Collaboration

So I've been reading and enjoying Websnark for quite some time now, and I've also been enjoying Eric Burns and Greg Holkan's webcomic Gossamer Commons. I don't really read that many comics that are more about bringing the story than bringing the funny. I think that's partly because there are so few comics that can balance the two well and I generally don't like the slow pace of a comic a day for story telling. I much prefer reading through a long archive in a few days.

Originally Eric asked for someone to collaborate with him on Gossamer Commons not just as an artist I guess but in the true sense of collaboration but as a partner. Greg Holkans took up the mantle and it seems to me like they've got on quite well and Eric definitely appreciates the effect Greg has had on the story.

But now Greg has to leave... which is a shame for Eric. But it means that another person gets a chance to work with him on the project. It's something I've said I'd like to do, along with a lot of other talented, experienced people. I want to work with Eric on this firstly because I like him, he seems like a good sort and I like the way he writes. Secondly I like his story so far and I think I'd enjoy drawing it. But I guess I don't expect to get the part. There's too many people better qualified for me to sneak through. Clearly this hasn't stopped me from making my interest known, I think if no one ever went for anything they thought they couldn't get or didn't deserve then the world would be pretty quiet.

I have to draw concept sketches for, I suppose my interpretation of, the characters of Gossamer Commons. But it's hard to imagine them any way other than what they have been up to now. I don't really have any intention of "re-inventing" them. That said I can't draw like Greg Holkans and I don't even think I should try. I doubt that it's what Eric wants either. People need to be comfortable doing what they're doing or it won't work. So I guess I find that middle ground.

My plan so far is to spend the weekend reading the archives and then write what I know about each character along with a few sketches probably derived from Holkans drawings. Then see where that takes me...

Geez you'd think I have enough work without signing up for more.