In life it seems, we all have these moments where we are forced to grow, be strong and take on that obstacle which we may not feel ready to tackle yet. This week, I will have one of those moments. In three days, I am going down to the court of Illinois and filing suit against Devil's Due Publishing. I have been fairly quiet about it for several reasons. One being I am just scared out of my mind what people might think. However, the truth of the matter is that I did the work. I did it well. And I didn't do it for free. Yes I love coloring and I love my job, but I do it to help pay the bills and put food on my table. I am one of those amazingly, lucky people that gets paid to do something they absolutely *love*.
I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty details or start slandering anyone, even though I would be fully justified. I loved working with the people at DDP. My editors were amazing and you can't say enough good things about people like, Tim and Sam. And while doing work for them, I grew. You can't look at my first cover for them and look at the one I finished almost a year later and say, that I didn't grow as a colorist. I will always be grateful for the opportunity they gave me. However I love this industry and the fact that there are many publishers like DDP getting away with not paying the talent is just not right. And I don't understand why so many people seem to just turn their head and look the other way. It's wrong... and on Thursday, I am going to stand in front of a judge and take a stand for myself and what I believe is right.
That's not to say I'm not trembling at the thought of it. That I didn't wish they just paid me. Or that I wish someone else was taking the stand instead of me. This is just one of those moments in life, where I have to grow.. and be strong.. and pray I don't faint.
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You get'em. Its the dirty little secret of our business that creatives get taken advantage of like this all the time. Few have the courage to stand up for themselves. That's what the predators count on.
ReplyDeleteAwesome job. I was lucky enough that I was paid for all my work with DDP, albeit long after when I should have been paid, but I know that there are allot of others that haven't been.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that you were able to get a judgement against them at least.
Good for you. Been there, done that. Except I'm finding out that winning the court case is only the first step toward getting the money owed. Good luck in your efforts!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys!! I appreciate the support! I know this is only the first step, but I've made it this far and if they think that just because I have a court order, Im not going to take it as far as I can, they are GRAVELY mistaken.
ReplyDeleteGet after them, Don't take no guff. and to quote Busta Rhymes "Where my F'n Money"
ReplyDeleteBravo for you! I remember fighting NOW Comics for $3300.00 that they owed me when I was in my twenties, and what a frightening soul-sucking experience it can be, especially when everyone is telling you to let it go. Stay after them - you're an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul!! Wow.. you really hit it on the head, thats exactly what it has been, a " frightening, soul-sucking experience". Although now with all the support I've been getting, it feels so much less so. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats Rachelle! You did what everyone who is owed money like this should do, stand up and fight!
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