SO recently I was approached by an American film company, and asked if I'd be interested in doing the graphic novel which accompanies the film.


The message read if I have time would I be interested in doing 3 pages of a script, now the trick here was that they supplied no character details or info and left me to come up with whatever I wanted to.

I agreed signed a Non Disclosure agreement and proceded to work my tiny white ass off to deliver on the 3 day deadline they offered.

3 days yup, pencilled coloured conceptualised the whole trip, I eventually did deliver on the deadline.

A few days passed and no new mails, another few and still none then one fateful day of which the date right now escapes me.

Bling there it was a mail from the contact who hired me, and It read something like this, we love what you've done and feel you've captured the essence of what we are trying to achieve.

Wait it gets better, I quoted them and we settled on an amount for my services. Then went to do formal meetings and such on skype.

And not only will i be working on the graphic novel my work will be used for the videogame and movie.

(DREAM JOB HELLO)

This is he important part and I am referring to you my fellow South African Artists.

The main reason I was hired aside from my artwork was that

a) I was the only guy to meet the deadline (ergo I was serious)
some guys submitted 2 weeks later.

b) They liked my attitude and were happy that I not only did what they asked for but actually tried to exceed their expectations, within in my time limit. (originally only wanted pencils)

c) Also understand I like most of you work 9 to 5 and I work on weekends so when I say I worked my ass of I was up till 4 in the morning.


The Moral

If you want something, you will work your ass off for it, you will exceed your own expectations of yourself and you will go for it.

Because if you don't, you don't deserve it, and I just wanted to post this to let you know it can be done and if your positive and willing to put in a lil effort in your work you'll get very far no matter if your South African or what.

Also this comes after 2 personal defeats in my art career of which I won't mention.

I have faith in our local talent, so come on guys shine, put your stuff out there, learn practice get better and MOST OF ALL BE POSITIVE HAVE FAITH IN YOURSELF AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO.


And yes it's a huge undertaking I'am scared as hell, but Ill push, move forward hone my skills every second I get and be positive and just do this and hopefully ill do very well.

I know I was lucky, but it can be you too.

I hope this helped you guys out there a lil.

No I can't disclose details of the film or other related factors, I would love too but legally not allowed too.

And thanks for reading, and thanks for all your positive comments on my work.

Also submit your art everywhere you can on the web and listen to that little voice in your head (the one that say'e you can do it)