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Further Thoughts on Stuff
9 months ago
I opined in my last journal about not feeling creative enough to come up with artistic extras--that all my brain power was being devoted to writing and drawing my comic strip, and how even that was running on empty.
That made me wonder...what to people really want, by way of "extras?"
I mean, is the comic enough? Do folks really want things like stickers or pins or calendars or coffee mugs? I mean, I may be tying myself in knots over stuff nobody really is interested in.
I did T-shirts years ago, and it was a bad experience. I still have a few mediums left because I should have ordered nothing but XL size. The need to purchase a wide selection of sizes turns me into a T-shirt shop. I then tried printing transfers, and the quality was not very good. So I'm not too keen on doing T-shirts.
Some folks have expressed a desire for hard-copy books. I'm afraid that's cost-prohibitive for me, considering the length of the story, and even if I did pre-orders, I'm not sure where I'd be able to get good-quality comic books printed up. And then there's the mailing costs involved...
I had thought to make the archive available on CDs, but then I was told that CDs are "so last-century technology." I went to make up zip files of the archive, and unfortunately the size of the first attempt utterly choked my email provider. So I need to re-do that.
It was suggested I send out the archive on thumb drives, which I guess is do-able, if I can get a good enough deal on bulk thumb drives.
I'd love to have figurines 3D printed, but that is $pendy.
The bottom line is that I am both poor and cheap. If I can get away with stuff that doesn't cost me hundreds of dollars to get produced and then mailed, I'd be happy. I sent calendars out to my higher-tier Patreon supporters. Do you know it costs $30 to mail a calendar to the UK?
I don't go to conventions with stuff to sell. On top of designing and buying stock, there's the fees for the table (if you can get into the Dealers' Den at all), travel expenses, hotel expenses, food on the road...and in my unique case, finding and hiring a farm sitter. I'd probably never break even.
The other thing about "moichendize" is that I have to collect tax, and make sure I keep up with the book-keeping on it. I don't want to go to Club Fed.
Although if I did, I might be able to concentrate on writing and drawing...
That made me wonder...what to people really want, by way of "extras?"
I mean, is the comic enough? Do folks really want things like stickers or pins or calendars or coffee mugs? I mean, I may be tying myself in knots over stuff nobody really is interested in.
I did T-shirts years ago, and it was a bad experience. I still have a few mediums left because I should have ordered nothing but XL size. The need to purchase a wide selection of sizes turns me into a T-shirt shop. I then tried printing transfers, and the quality was not very good. So I'm not too keen on doing T-shirts.
Some folks have expressed a desire for hard-copy books. I'm afraid that's cost-prohibitive for me, considering the length of the story, and even if I did pre-orders, I'm not sure where I'd be able to get good-quality comic books printed up. And then there's the mailing costs involved...
I had thought to make the archive available on CDs, but then I was told that CDs are "so last-century technology." I went to make up zip files of the archive, and unfortunately the size of the first attempt utterly choked my email provider. So I need to re-do that.
It was suggested I send out the archive on thumb drives, which I guess is do-able, if I can get a good enough deal on bulk thumb drives.
I'd love to have figurines 3D printed, but that is $pendy.
The bottom line is that I am both poor and cheap. If I can get away with stuff that doesn't cost me hundreds of dollars to get produced and then mailed, I'd be happy. I sent calendars out to my higher-tier Patreon supporters. Do you know it costs $30 to mail a calendar to the UK?
I don't go to conventions with stuff to sell. On top of designing and buying stock, there's the fees for the table (if you can get into the Dealers' Den at all), travel expenses, hotel expenses, food on the road...and in my unique case, finding and hiring a farm sitter. I'd probably never break even.
The other thing about "moichendize" is that I have to collect tax, and make sure I keep up with the book-keeping on it. I don't want to go to Club Fed.
Although if I did, I might be able to concentrate on writing and drawing...
Vix
T-shirts: That's a tough one indeed. It's a maybe, maybe not.
Calendars: I look forward to my new calendar every year. I like the flowers but, if possible, I'd prefer something like a "year-in-review best of" CO strip cells/images.
Hard copy books: I think you mentioned before that would cause issues because some of your backgrounds are from the internet. Even if they're "open-sourced"... issues.
CDs/DVDs: Sooo last century. Get with the times!
Thumb drives: This might be the most doable option for an archive. There's so many places to buy thumb drives in bulk offering a variety of terrabyte size options. Some even offer engraving your comic's title or an image on the thumb drive.
Other: Another option I've seen some comic artists I support on Patreon do is propvide their comic's files on Patreon itself. Either in .zip files or as a PDF. If you divide each section into their individual chapters it could work.
3D printed figurines: That would be kewl. But might not be for everyone, expecially if "pricey". Those you could take pre-orders to test the waters.
And, if you're having a hard time with anything or need experienced help, there are many other comic artists that provide their comics, calendars, and the like you might be able to contact for advice. Cartoonwolf ("Nine to Nine", "Swords & Sausages") is one comic artist I follow that offers his comics in book form, mini calendars, and I think he even has his own store. Just sayin'
I know that's a mouthful to handle. But, above all else, focus on yourself. If you start to get burned out, focus on something that helps with the creative juices flowing again. Good luck
I had wanted to do a Carry On specific calendar this year. I do the nature photography calendars for Christmas presents for my family and friends. They would not appreciate my comic art. But I ran out of time, again, so I just made a larger order of the photo calendars.
If I wasn't stupid and lazy, I'd get the calendars printed in, like, August, and just hang onto them.
BTW I have five extras. Available for sale at $25, includes shipping. PM me if you want one.
I just read that "TwoKinds" cartoonist Tom Fischbach is working on having a stuffed toy of one of his characters made.
I wonder how he will market that, how much it will cost, and how many he envisions selling? I suppose pre-orders is the way to go, and then have exactly how many you've already sold manufactured.
Just a thought.
let people with the know how make an offer, and prove they can meet the quality expectation and you get a cut of what they sell while taking none of the risks.