Photography and filmmaking are unquestionably an art form. And like any artist, it’s advantageous to be versed in other disciplines of art. From the time I could hold a pencil, I could draw. I started my career as an artist at three years old drawing on the kitchen walls and graduated shortly after to my own sketchbook. But I grew to love comic book art.
I went through the same trials as most aspiring comic book artists. I applied for jobs at many publishers of my favourite comics. I sent my work to DC, Marvel, Image and Dark Horse only to be rejected time and time again. But in many of those rejections, I noticed something important. Although I received a few generic “dear sir or madam” reject letters, there were a couple that were addressed and written specifically to me. Like the one I received in the early nineties from John Lewandowski, the then Submissions Editor of Marvel Comics. He responded to my submission with a three page rejection letter. However, each paragraph started with the words, “You have to work on…”. He told me the areas on which I needed to focus and all the books I should read to make me a better artist. I was ecstatic! He told me exactly what I needed to know. He must have seen something in me that I didn’t at the time.
Even though I took Mr. Lewandowski’s advice, and my skills did improve, I was disheartened to find out over time that many comic book artists hold down full-time jobs, most of which aren’t related to art at all. Unless you\re the next Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee or Frank Miller, you’re really not going to make much money in the comics industry. I’m not saying it’s impossible, just improbable. I wasn’t completely crushed by what I’d learned because I did end up working at some jobs where I was able to use my artistic skills for good money. For over ten years I was a storyboard artist in the film and television industry here in Toronto. I even did boards for some of my favourite actors-turned-directors like Adam Arkin (son of the late Alan Arkin), John Stockwell (“Cougar” from Top Gun) and “Fat Tony” himself, Joe Montagna. I was blessed and for a short time, highly sought out. I had a skill not many people had and I made the most of it.
I don’t draw much these days. I do a lot of writing and of course photography. I love that I can do all the things I can do. My goal is to tell stories, through one medium or another, that will inspire you, and hit that nerve that makes you think that there are still good things left in the world.
I guess, as a realist, I don’t believe in following your passion. But I do strongly think you should take it with you everywhere you go and pour it into everything you do.- KD Mack
…it’s advantageous to be versed in other disciplines of art.