mistake or is a little slow (and I don’t mean months and months) to reply to something, he quickly admits it to you and voices authentic remorse about it. Manga is truly like another country compared to Comics, but this is High Professionalism, even there. This individual’s prose style in his correspondence, like that of Josh, leans toward the formal in such a way that it puts a smile on your face because it shows that each of them is in Professional-Speak Mode—and one appreciates the effort.
So I say to you, industry newbies: professional pays off. No matter how stressed or irritated you are, of course (I presume) you’re going to treat the big publisher you’re pitching to with respect and respond to anything he or she says in nanoseconds. But the way you treat ANYONE will also get around. In a world (a bizarre world, apparently stranger than even the music industry) where whether or not someone already knows you or anything about you often makes more of a difference than your actual level of talent, the way you present yourself can make an amazing impact on your future—and sometimes it makes an impact in how creative talent start thinking about comics companies.
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Comment by Jonnie Allan on 19 June 2008:
Outstanding piece, Dr. Cooper, and very insightful. The comic book industry is indeed unlike any other industry out there. This level of professionalism is sadly lacking across all levels. On a similar note, I think it incumbent upon all creators to not only treat publishers, editors, and their peers with respect, but to extend that courtesy and professionalism to the fans as well. It would appear that most creators forget what it was once like to stand on the other side of the table.
Jonnie allan
Creator/Publisher
The Miscellaneous Adventures of STYKMAN™
http://www.akacomics.com
Comment by Will Davies on 19 June 2008:
Well I suppose that explains why no one returns my emails.
I should probably stop signing off with “Throat-punchingly yours”.
Comment by X-O HoboJoe on 19 June 2008:
Great. Article.
Comment by Rogue_Agent/Wolfgang Parker on 19 June 2008:
Mr. Cooper…Although I haven’t been in this industry long at all and I am still trying to get my first project off the ground I can tell you my initial enthusiasm for the comics industry was matched by my utter disgust in entering an industry with no professional standards…again.
I have been in the music industry for 14 years and I have seen some really low, unethical stuff go down and people get away with it because the music industry is a full of free agents and is, of course, an art industry. Everyone gets in for different reasons but most like the “casual” way of doing business which 99% of the time becomes spacing and dropping the ball. If that wasn’t bad enough, it is easy for business people to make the excuse, “Hey, he does that but you know, he’s an artist.” Like that justifies stupidity and or apathy.
I have done better than most in music but that is because I work hard and I don’t act like an artist. Most musicians don’t like that but I look at what they have and it tells me they don’t know better than me.
I think I might know the gent you speak of in Manga. If I am correct, he is a rare exception in any industry and I feel luck to know him
However, I feel like an outsider in comics already as I have carried my disdain for “artists” with me from music. Allow me to clarify: When I say artists, I refer to those who are unwilling to work for anything and believe their sense of entitlement will pull them through life. Bastards!
The fact of the business side is that eventually word does get around and shlubs like those you describe will damn themselves to circles of people just as unreliable or they will be forever the bottom feeders and will eventually give up. True professionals will always rise to the top and their professional and work ethics will lead them to a very bright future working with other serious talents and business people. That doesn’t help those that get burned by them on their way down but rest assured, it will happen.
Now, the editors and publishers aren’t immune to this. I have been told some nasty stories that are right on par with record company atrocities. People in a position of power are very tempted to abuse it but word gets around just like everywhere else. All you can do as a creator or artists is look out for yourself and choose the people you do business wisely. Oh! And have a good attorney to call before you sign away your copyrights and royalties
Sorry for the long reply but this is a particular sticking point with me. I hate the prospect of sifting through an ocean of talent to find a couple of people that ARE professionals just to get my foot in the door. But so it goes.
Comment by J on 19 June 2008:
After mulling over what to write for about fifteen minutes I think I’ll just leave it at this: I agree completely. And thank you for writing this.
Comment by Shane Chebsey on 19 June 2008:
Interesting article there Preston.
It is amazing how the comics industry is different to all others in this regard.
I think a few other professional people could tell very similar stories about their shock when entering into the comics industry.
all the best,
Shane
Comment by Josh Adams on 19 June 2008:
Kinder words, Mr. Cooper, I scarcely see in the online comic book community. Thank you.
NDA\’s are certainly to be taken seriously. It is an agreement to protect a peer\’s intellectual property in an understanding that they take a great risk in sharing it with you.
I will however, on a somewhat unrelated note, make note that I do not agree with NDA\’s regarding the details to contracts for exclusivity at a company. It, to me, seems to break down pay standards and other facets of what has been a hard fought battle to get decent pay, royalties and now, though not many know about it, name based royalties.
I digress…
I love the post.
Best,
-Josh Adams
Comment by Susan Soares on 20 June 2008:
This article truly hit home for me. Being the publicist for an indepedent comic book company, we strive to always be professional and to always take the high road when we have been wronged. This industry is too small and cyclical to burn bridges, no matter what happens. It’s almost like you have to put your biases aside. Find a confidante you can vent to then put it away. That is my best advice.
Comment by Josh Finney on 20 June 2008:
For the most part I’d say you are dead on, Doctor Park…although being a long time veteran of the music industry myself, I do take issue with the “not even in the music industry” comment. Sadly, this not true. In fact, the music industry makes comics look like a well oiled machine…the only difference is people still listen to music (unlike reading), so there’s more money to be made. What’s the music industry like? Take all the bad aspects of the comic industry, crank the bullshit meter up to 11, and then add drugs…lots and lots of drugs. No…I’ll stay with comics thank you.
Comment by Nik Havert on 20 June 2008:
An interesting post. Barbara Kesel once said (according to Ron Marz) that breaking into comics was like breaking into a military installation. Once someone gets in, everyone already inside rushes in and patches up that hole in the defenses so no one else can get in that way.
We must maintain our professionalism. I once lost it on a message board for a second-tier publisher and vented my anger about their newest book. The character is one of my favorites and I got ripped off again by another crappy issue. The artist of that issue lambasted me (and rightfully so) for my rude comments.
I was glad for the experience, however, because it opened my eyes not only to a new level of professionalism but also something widely ignored by the comic book industry – comic book creators complaining about bad comics.
I’ll throw this question out there for everyone to chew on: Does being a comic book creator mean you give up your right as a consumer (or as a creator seeking to promote good comics and all comics can offer) to complain about bad comics?
I believe we comic book creators have every right to, and should, complain about bad comics. Each bad comic (and “bad” is subjective to each reader, of course) is one more person who won’t be reading another. If thousands of readers can write to Joe Quesada and tell him how awful “Spider-Man: One More Day” was, why can’t we creators?
Or, as my friend, Paul (a great comics artist), said, “If I’m paying three bucks for a book, I sure as hell can complain.”
Comment by Park Cooper on 20 June 2008:
1. A friend of mine, my wife, all assure me that while my article is otherwise good, I do not reeeeeallllly know just how bad the music industry is. Okay, perhaps not. I have heard comics industry old-timers sometimes speak as I have quoted, though.
2. Sure, creators have the right to complain about bad comics as much as they want– if they choose to do so. What if someone at that company– or someone at that company who later moves to an even better company– takes umbrage at your remarks and remembers you later on when you are pitching? My wife still wonders sometimes if she burned any important bridges back in the days when she was reviewing comics for the webzine she co-founded…
Comment by J. M. DeSantis on 1 August 2008:
I could not agree more with your article, Dr. Cooper. I decided very early on that Professionalism is one of the key aspects of being a creator (or a professional of any sort) that I wished to focus on. Indeed it is one of the three words I’ve been using most in my promotions, of late. It truly is one of the most important things a creative-professional can be (it is in the name after all). Thank you for posting this.