How DC contacts work... By Mark Waid

Basically what it boils down to though is that things are paid pretty much as a work for hire which means you get paid a once off flat rate, and then whoever paid you can do whatever they like with the final picture and not owe you a cent extra. Only if you're very good at negotiating contracts, and remember you're up against some of the best in the business with Marvel etc, or have such clout and "cred" in the industry, that you can cut your own deal. Which probably also means your name is Stan Lee...

This sort of deal ranges from a private one off pinup you do for John Doe to the big leagues such as DC and Marvel. Personally I'm fine with it as I get the money and then get a personal kick about seeing the final product in print. I usually ask if I can get a complementary copy of whatever it is, and most companies such as Zenescope, DC, Marvel etc will offer this (in Zenescope's case you have to ask specifically though) but it's nice if the John Doe guy does so as well. (Hint hint...!)

Anyway, the Mark Waid article is worth a read...

Cheers

Sean