Chasing Your Fee

Circa 1986. These were roughs for a corporate client who shall remain nameless. (A 'rough' is something you might show a client so they get an idea of what the final product is going to look like. If they want changes you haven't wasted a bunch of time and effort re-doing finished artwork). As I began getting more paying jobs I was to discover that left-wing publications, unions and anything to do with government were upfront about what they'd pay and prompt in paying. Not so much with private businesses however, which could be nickel and dime-y, late in payment or downright dishonest. I once literally chased a client out the back door of his office to catch him and threaten legal action to get my fee. (I had no lawyer of course, but he bought the bluff to my great astonishment and relief) Below are a few of the character workups for that client, which was an ad campaign that went into the Vancouver Sun. I forget what on earth they were selling. It took endless hours to arrive at the final panels, even though the dialogue was written for me.  The final artwork ran for four consecutive days in the newspaper. (For any of you who are counting, one of the panels has been lost).  

And yes, I did finally collect my fee.