Why did you enter CBI?

[Brandon Hanvey]

For the Idol Thoughts (http://cbi.comicbookresources.com/cbi3/category/idol-thoughts/) column, we thought that it would be interesting to see why people submitted to CBI 3.

So why did you enter?

[W.Blankenship]

Honestly I entered for the fun of competition. The last time CBI came around I wasn't up to snuff, though of course I lived under the delusion that I was at the time. This time I saw that the contest was coming up and was lucky enough to have been already working on my own project, so I had fresh pages that I was happy with, which says alot being my own worst critic. Being self taught, there is also the benefit of getting your stuff in front of critical eyes to hopefully learn more about storytelling in the process.

3!LL

[willustrator]

I entered for a few reasons actually. I had heard about it near the tail end of the last competition and thought it would be fun to be a part of. Also would love to be paired up competitively with a few people, I reckon it could push my pencils a bit further than just regular practice. And finally I imagine if I got through there would be a load of critiques which I find really helpful

[davidbovey]

I entered to prove I could stand toe to toe with other great artists trying to break into the industry. Competition is a great motivational factor and would push me to do the absolute best work I possibly could.

That and the opportunities and exposure, past success of previous contestants. Seems like a great avenue to take.

[Brandon Hanvey]

Just need a few more responses for the first article.

[jorge f. muñoz]

Actually I found about it by accident by surfing the forums on Sept 6, I decided to enter to measure myself against other fellow colleagues, I know my style is not "mainstream" but I gave it a shot anyway, the prizes look good but the thrill of competition comes first.

[jamartwork]

I joined this competition for two reasons.

The first is my love for art, the ability to express myself and the ability to bring someones ideas to life and create something truly special.

The second is that I taught my son how to read through comics and it had the most amazing impact on my life. My son had reading problems early on and I had to find something to motivate him to learn the English language. X-Men comics become that motivation and through the foundation created by reading comics it made my son a better child and eventually man. Growing up he become a strong boy who actually went from having the lowest scores in school to the advanced math and science courses in school. When I asked him why, he told me it was because he wanted to be as smart as the Beast. He would later become his class president and captain of his sports teams and in my mind a wonderful child and I asked him why again and he said "Because he had to be as great a leaders as Cyclops and as determined as Wolverine" When he attended college he would later move his way to the top of the Deans list at American University and in his junior year of college created his own international development non-profit title X-C.O.R.E. (he would later change its name to Leadership Initiatives to appeal to the greater public). Five years later he is working in Namibia, Nigeria and the Philippines building schools, creating drug rehabilitation programs and building up community job creation efforts. When I asked him why he choose this path in life he replied "cause this is what Professor X would have done if he he was real, he would have helped make a world where we can all live in and grow together cause any dream worth having is worth fighting for." His website is www.leadershipinitiatives.org

My son would later help me get out of an abusive marriage, help all three of his siblings get out of MI and into college and support me financially through a rough divorce.

If comics can help create a man like my son, than there is nothing better I can give back to this world than help create some comics that will capture the human mind and spirit like they did for him. I really believe comics are the basis for his courage, intelligence and determination and I want to help install that passion in others.

So this contest is the first step in that long road for a better life not just for myself but hopefully for some others out there as well.

[the goddamn batman]

Wow... I don't know what else to say. Just wow.

[cg_maniac]

I've always loved comics and had a passion for drawing, so I went to the School of Visual Arts and studied cartooning and illustration with some great teachers like Joe Orlando, Klaus Janson and Walt Simonson. Unfortunately this was during the "dark" days of comics, with Marvel going bankrupt, and the industry in a deep funk. So, I started doing graphic design, and computer animation, and I never did get that comic book job (which was always my dream).

Comic Book Idol is a long shot, as we all know, but it would be crazy not to submit work - maybe, just maybe...we can dream, right?

Jim Thorpe
http://www.jimthorpe-art.com/illustration

[luv2pencil]

As an aspiring comic book artist I could not ask for anything more. It's the chance of a lifetime. It's a chance for me to show the industry and the world what I can do when properly motivated.

[justin_Render]

I entered because I feel that after years of trying to get my work up to scratch I'm finally ready to enter the internatonal comics arena. Having met someone who participated before, I think the competition's a great platform to get your work seen by people that count. Also, it'll be a test for me to see if I can compete with some pretty talented people. Looking at some of the submissions so far, I think I have my work cut out for me.

[diablo_designs13]

i entered to get some good constructive criticism from some fellow artist and really see where i stand in the novice art world.:D

[Red Jack]

No way I'll be in the top ten but I do my best work when I'm competing so this is a way to push my game.

[gmsalpha]

My goal for Comic Book Idol is to showcase my talent and skill level to a wide audience, which ultimately will land me a job in the industry. Since I was 5 years old I've wanted to draw for a living and since 13, I've wanted to draw comics. This is a very public forum to display my work and should I be good enough to be in the Top 10, I will cherish the feedback I expect to receive as I progress through the rounds.

I definitely hope and expect that this opportunity is a springboard to a new career. I must also say that it is extremely exciting as a spectator, if not as a participant, to see 10 people all draw the same script or assignment. To see how it was imagined in their minds, to see different page layouts and techniques is something special to behold. The thrill of the competition is going to drive each artist to produce his or her best work to date and as an active voter once the top 10 is revealed, it makes my heart race in anticipation as the next batch of work is posted.

Where else will an amateur artist get such a stage to show that he has the chops to stand amongst his idols? Hence the name Comic Book Idol.

[Dan M]

Hunger. Not metaphorical "I need this" hunger, actual hunger stemming from a lack of food. There's a cash prize for this, right?

What? :eek:

(The real answer is: although I'm - mostly - enjoying being an illustrator for hire, comics have always been where it's at for me, and I've been drawing them since I was a tiny, smelly child. I know it's a tough life sometimes and I know the money isn't especially good. But it's really the only thing I've ever wanted to do. Well, that, and build a time machine).

Good luck to everyone going in for this, and huge, huge thanks to the good folk at CBR for getting it going.

[Butch Mapa]

I believe that I should, my education over here in the Philippines should help the Philippines, er, should help South Africa and should help the Iraq and the Asian countries, so we will be able to build up a future... for our children.

* bows *

Seriously though, in addition to all the usual answers of opportunity and competition, I think one of my strengths is my professionalism, and CBI is a contest that rewards punctuality and prductivity, as opposed to just pure drawing ability. Plus, I would LOVE to go to New York to see my family, some of whom I haven't seen in more than a decade.

[BobLearned]

The reason I entered CBI was motivation. I need to be motivated, I work as a graphic artist in a mid-level company get paid avarage wage. I am confortable but I want more I want to create new worlds make new characters.

To strive to be the best artist I can be. I know I'm not a big pecs, big boobs, big guns sort of artist, but I feel I'm very proficient in what I do. I love to ink my work it looks beautiful and clean when I do. (I know I will not have the time for inked work.) But I feel that most of the artist on here are mainstream comic guys, I am not. I am an Oni, Dark horse, and all the smaller imprints kind of guy. and I want to show what I can do in this compititon with my type of art. I do need critiques by professionals and companies that can offer me work to strive to my goal.

And of course for the exposed of my art to the masses. I would like everyone to tell me that looks awesome or aweful eitherway I need to hear it. I don't want to be confortable in my art I need to be pushed.

So please go see my blog http://oxymoronpress.blogspot.com/ and make comments of your opinions.
Thank you CBR!
Bob

[frbarba]

i joined CBI primarily for exposure, learn the ins and outs of the industry, and learn what i NEED to learn to get in the business

[D. Shane Johnson]

I'm sure just as all the other artists joining, i've had a love of comics since I was little. From pretending I was the Hulk to bust out of a pile of moving boxes to almost killing myself from wanting to be Spider-Man. It's been a pretty give and take relationship with superheroes. I've always had a pencil in my hand and it wasn't until I started stealing comics in elementary school (sorry Green Lantern comics...i'll make it up to you) that I had some sort of focus for all my scribblings.
Fast forward a couple of decades and I see an opprotunity to see how I do against peers that have the same passion that I do. And from all the talent i've seen so far, it's going to be a great competition. If I make it to the top ten, i'm sure going to love seeing what comes out of it.

[Keith Dotson]

Because it's an excellent opportunity and apparently I enjoy scorn and ridicule, which we all know is what being an artist is all about.

Keith

[frbarba]

Because it's an excellent opportunity and apparently I enjoy scorn and ridicule, which we all know is what being an artist is all about.

Keith

lol, i thought "its an excellent opportunity to be scorned and ridiculed" jk! :p

[bong]

Would be nice to know how my stuff stand against other artists.
i'm not expecting to be in the finals but this is a good exposure. And its fun!

[Justice41]

For the chicks.........

[Hieu Le Bui]

for FREEDOM !!!!!! :D

[Justice41]

For SPARTAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

[Mongoose mcCloud]

Because it's a good way to get more pageviews on my DeviantArt page - no-one knows i'm pish until they actually click on the link.:D

In all seriousness, though "Comics changed my life for the better and inspired my son to become a saint" is a tough act to follow (lookin' at you, Jamartwork!). Like most on here, I think I just thought it was worth a shot.

[davechisholm]

because i love doing this and i think i'm good at it.
it's great because i only started doing this with any amount of seriousness about 3 months ago--i feel like i've come a long way. whether or not i make it, it is a good experience!
:D

[icarus]

For the fun of it! I've watched from afar for the past two; I thought it would be fun to throw out some sequentials and see what happens. Good luck to everyone. Count on me playing at home in the never ending thread regardless of the final 10.

[Nick Pitarra]

Exposure. Oh yeah...and the prizes.

~nick

[warren_0]

Telling stories is fun. And it's really hard. But when it's done right, it can be powerful stuff...worth every effort.

Doing animation storyboards for a living is great, but a change in media would be fantastic...comics are way more than just 'film on paper'. This is a great way to really experience it, from people who would know and are willing to donate the time & effort to do this right.

Plus, going to NYC and meeting those judges?! Who wouldn't want to do that?! I know I do.

[armandoB]

wish i had something meaningful and noble to say like everyone else, but i'm just doing it for shits and giggles

[jean sinclair]

Hello,

It´s a great experience to me expose my works in this kind of exposure.

It´s the first time that I joined here and I ´ve seen a lot of great artist.

I reside in Brazil and I´v seen only 3 artist from here (me included) and I´m really loving this CBI3.

Watching the others artist,I´m learning how to increase my artworks and getting more experience and some great advices.

Thanks for all.

See ya.

[mannie abeleda]

this might be my big break into profesional comic career.:o

[mmorazzo]

It's a unique opportunity for showing a portfolio around. Good luck to everybody!

[Anthony ANMPH Hary]

I entered because I want to be a Pro. I want to work in this business. Simple as that. Its an oportunity that I hope leads to bigger and better things.

[Daniel L.]

The obvious reason is that I want to get a gig at drawing comics. And I totally love the concept of the competition, all the 'chosen ones' drawing from the same script and in the same amount of time. Can't get better than that!:D

[mightyfineline]

The Comics Industry is tough to break into and I think there’s alot of people that are looking for some kind of ‘Golden Ticket’ – some secret handshake that will get them past the velvet rope.

That’s not what I want. I’m not afraid of hard work and I’m not afraid of paying dues, in the end it wouldn’t mean as much to me if I didn’t feel like I had earned it. Sure, everyone ‘deserves’ a shot but how many people have ‘earned’ a shot? There’s a difference. Those guys that you see at conventions sitting behind the table, the guys with their names in the credits, those guys busted their cans to get where they are and they have to continue to bust their cans in order to stay there.

Talent is cheap, it’s something you’re born with – it’s a gift. The determination and desire to do something with that talent, the maturity and responsibility required to meet deadlines, own up to your agreements and do the work - that’s what it takes to be a working comic professional. Drawing pretty pictures is just a part of it.

I entered CBI because this isn’t a 10 minute portfolio review where a guy can sit down and show 5 pages of stunning art that took him 7 months to produce. Whoever makes the Top 10 has to earn their spot, they have to do the work and that to me is the heart of it. That’s something I can get behind.

Good luck to everyone – I can’t wait to see how this thing shakes out!!

[W.Blankenship]

The Comics Industry is tough to break into and I think there’s alot of people that are looking for some kind of ‘Golden Ticket’ – some secret handshake that will get them past the velvet rope.




Nod. Quoted for truth. Admittedly I used to be one of those kids looking for the biggest payout on the smallest amount of work. The thing I'm doing now, It's been like a complete paradigm shift, as once I was confident enough in my art I realized "I just really want to tell this story to as many people as possible" rather than " I want to draw comics for a living."

I want to live for drawing comics.

3!LL

[pencilmachine]

i think everyone really joined for the same reasons. because the prize is that you get work.and the fact that every round you are pretty much getting a portfolio review from the judges.which is awesome.
also the idea of the competition just brings out the best in alot of people because you want to up your game to be the best.
and last but not least, as everyone knows so many people watch this thing and play along, and im sure there are alot of pros and editors that know about it and check in atleast to see what people are puttin out,and that only means more people checkin your stuff out.just gettin your stuff out there and gettin exposure.
plus its fun to draw comics.telling stories through narrative for me is just fun man.i love trying to pick the right shot and making the page flow and having the right compostion, when it all comes together its just a cool feeling seeing the story unfold on the page.gotta love it.

[Reed]

I agree with Pencilmachine.

I also hope that participants and those watching reply with critiques. Thru public or private messaging. Trying to gauge a helpful hand's objectivity with regards to style preferences can be an obstacle to receiving a critique. But if you can deal with that, I think CBI 3 can be as helpful as artist alley (or more so).

[pencilmachine]

well said reed.and i agree.the more critiques the better.some people cant handle when someone tries to tell them what is wrong or what they think you need to work on but im all about it.as long as its helpful and not just tryin to dog your stuff for the sake of makin themselves feel better.and there are alot of those people out there.but what do i say.bring em' on.
but seriously hopefully there is alot of critiqueing going on because it only helps and there are some good artists on here that i think are more than willing to share the love.

[Phreak SA]

Why did I enter?

Two words.

Midget Prostitutes.

Alternatively to be part of something really exciting. I'm here to cheer great artists on (and I'm suprised I know a few participating), and to learn from the experience, and who knows, maybe get close to the winning line....or maybe just see it in a distance!

All of the best ya'all.

[pencilmachine]

oh yeah i didnt even think about the midget prostitutes.you can never go wrong there

[icarus]

wow! If I had known there were midget prostitutes on the line, I would have entered twice!

[joshm]

I can't top what Phreak said so I'll just agree with him. :D

[Phreak SA]

Damn right, those midget prostitutes are way under rated.

[justin_Render]

And we have South African number 3 in the mix. Hello, Phreakster. I dibs any brunette midget prostitutes. The rest are yours.

[Phil Clark]

I entered because it has been my dream since my early teens to draw comics. And this is a great way to get some attention. I intend to do the play along thing if I don't make it to the top ten. I just want to draw comics. That is why I became an artist.

[Johnny Golden]

I have been creating worlds and lives on paper since I can remember. Though I have a multitude of interests and creative passions, creating comics has been my main career goal for many years. I feel that not only do I have a unique style and voice creatively, but a distinct vision of what comics can be. The medium must continue to evolve, particularly in this country. There is so much experimentation to be done, so many stories to be told, so many truths to reveal. Simply put, I want to be a part of that from here on out. Whether it's adding to the lore of legends or bringing new visions to life, I can't think of anything more satisfying to do as a living (besides rocking out). I appreciate this opportunity from CBR, and look forward to blowing some minds, as well as getting my own mind blown by the other creative talents participating. This a wonderful community we are a part of. Thanks Comic Book Resources!!! WOOOO!

[joh james]

Because it is. And I am.

Because during those few hours when I'm creating I am both completely at peace and madly exhilerated at once. Because with every line I draw I get closer to understanding the journey. And my appreciation for it. The rest are, shall we say, perks.

[Zakk]

It's the dream.

[clayholio]

Because if I want to be a professional cartoonist, there's no good reason not to, only excuses. And hopefully to get some useful feedback on my work as well.

[mytymark]

because i've realized comics is my topmost passion and its something i can sacrifice my more stable career of being a graphics designer!:)

[testudo]

Why not? Nothing to lose (but some sleep).

[DominikJaworski]

I just followed the others... :p

Seriously, as some posters above me mentioned, I think we all entered for pretty much the same reasons: every one of us seeks to be a comics artist. Although I should admit that I'm more interested to be both artist _and_ writer and being noticed as the first is a little easier than as the last. (Or do you know of any contest for comic writers...? I thought so.)

[elsolo00]

im tired of working security!

[Caio Oliveira]

Because I want a job. In fact, I NEED a job (my mom says so)!

[R Santos Jr]

Because I want a job. In fact, I NEED a job (my mom says so)!
Funny, my mom's waiting for me to give up comics so I can find a REAL job. ^^;

Maybe if she wasn't such a huge fan of Spider-Man and Superman, I MIGHT HAVE. :p

But instead I am here. Hoping to be "THAT GUY". Hoping to get a chance to make some comics even my mother can appreciate... and not be embarrassed to admit to her friends that I am a comic book artist. ^^

But most of all, this Comic Book Idol contest REALLY looked like alot of fun last time! Tight deadlines, industry big-shots picking your work to pieces... for hundreds of people to see? Where do I sign up?!

[Caio Oliveira]

Funny, my mom's waiting for me to give up comics so I can find a REAL job. ^^;



Hey! Are we brothers or what???:eek: This is mothers talk. The eternal "Woody Allen's mother complex" (whose opinion was that her son should give up the cinema and concentrate in being a decent dentist!!).

And you should be grateful for your mother be a fan of Superman and Spidey. Lucky you!

[R Santos Jr]

Hey! Are we brothers or what???:eek: This is mothers talk. The eternal "Woody Allen's mother complex" (whose opinion was that her son should give up the cinema and concentrate in being a decent dentist!!).

And you should be grateful for your mother be a fan of Superman and Spidey. Lucky you!
Trust me, I think that's the only reason she puts up with me for so long. ^^;;;

Well, that and I also bake very tasty cakes. XD