How to Approach Strange Artists

A friend of mine is looking for an artist, but doesn't know how to talk to random strangers that draw better than him.

So I've whipped up the following to coach him.

You never want to send an artist a form letter, because you're looking for a partner, not a hired monkey. That said, I consider the things in brackets to be good guidelines for talking points and basic politeness.

"What I'd do is this:

1. Have a bit of script done and your plot in your head.
2. Figure out what kind of baseline deal you have to offer, and where you're willing to flex on it.
3. Find an artist.
4. Email them saying something like:

Heya,

My name's [your name]. I'm not sure what's on your plate at the moment, but I'm looking to bring on a collaborator for this comic I'm writing. It's about [short version], and I think you'd be a good fit because [things about their art style that you think suit your story; why them, basically].

[Lay out your baseline deal]

[Layout your pitch plans A, B, and C] [Mention a little bit of what else you've done, and whether or not you'll be handling the legwork on the pitch].

If you're interested, I have [pages of script, an outline, a poem, a dream, a sigh, whatever]. If not, [no worries/it's all good/we cool, son/I'll still love you forever] and thanks for your time.

[how you end emails],
[first name]