Consulting

“Words and pictures are yin and yang. Married, they produce a progeny more interesting than either parent.”
– Dr. Seuss

Perhaps you are embarking on a new project (or knee-deep in one) and feeling stuck. Or perhaps this kind of amalgam is simply not your first language. Whatever the case, you are open to new ways of thinking about your work and willing to invest the time and effort to obtain results.

I consider this consulting service a logical extension of my teaching career. I have taught varied “word & picture” courses at every major art college in NYC since the 1980s, at both the BFA and MFA level, as well as advising in art programs internationally. I have worked with innumerable students who have gone on to find careers (and make notable contributions) in the fields of comics, picture books, illustration, animation and other related work.

My own diverse background as a cartoonist, writer, editor, illustrator, designer, creative director, producer and freelance idea-generator has given me a unique perspective on how diverse projects are brought into the world and consumed, in a variety of mediums and circumstances. This service is informed by a lifetime’s study, passion and practice.

I am a big fan of talent and I come to the consulting table with an understanding that even the most seasoned talents often require editorial feedback, structure and focus. I have long conferred with numerous peers in this capacity. As visual storytellers, our work can be ridiculously labor intensive and is typically done in isolation. Another trusted set of eyeballs can be crucial, especially in a long-term, high stakes project. I am passionate about this kind of work and I am good at it. Let me be that other set of eyeballs (plus connected brain matter) for your next big project.

Ideally, I prefer to see work-in-progress projects that are already well underway, with the basic goals established (at least in your own mind.) The project itself should be visually developed to some extent, though perhaps still in rough form. (Reviewing examples of your finished work in conjunction with the project will be useful.)

Specific areas I can help you with include
• Clarity
• Structure
• Condensing and layering information
• Structure
• Story and pacing
• Structure
• Character Development
• Structure

3-Tier Service Model

PLEASE NOTE
These categories are broadly structured and can be customized to your needs and your project’s specifics. I am primarily focused on improving the work itself. I’m happy to discuss the many vagaries of the business side as well, but the more immediate goal is to get your project to a better place.

MY BACKGROUND
Over the decades I have used my cartoonist’s skill set in a myriad of projects for print, film, new media and product development for a diverse client list ranging from Raw to Microsoft. I am the creator of a syndicated alt-weekly strip, an animated show for Cartoon Network, countless novelties and consumer products including Garbage Pail Kids.  I have written scripts for feature films, animated shows a well as sketch comedy. I am the author of a dozen books, the most recent being How to Read Nancy - The Elements of Comics in Three Easy Panels, which is used in comics classrooms worldwide. My work has been exhibited such venues as the Smithsonian Institute, the Cooper-Hewitt, the Whitney, the Brooklyn Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the ICA in London, the Picasso Museum in Lucerne and the Annecy Animation Festival. I have received the Eisner Award, the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal and the Broadcast Design Award International, among others. (CV upon request.)

I WILL
• Read your material closely and clearly convey what I see working (and what I don’t).
• Offer comprehensive suggestions, solutions, strategies, support and new ways to think about your project.
• Help take your project to the next level with confidence and clarity.

I WILL NOT
• Presume to become your collaborator, life coach or Art Guru.
• Flood your mailbox and social media with inspirational memes and late-breaking offers.
• Bullshit you. Ever.

Testimonials

“Mark is a comics editing Ninja.”
– Supreme Professional

“I’ve been working on a comics memoir for what seemed like forever. I felt a bit lost. Mark’s keen understanding of the interaction between images and text, his sense of structure, and his brilliant problem-solving skills have made all the difference for me. His understanding of both the big picture and small details . I’m thrilled with Mark’s thoughtful feedback which has led to many improvements to my project. Working with him has been game-changing for me.”
– Super Professional

“Mark Newgarden is my secret weapon.”
– Uber Professional

“Mark is amazing. He knows comic structure like nobody’s business!”
– Ultra Professional

“Newgarden is the shit!”
– Best Professional