[Isric]

Hey guys.
Since this Forum is filled to the brim with professionals, people with experience in the real world of art, I figure this is the best place to look for advice.
I received an e-mail the other day (enclosed) that really piqued my interest. However, I�m always careful when it comes to offers over the net.
What do you think of this? Sound legitimate, or should I avoid it?

___________________________________
Hi there, Matt.

My name is Jesse Harlin. I'm the artistic director for www.xdrom.com, an online artistic community. We're a group of dramatists, poets, composers, songwriters, artists, etc. You name it; we probably have someone who does it. Each week, we perform an online drama through the use of improvisational poetry and prose under a loose plot structure. We're into our second series; the first was completed in September.
The first series centered on the exploits of an existential old pirate, his crew of fallen angels, kidnapped mermaids, evolving monkeys, and their travels. Xdrom is an odd mix of mythology, pop culture, religion, and Shakespeare. It's an experimental "hyperart" project which is looking to expand.
One way we're looking to expand is by translating our text into a graphic novel. For a while now, I've been searching for an artist who has an interesting look. One with an eye for style, color, and someone who is just starting out in their career. We're looking to create and publish this book, then sell it online from our webstore along side other merchandise [t-shirts, cds of our original music, etc].
In my rummaging through internet portfolios, I stumbled across your beautiful illustrations. I'm very impressed. There is an incredible elegence to the line and color, and this prompted me to mail you with this offer. I think your work would fit beautifully with the fantasy nature of the text. If this project sounds like something you would be interested in, please feel free to check out our site at www.xdrom.com. If you'd like to discuss the project further, talk about compensation, or would be interested in reading some of
our work, please feel free to contact at Jesse[e-mail removed for privacy]. If you're not interested, then thanks for taking the time to read this. You're very talented and I'm sure you'll have a great career.

Hope to hear from you soon,

Jesse Harlin
composer
Artistic Director of Xdrom.com

Thanks for your input guys.

[waylon]

It can't hurt to look into it more, I say. But don't give them any art without a contract first. If they have a problem with that, then they're obviously not very professional.

But see what you can find out, talk to other employees of theirs, etc etc. It never hurts to ask THEM questions.

And keep us posted if you get the job!

[Fianchetto!]

Isric- I told you. However, I would say be careful of a wolf in sheeps clothing. I don't like it when people say compensation instead of money. But, I agree with above. Ask questions, talk to people, e-mail him and read his reply and have others read his reply and NEVER do anything without a contract.

-Phil