Matt Brosch

I think I've said all I can say on the subject. I'm glad that its at least started a conversation, but its clear most of you disagree with my underlying notion, and that's ok. The market will continue as-is regardless, so there's not much of a point in me investing time in trying convince people of my position. Thanks to all who replied, especially those who did so in the spirit of being helpful and positive. I hope all of you (yes, even those I disagree with) have a great rest of your day and week. And I really do mean that, despite our respective differences I think most of you are decent people and deserve happiness in your lives, and I really hope its a good week for you.

Its fine my guy, you're not going to convince me and I'm not going to convince you. Advocating for artists to offer a couple slots in their commission lists to low income earners is hardly a wholesale change to their business models. By your logic, it would be wrong for me to say "it'd be cool of X artist did a pro bono piece for cancer research". There's nothing wrong with that. Maybe they already do charity work, it doesn't make it somehow immoral to suggest they could do additonal/ alternative works. And it may be a luxury, but so is decent housing, a car, a retirement fund etc, just because its a luxury doesn't mean we can't think up ways to make those luxuries more available to a wider cross section of society.

Well, that's one way to construct a straw man argument. There's an ocean of difference between a Rolls and a piece of OA, and you know it. And I've been very clear this wasn't directed at a particular artist. It has very little, if anything, to do with Skottie. This thread just catalyzed some existing thoughts I've had on the subject. And I've made no insinuations as to the false moral dichotomy you setup between "character" and "scumbag". I never once denigrated an artist for charging FMV, I just said it would be a nice/ cool thing to do to try to ensure some equity of access. Any moral ascriptions you derive from that are entirely your own. And I'm perfectly aware there's alot of artists who do low/ no cost work and charity work. I commend them for that, and was simply advocating for more of the same. If you're ok with the artists who do this already, I don't know why you'd be opposed to me saying "thats great, more of that please".

I hear you man. That why I said I'd understand if people think I'm being naive. I get it. I just think it'd be a nice thing to do for your fellow human/ fan/ collector. Would it create an extra burden? Sure. Would you sometimes be leaving money on the table? Definitely. Would I be ok with those things if the shoe were on the other foot? Yes. Do I expect every person/ artist/ intergalactic bounty hunter to feel the same? No. Is it a bit idealistic/ Utopian? Sure. That shouldn't stop anyone from considering ways it could work. History is chock full of utopian ideals that weren't pragmatic until someone figured out a way to implement them efficiently. Democracy, universal suffrage, minimum wages etc etc were all considered utopian/ idealistic, until people helped make them a reality. Is this on the same level of those things? Of course not, which is why its a more attainable utopian dream than most. All I'm asking for, if I'm even asking for anything, is that more artists consider how they can get their art into the hands of people that normally can't afford it. It'd a nice thing to do. Thats all. I'm not expecting them to, or demanding that they do so, it'd just be cool if they did. And if they already are, they have my admiration and respect, not that thats worth anything on the secondary market lol.

Love every part of this. Its nice to hear of some artists doing pretty much what I was advocating for. I think that's really cool and speaks volumes about their character. I also never considered trying to contact an artist directly. Thats awesome you were able to score that piece! I would be humbled as an artist if someone was tracking down some of my older work, glad he cut you a break! Really appreciate the positivity and helpful advice man!

Appreciate the response! And thanks for trying to be helpful! Most of my purchases are from little known artists or from "bigger" names that charge (for me) reasonable rates, because that's what I can afford. I just think it'd be cool if more artists found opportunities for lower income fans to snag a piece of their work, thats all. Its not really about me personally, its just something that was on my mind at the time. I knew it was going to be something alot of people would disagree with, so I really do appreciate you offering alternatives instead of just saying "thats dumb" lol.

I think you're making alot of assumptions here. I chose the career path I did, knowing the trade offs, because I felt like it was the right thing to do. Does that exclude me from certain things? Sure. Am I ok with that? Generally speaking, yes. At the same time, people like me have dedicated their lives to serving others. I think it would be cool to cut them a break on occasion in recognition of those sacrifices. There's plenty of others who, through no fault of their own, simply don't have the economic means to attain certain things. I think it would be nice to give people like that an avenue to do so. I think that would be a kind and honorable thing to do. I'm not asking every artist to give away all their art for free, or at a massive FMV discount all the time. I've been very consistent about that. You say its a ridiculous hobby, but to alot of people its really not. A new comic or piece of OA in the mail can make a real difference in their day, in how they feel about themselves and their place in life. You're discounting that and boiling it down to a basic business model. I think that's misguided. Its art we're talking about, its meaningful to people. You can scoff at that if you want. I've been very explicit this whole time that I don't EXPECT anybody to do anything. I know what I'm saying will, in all likelihood, change absolutely nothing. At the same time, it can't hurt to say "it'd be nice if..". It'd be nice if more artists found a way to give an opportunity to some low income fans to have a piece of their art. That would be cool. Thats all I'm saying here. Are there financial ramifications to that? Sure. Should that stop artists from finding some creative ways to get some of their art into the hands of people less fortunate, or who chose to serve for a living? I don't think so. Call that entitled if you want, but I think you're interpreting this all wrong.

Yes, he's gotten multiple slots before on limited commission lists, and he's sold those commissions for a profit. Its basic supply and demand, fewer slots available for others means greater demand in the secondary market. He's lost money on occasion with gambles like this, but in general he does very well for himself. I didn't dodge your second question, I addressed it in my original post and multiple times in responses since. I don't expect an artist to sell every piece below FMV, but it'd be nice if there were a mechanism for lower income collectors to get a shot as something they couldn't normally afford. Thats all I was saying. I really don't understand the opposition to that notion. I'm not really speaking just about myself here, its more about a broader cross section of collectors. I have enough resources that If I wanted it that bad I could figure out a way to pay for it, it would just be very difficult. Many others simply couldn't, period. I was advocating for some change in the system for all of us. Its more than just a business. You can perceive of it as frivolous if you want, but some art really means something special to some people. Pricing those people out of the market entirely rubs me the wrong way. I'm not advocating for a law or a wholesale rule set. I was just throwing out there an alternative that I conceived of at 7am on a Sunday to help a more diverse range of income collectors have an opportunity to own art from their favorite artists. Again, I don't really understand the opposition to that. Would I personally sell below FMV to provide for greater access? Yes. Would I do so knowing some people would flip those pieces for profit? Yes. Do I expect other artists to do the same? No. When I've sold parts of my collection, did I do so at FMV? Yes. Have I also listed/ sold things below FMV? Yes, for a variety of reasons. There is also difference between primary and secondary markets that feels like a tangent, but I'm more inclined to cut someone a break who commissions from me directly vs a secondary buyer on Ebay. If someone commissioned me to do a piece for them, would I charge the absolute maximum I thought I could so as to not leave any "meat on the bone" for a resell? No. But that's just me. I hope those answers are more direct than my previous ones.

I like it, thank you fine sir! And I should've clarified in my original rant, but this really wasn't aimed at Skottie in particular. I enjoy his work and would love to own some, but I'm not dying to own his work or anything. It was meant as more of a commentary on modern art sale practices, based on pricing trends I've seen repeatedly in the recent past, rather than a complaint that I can't afford Skottie's work. Although that is by and large also true lol. I think seeing this thread just catalyzed some long simmering class resentments I have from being poor my whole life and being priced out of alot of experiences and items due to my financial status. I have several degrees, a responsible and kind disposition, and a fairly adequate IQ/ work ethic, and yet I struggle to maintain the basics, nevermind being able to afford some inconsequential art piece because it distracts me from the sissiphean drudgery of my daily existence. I imagined others might feel the same, and would appreciate someone standing up and saying "can you make some of this more affordable to some of us poor bastards out here please?". I apologize if that is misdirected or comes across as whiny or entitled.

I have a hard time envisioning every single slot on a commission list being taken up by scalpers, but maybe my faith in humanity is misplaced. I also don't think that a 400% markup could reasonably be expected in most cases. Most remarks/ sketches sold on ebay are sold at cost, with some outliers in the 25-100% markup region. I've sold enough of my collection during times of desperation to know that market pretty intimately. Its also why I was advocating for certain low income slots, rather than a wholesale price reduction. I personally would be fine charging less overall, but I understand why other artists might not feel the same way.

Thanks for the reply! I'm surprised at the number of people who read this tbh lol. To your first point, I have a wealthy brother who "parks" his wealth in a variety of disparate assets, art being one of them. Yes, he frequently purchases art (and this occasionally includes comic art) for the sole purpose of appreciation and/ or tax avoidance. He's bought many pieces he couldn't give a fig about when they appear hot or have a very constrained supply, and flips them shortly thereafter. He usually makes money, and when he doesn't he uses it as a tax writeoff through his 1099-NEC/ Schedule C. I've called him Smaug on many occasions due to his hoarding of these types of items, especially when he tries to buy out multiple slots on a coveted commission list. He calls it "cornering the market". He does not, at all, care about the art. He has an assortment of wealthy friends that do the same, and they will occasionally dabble in market manipulation and arbitrage together. So yes, this does happen, more frequently than most people probably realize. To your second point, I feel like I addressed this in my original novel. Whatever he charges, the secondary market will likely charge more, due to the constrained supply and the "greater fool" theory. Much of my brother's wealth, and occasionally losses, are firmly planted in that territory. Its also why I advocated for low income slots, as this would allow the artists to continue to charge what they perceive of as FMV while also providing an opportunity to those less fortunate to own some of their art. I personally would be fine if some of my art was resold at a profit if it meant more "regular joes" could have a piece of my work, but I don't expect others to feel the same.

Thanks for the response, and for being civil lol. I agree with the basics of what you're saying, I'm just making the point that it would nice if more artists found a way to ensure more of their fans from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds have an opportunity to purchase and own some of their OA. I understand what you're saying about buying the comic for the image itself, but there's something special about owning a one of a kind piece by your favorite artist. Its a personal connection between you and them, its something special that gives you the warm fuzziness. I'm a fairly talented artist myself, and I could make reasoble facsimiles of Skottie's work without too much difficulty, but its not the same as owning something he made for me. It looses that je ne sais quoi. Now I don't expect anyone's work to be free, and I don't think anyone is "entitled" to anyone else's work. You're right, its a luxury. I just think it would be a kind and altruistic thing to do to come up with ways to ensure more fans had access to that luxury, fans for whom there is currently a large financial barrier that bars them from having that one of a kind, special connection. Maybe I'm being too naive, but I'd rather do 10 $500 sketches, with the understanding that 2 or 3 will be flipped immediately for a profit, if it meant those other 7 or 8 were in the hands of people who truly loved and cherished them, rather than charging 2k for 10 sketches with the hopes they won't be resold or for fear of leaving money on the table. Does that make sense? Although this is coming from someone who took their MA and went to work for a school district instead of the private sector where I'd make double what I do now, so maybe I'm just biased in favor of sacrificing income in the name of making others happy.

Thanks for the response! I should have clarified that this wasn't directed at Skottie in particular, its just a trend I've noticed lately in the OA market. Clayton Crain is my favorite modern artist, and I have a few quick sketches that he's done for me, but I could never afford one of his commissions (I work in a middle school). I agree that there are plenty of talented artists out there selling OA for very reasonable sums (Steve Kurth and Lydic come to mind), but for every one of those there seems to be an equal number who are pricing most of their fans out of the market. I guess I'd just like to see more artists be willing to take less than the maximum amount they can to ensure a broader spectrum of their fans can own their work. For me personally a huge part of why I like doing art is for the joy it brings to others, income is and always will be secondary. I suppose that colors my perception of the issue quite a bit. That and I'm poor lol.

In my mind it would be some sort of lottery. You'd apply for one of the low income slots, and they would be awarded at random. This would at least allow a chance of lower income earners to purchase some OA from their favorite artist.

In the time honored internet tradition of engaging in necromancy by replying to a dead thread, I just came across this and wanted to add my 2 cents, just because shouting into the wind is a favorite past time of mine. Skottie recently reopened his commission list, and being the dutiful collector that I am, I inquired about being added to the list. The prices quoted were something like 2k for a black and white piece, and 3k for color. I realize this is driven by supply and demand, and obviously there's enough people willing to pay that kind of (to me) exorbitant pricing, etc. But by charging such a high price point the vast majority of middle income collectors are simply priced out of the market entirely. I know what some of you are thinking, "wah, so what, you save up or you don't by it, deal with it". Bear with me my unempathetic friends, bear with me. I'm an amatuer artist myself, and I just can't countenance selling my art for that much, even if I could. I think about the people who would love to own some of my art but can't because of economics. Anyone in public service, from school employees to police officers, to nurses and members of the military, are incredibly unlikely to be able to afford thousands of dollars just to own one of my pieces. Most Americans can't afford a surprise $500 emergency bill of ANY kind, nevermind a quasi-frivolous art purchase. So, instead of my art going to a home that cherishes and loves it, my art gets hoarded by a small percentage of (relatively) wealthy "investors", who are doing so primarily as a vehicle for asset appreciation, rather than art appreciation. Either that or die-hard fans are paying prices they really can't afford, straining their personal finances beyond reasonable bounds. Shouldn't ownership of your favorite artists work be a feasibly attainable goal for all? Secondary markets be damned, I'd want my art to be something anyone could afford, if they're willing to save a bit and get lucky enough to score a spot on the commission list. I don't expect artists to give away their art for free, or to charge such low amounts that they're not fairly compensated for their work, but I also don't like the idea that only the top 10% of income earners can afford to snag an original piece of my art. I know this is controversial, and I'm sure there's many that would disagree with me, but I think we devalue art in the long term by placing such an emphasis on its monetary value, and by trying to squeeze every penny out it that the "market" will tolerate we turn it into just another commodity, instead of what's its actually meant to be, a connection between us and our favorite artists and characters. Art is supposed to be emotional, magical, spiritual, not a place to park my excessive wealth so I can generate more of it. I would love to see artists offer some slots on their commission lists dedicated to those who serve (teachers, fire fighters, etc.), or low income earners (this is easily verifiable through a redacted W-2). Or better yet, pricing that reflects what the average collector can afford, not the maximum amount the market will tolerate. There will always be 10-20% who buy my art to resell, but I don't care about them. I care about the other 80-90%, who would love to own my art, but can't because they just can't afford it. Rant over, feel free to flame at will.

Thanks! I'm open for commissions, if anyone is interested. My fees are pretty low since I'm just starting out. I'm also registered with CGC so grading/ slabbing is an option I offer. Feel free to checkout my Instagram to see more of my work (@mattbrosch)

Black Panther I did over the weekend to be auctioned off by Comic Book Covers for Cancer to help raise money for cancer research and programs

Thanks man. I had a couple other people recommend the same, leave it as-is or just do 1 "spot" color lightly in places. I think I'm going to leave it for right now, it'll be awhile before I send it off so I have time to change my mind. Really appreciate the feedback!

Just (mostly) finished the black and white portion of this, trying to decide whether to color it in as I originally intended or just clean it up a bit and keep it monochrome. Thoughts anyone?

Lol, no worries, I was only half serious, seen you post a good bit of coloring lately and since it was black and white I thought of your work. Appreciate the response though!

Just got these in the last couple of weeks. One enormous Knull remark by Kirkham and Mayhew's standard dislodged-jaw Venom. I'll probably be selling both in the near future but they're hanging on my wall for the time being.

Hey, wanna do me a favor and color this for me if you're bored lol? I was originally planning on adding color to it but it looks nice in black and white and I don't want to mess it up. Would love to see it digitally in color before I make up my mind and I don't have a graphics tablet to do it myself.

My most recent sketch cover. It was my first time drawing Rocket so I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out, but I'm happy with it, I think.

Actually I had an easier time with the black than the white ones. Its super easy to discolor the white accidentally with stray paint or pencil/ eraser marks, and the white doesn't match if you try to just plaster over it. I'd rather work on black blanks anyday lol.

Been playing around with some more blanks, nothing really impressive but thought I'd share. I bought about 50 blanks off another artist last week for like $3 a piece so I've been experimenting with different styles and characters I don't normally draw.