Experienced Flatter Available

[Trunks]

Sadly due to extenuating circumstances, I won't be working for the same artist I have been for oh so long.

Here's a sample list of some of the books/series I've worked on:
-Marvel Mangaverse
-Adventures of Spidey
-Sonic the Hedgehog
-Army of Darkness
-Rusty Gulch
-Zipper
-Various X-Men, Fantastic Four, Hulk, and Civil War

I've been doing flats for years, and if you want someone who's quick, painless, and relatively fun to work with, here I am. And dear sweet lord I need work, especially with that $250 rent bill floating over my head.

[joel seguin]

Hi, I'm working on the anita Blake series, I might need a flatter almost immediately. I can offer $15 a page. You can reach me at joel_seguin@hotmail.com with samples.

Thanks!

Joel,

[Trunks]

I've done a lot of flats for a lot of comics before, but I never send out samples, because there's an unwritten privacy agreement between me and whoever I work for. While yes, I did the flats, I don't have the rights to the lineart, nor do I have the right to distribute it. All of the previous books I've done (except one) have already hit news stands/specialty stores, but the NDA still stands to some extent.

Maybe I'm wrong about this and it's okay to send out samples, but I just try to stay on the safe side. What do you guys say?

[Eagle]

If a book's gone to print, it's safe to send out samples to prospective employers.

[Rayall]

Here's a sample list of some of the books/series I've worked on:
-Marvel Mangaverse
-Adventures of Spidey
-Sonic the Hedgehog
-Army of Darkness
-Rusty Gulch
-Zipper
-Various X-Men, Fantastic Four, Hulk, and Civil War

If you are concerned about the contract agreements, then I suggest you don't post what comics you flatted. That's where I just say I worked for pro colorists, I don't specify which ones.

In addition, you can always flat some pages for your own portfolio. Colorists have sometimes had bad experiences with flatters who claim they can flat, then don't seem to know how to do it well once they start the gig. That's why they want samples.

[Rayall]

If a book's gone to print, it's safe to send out samples to prospective employers.

Yes, I also agree with this.

[Eagle]

If you are concerned about the contract agreements, then I suggest you don't post what comics you flatted.

I wouldn't have thought that would be a problem. Even if you're not credited on a book, you still did the work. That doesn't take away from anyone else's work. Nobody can take yours away either, right? A colorist is no better or worse for using a flatter. If a colourist specifically tells you never to mention working for them at the time of hiring, sure, then it's part of your job description for that person.

[Rayall]

If you are concerned about the contract agreements, then I suggest you don't post what comics you flatted.

I wouldn't have thought that would be a problem. Even if you're not credited on a book, you still did the work. That doesn't take away from anyone else's work. Nobody can take yours away either, right? A colorist is no better or worse for using a flatter. If a colourist specifically tells you never to mention working for them at the time of hiring, sure, then it's part of your job description for that person.

I do agree with you, but I was referring to Trunks concern:

I've done a lot of flats for a lot of comics before, but I never send out samples, because there's an unwritten privacy agreement between me and whoever I work for. While yes, I did the flats, I don't have the rights to the lineart, nor do I have the right to distribute it. All of the previous books I've done (except one) have already hit news stands/specialty stores, but the NDA still stands to some extent.

Maybe I'm wrong about this and it's okay to send out samples, but I just try to stay on the safe side. What do you guys say?

[Trunks]

Alright, then if anyone does find they need my services in the future, I'll provide samples.

Shame, I might have lost a couple of gigs because of my stance.

[SeanE]

Meh, just flat a couple of pages that you didn't/don't get paid for and post those. Samples problem solved!

I have a bunch of high res covers and sequentials on my website you can use for a sample portfolio.

http://www.seanellery.com

cheers
Sean

[Trunks]

I've done hundreds of pages in the past, I don't need to do more for samples. Thanks for the offer, though.

[Laura]

If you really want to cover your ass, send out samples that have been published already, AND have the publisher's info on them. Then you are totally safe.

But yeah. There's absolutely no problem with sending samples of your work to a prospective employer. How else are they going to rate your work?

-- Laura

[SeanE]

put it this way - would YOU hire someone sight unseen...?

you don't know anything about them, whether they can do the job well or even at all... apart from their say-so and claims that they've worked for 'blah blah blah'...and yet you're about to sign a formal contract with them and commit your hard earned money on this person.

not many people will do that will they?

[Trunks]

I've honestly never had to show samples before. If someone needs a flatter, and a flatter walks out and says "hey, I can do that", normally they'll trust them with a page or two. At least, that's been my experience.