Kev Sutherland helps seek out new comic artists

By John Freeman on 15 July 2026 • ( 0 )

Comic creator Kev Sutherland is supporting a leading UK-based event organiser in a quest to find a new comic artist to create their promotional art.

“I’ve been offered a comic art commission, and I’ve suggested I’d rather pass it on to the new young comic artist of the future. (And, no, I won’t be taking a cut),” the busy artist, popular with schools for his comic art projects, who’s recently been creating some brilliant comic adaptations of Shakespeare’s plats, tells downthetubes.

“The organiser of a Comic Con asked me if I’d draw the promo art for them, to be used on online ads and flyers. This Comic Con is not one of the ones that you might have heard of that is exclusively about comic art: it’s one that features TV guests, toy exhibitors, market traders, cosplay, props and cars, and also has guest comic creators.

“And they wanted to avoid using AI art, which has been done by many such events and, they felt, doesn’t sit well for an event that’s about promoting artists and creative folk.

“There’s a budget for this art, so you’ll get paid. And the artwork will be widely seen, and of course credited. And the fact that the organiser of this event wants to make a point of commissioning original art from an up-and-coming artist might hopefully encourage other similar events to do the same.

“All you have to do is post a link on Facebook to your portfolio, ideally including some art that fits the description of comic art illustration, and the organiser can choose the artist they will then contact direct.

“Does that sound good? I hope it helps in some small way. Down with AI art, and up with the opportunities for new comic creators.”

Despite the appeal being posted by an established comic creator, the thread has drawn a few frankly stupid comments, one persistent locked account declaring “It’s a trap”, but if you’re looking for some examples of the terrific work out there, do check out the likes of Owoade Ifeoluwa, Dan Kaotic, Andrew Meister, Francesco Onorio, Paul Ridgon, and others who have already thrown their hat in the ring!

• Post portfolio links to this Facebook thread

About the Author
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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.