spqrblues: (funny story)
SPQR Blues ([personal profile] spqrblues) wrote2007-10-13 02:05 pm

I blame the tools

A minor rant on packaging of supplies for comics artists, with boobs.

ProfessionalThis is the old packaging for the illustration board I usually use to draw the comic.

Simple, professional, and you don't have to feel goofy when you buy it, because you are totally a serious artist, and stuff.


ProAnd this is the boobified new packaging.

While I understand the marketing reasoning for going with the gigantic eyes and the water-balloon boobs, I'd never pick this up in a comic store, an art-supplies store, or from a convention table. But, of course, I'm not the demographic they're marketing to.

It's not a cheap product (though it looks cheap, now—ooh, see how I used the two connotations of the word—burn). I'd think if you need the more expensive stuff (it holds up pretty well to eraser abuse), you wouldn't need boobages to attract you to the product, you'd simply buy what you need. But maybe they'd like to get artists who don't consider themselves professional level to upgrade to the heavier stuff; one-ply Bristol Board being a gateway drug, and all. In fact, I don't know why they don't just indicate the ply of the paper by the size of the cup.

Good thing there's mail order. I guess.

[identity profile] ndgmtlcd.livejournal.com 2007-10-14 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
When I clicked on that link after the "minor rant" warning I thought it would lead to another one of your "lady artist and cat" adventures. It turned out to be something else. You're always full of surprises!

I was curious enough about the origin of the marketing style change to make a few google searches. It turns out that the owners come from the comics collector supply business. They're used to selling plastic covers to fanboys. Sorry, I mean fanboyz. Looks like they just hired one of the boyz to design the new packaging.

[identity profile] meritahut.livejournal.com 2007-10-14 02:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe I could do a spin-off comic of "well-endowed lady artist and cat" adventures. See, it appeals to two demographics! :P