ComixLaunch: Recent Episodes
Tyler James
Anthology projects draw on the creativity and talent of many different creators contributing to one shared project. With a long-gestating anthology finally launched, ComixLaunch host Tyler James is on the hotseat for a change, as a roundtable of creators brainstorm ideas for ways to encourage and empower the contributing creators to promote the project during the Kickstarter. Note, this episode is a clip from "Of Mice and Wolves: A Comics Workshop Show" hosted by JD Calderon and Rob Multari on JD's YouTube Channel. Watch the full workshop episode and more of JD's streams at https://www.youtube.com/@JDCalderon
In this month's ComixLaunch Pro spotlight, two-time Harvey Award Nominated cartoonist Craig Taillerfer, shares insight from his creative journey. An early member of ComixLaunch Pro, Craig took a long five year hiatus after his first successful launch... but that didn't stop him from having his best launch ever!
Comic book collector's are a major part of the crowdfunding and direct market ecosystem. In this session, Tyler chats with Josh Eggebeen, a life long collector and one of the authors of After Action Report: An Unofficial Collector Guide Book for G.I. Joe & Transformers Comics. They'll discuss the current state of the comic collecting, how crowdfunding changed the game for collectors and creators alike, and what creators can do to make their offerings more attractive to the collector class!
Creator Matthew Schofield is in the ComixLaunch Pro spotlight this month. Matt is an animator, storyboard artist and director who has worked on films such as Cats Don't Dance, Prince of Egypt and The Iron Giant. In this interview with Clay Adams, Matt shares his creator owned journey bringing his superhero comedy webcomic, Steamroller Man to Kickstarter.
A ComixLaunch listener alerted Tyler to a sudden and suspicious proliferation of seemingly AI-Generated Comic Book Kickstarter projects that have appeared on the platform recently. After taking a look, it does indeed seem like something fishy is going on, and one or more actors have been able to get obviously soulless, fraudulent projects past the Kickstarter project screeners. In this session, Tyler shares signs of obviously fraudulent comic book Kickstarter projects, discuss the ramifications should projects like this proliferate on Kickstarter, and offer advice on what legitimate creators should do now.
Commonwealth Comix co-founders Ryan Kroboth and John Endingfield II join Tyler for a discussion about their new partnership and collaboration on Wurst & Mayhem, a D&D style adventure comic. We'll talk about the evolution from friendship to creative partnership, the challenges and best practices for getting a new joint venture off the ground, and how much fun they're having on the new project!
Join us for a special panel on ComicTopia, the inaugural crowdfunding event hosted on BackerKit this month. The discussion features Lafayette Morrow from BackerKit, as well as creators including James Mascia of Dren Productions, writer Frank Martin, Joel Rodriguez of Metal Ninja Studios, and Eric Erdek, known for Espresso Detective. Lafayette provides an overview of BackerKit’s evolution from a crowdfunding support tool to a full-featured platform, emphasizing community engagement tools and their successful transition to hosting events like Pintopia and ComicTopia. Creators involved share insights on their current projects, their experiences with BackerKit’s platform, and unique event features such as cross-collaborations and the backer train feature. The discussion also touches on issues like handling mature content and strategies for successful crowdfunding.
In this episode of ComixLaunch, Tyler James interviews Christian Douglas, a Dublin-based writer and founder of Unpopular Comics. They discuss Christian's creative journey, his new Kickstarter campaign for 'Unpopular Tales 2: Pinochia, a cyberpunk retelling of the classic fairy tale, and the broader mission of Unpopular Comics to revitalize classic stories with modern twists.
For the past decade, illustrator Dave Swartz has moved from self-publishing, to pencil-for-hire, and back again. His current project, Confederate Monster is back on Kickstarter. In this conversation, he and Tyler will discuss the challenges and opportunities for comic book illustrators working in comics today.
In this session, Tyler will share his top insights from attending a presentation by Andrew Marks, director of Kickstarter's new Kickstarter Performance team, outlining what this new crowdfunding marketing service can do for creators, and answering questions from Kickstarter users.
The ComixLaunch Pro spotlight shines on writer and professor Will Allred, who shares lessons learned from his creative journey.
In this session, we'll break down the news that Kickstarter just pushed live a massive overhaul to how creators create and send shipping surveys to backers. In this session, we'll take a deep-dive into the new survey tool, and share the good, the bad, the confusing, and the ugly with this latest platform update.
For YEARS Kickstarter creators have been asking for abilities to easily copy info from past projects to new ones. It looks like Kickstarter has FINALLY taken a step in this direction, as creators can now copy rewards from past campaigns. Let's take a deep-dive into this new feature to see if it's everything creators have been asking for.
With his first novella ready to launch, writer James Powell is considering experimenting with a shorter than average Kickstarter launch… much shorter! A mastermind roundtable of veteran creators discuss James' launch plan, and share pros and cons of ultra short launches.
Sarah Cooke has successfully launched 3 projects on Kickstarter for her series "No Spell Lasts Forever." Now she's in the process of working on a additional projects that she'd like to launch in the not-to-distant future. That means running more campaigns each year. How can she best grow her crowdfunding project output without being overly demanding of my audience? A mastermind roundtable of veteran creators help Sarah get her head around launching more.
After a lot of success serializing his series Night Wolf on Kickstarter, Rob Multari thinks he's finally ready to distribute through Diamond Distribution to get his books into comic book shops. The problem? How to deal with the upfront funding costs associated with direct market distribution? Tyler and a roundtable of comic creators brainstorm options in this mastermind style session.
Pull up a chair and join an all-star crew of creators as mastermind season of the ComixLaunch podcast returns! As he attempts to move toward being a full-time creator, writer Caleb Palmquist is struggling to find a balance between the things that inspires him as a creator and what the market responds best to on Kickstarter. A roundtable of talented creators dive deep into this vexing challenge that most creators wrestle with.
Kickstarter has rolled out its new "late pledges" feature for all creators... and we now have answers to some of the biggest questions we've had about how late pledges will work! (It's different than you might have assumed.) In this session, we'll break down the new feature and share some best practices for how to use it.
Let's get you caught up on a quick scan of recent comic book and crowdfunding news that ComixLaunch listeners should know about, including Diamond Comics distributors entry into the crowdfunding fulfillment game, as well as recent trends and announcement from Kickstarter.
Get to know award-winning author Brian J. Lambert, as he chats with ComixLaunch's Clay Adams, spotlighting his journey raising over $100,000 in funding on Kickstarter, and decision to join the ComixLaunch Pro program to take his campaigns to new heights.
There's buzz that a crackdown is coming (or is it already here) on the not safe for work (NSFW) spicy comics space, which has become one of the most dominant genres in crowdfunding. Let's discuss!
UK comic creator Will Robson returns to the ComixLaunch Podcast to share what he's learned serializing OUTBREAKS, "The Only Ongoing Zombie Anthology Comic" on Kickstarter over the past year. He and Tyler will discuss the state of crowdfunding in 2024 and topics related to freelancing in comics and living your best creative life.
Kickstarter announced this morning that it will be unlocking a LATE PLEDGES feature soon for all Kickstarter campaigns. Here's an instant reaction discussing the details, pros, cons, questions, and implications.
Writer Jack Harris Jr, creator of Terminus Veil and Clash Digital Publishing is featured in this month's ComixLaunch Pro spotlight. In this session, you'll hear how Jack founded his publishing company on three key principles, which are high quality artwork, diverse characters from different backgrounds, and explosive, thrilling action. His first campaign for Terminus Veil volume 1 delivered all of the above--plus $16k in funding!
Writer Russell Nohelty returns to the ComixLaunch podcast for a discussion about Kickstarter collaboration, the world of romance and steamy NSFW comics crowdfunding, and what's working now for creatives. Get your popcorn ready and something to take notes with... it's going to be an awesome session!
Creator Iván Brandon has worked in television, animation, film and video games, and is probably best known for his American comic book work including Viking and Drifter (Image Comics) and has written for Marvel, DC, IDW among others. Now, he's focused on launching his latest creator owned project on Kickstarter, with the second volume of THE ROMAN STARS live now.
In this ComixLaunch Pro Spotlight featured interview, Clay Adams chats with Ted Sikora, a comic book writer and filmmaker, sharing insight building the Hero Tomorrow Comics Universe with the help of Kickstarter and the support of the ComixLaunch Pro program and community over the past few years.
Fear of failure is one of the major things holding creators back from pursuing their dreams. In this session, Tyler James and writer Caleb Palmquist will talk about how to deal with the inevitable failures that come with being a creative, Caleb's decision to cancel a Kickstarter project earlier this year, and why that hasn't stopped him from pushing forward.
Kickstarter rolled out some spiffy new UI updates that affect how your projects will be discovered going forward. Tyler grades the changes and shares the most important thing creators may want to adjust as a result.
As soon as you launch on Kickstarter, your inbox will be flooded with messages... some legitimate, some spammy and even some straight up scams! In this session, Tyler breaks down what exactly you can expect to come your way when you launch on Kickstarter, and how to separate the legitimate messages from the frauds.
The ComixLaunch Pro Spotlight is back and shining a light on Alton Simpson, the creator of Vampires of New Jersey, Witches of Westchester and Bunny Goes to Space, among other successful titles. Over the past couple of years, Alton's projects have raised over $150K on Kickstarter, and he joins Clay Adams for a discussion spilling some of his secrets!
Writers Phil Butehorn and James Ferguson join the podcast to discuss not only their latest collaboration, Slice(s) of Life, an anthology set in a world where pizza has been outlawed, but their evolution from lifelong comic fans to prolific creators.
Want to know what creators who are NOT launching on Kickstarter say are the biggest things they're missing that are holding them back? In this session, Tyler is diving into data from the recent ComixLaunch Survey to reveal insight into 7 perceived areas of lack that hold creators back from achieving their goals. He'll then share some insights on how to overcome each lack, and why launching on Kickstarter might actually be the answer to all of them!
Over the last month, Kickstarter once again celebrated Make 100 month, an invitation for creators to launch smaller, limited projects. In this session, Tyler will shine a light on a bunch of really cool comic projects that embraced the Make 100 ethos in hopes that it will encourage more creators to take part in this annual event and to think differently about how Kickstarter can be used.
In this special session, Spotlighting a member of the ComixLaunch Launch Pro program and community, Clay Adams interviews Sarah Cooke, winner of Mad Cave’s 2023 Talent Search and the 2023 Negative Space Women’s Comic Book Writing Competition and the creator of the Kickstarter funded series No Spell Lasts Forever.
Energy and enthusiasm for your comic book projects can be infectious, and few creators embody that quite like Michael Watson of Freestyle Comics, creator of the ongoing superhero title Hotshot. In this session, Michael and Tyler will discuss effective ways to build hype and interest for your creations for online and in-person events.
Interested in creating a video teaser trailer for you comic book, but not sure where to begin? In this session, Tyler breaks down his easy process for making provocative, engaging teaser trailers for ComixTribe's books!
In an effort to reach new readers and build awareness and interest in one of his ongoing comic projects, Tyler is serializing a comic on Webtoon this year. In this session, he'll share some of the reasons why he's doing this, the challenges and opportunities of reformatting traditional comics into the infinite scroll mobile format, and offer some tips and tricks if you're thinking about doing the same.
With a couple of successful Kickstarter projects under his belt, and some new ones in the early stages of development, writer Adriano Ariganello is looking for some ideas on how to best keep his audience engaged between launches, even if he doesn't have any art to share from the new project? A roundtable of creators have ideas for him in this final mastermind style session of 2023!
Cartoonist Melissa J Massey is always looking to bring more efficiency to her comics business? With needing to balance a day job and family life with comics production, marketing and sales, she's looking for some tips on how to make the most of the spare time she has to finally get ahead of her never-ending to do list! A mastermind roundtable of comic creators is there to support her with some great creation efficiency tips!
Comic writer Alton Simpson has had a lot of success on Kickstarter over the past few years, but is concerned about a contraction of the comic market as a whole. How can he keep growing, even if the economic headwinds in the comic book industry are choppy? A mastermind roundtable of creators has ideas to help him!
Comic Writer Mark Abnett has had success in the past on Kickstarter, and even had his series picked up for publishing by Scholastic. But it's been a while since he's launched on Kickstarter. With a new trade ready roll, and it being a while since he's reached out to his email list, Mark is looking for advice to ready his audience before he goes live, and a mastermind roundtable of creators is there to help!
Comic writer Jack Holder is concerned that he often defaults to telling "the same story" over and over again, regardless of what genre he's writing in. Is this a normal concern? And how do writers grow beyond their usual ideas? A roundtable of comic writers help Jack brainstorm ideas to this dilemma as MasterMind season returns to the ComixLaunch Podcast!
On last week's podcast, Tyler covered the importance of surveying your audience regularly, and provided a number of tips on how to conduct an effective survey. In this follow-up session, he'll cover what to do after the survey is complete, and his process to turn audience responses into cold-hard cash!
The practice of regularly surveying my audience has been a major reason why Tyler's been able to generate several million dollars in sales over the past decade. In this session, he'll share 5 savvy survey tips that will help you survey your audience. Plus, a new Comics & Crowdfunding survey is LIVE for ComixLaunch listeners at comixlaunch.com/survey
Tyler shares some of his most powerful post-launch profit insights on how to keep raising funds after the crowdfunding campaign ends. You'll also get a specific upsell strategy that's been converting very well for him over his past few launches.
Longevity in the comics game is something that all creators aspire to. To commemorate the 20th year of publishing under his Elephant Eater Comics imprint, cartoonist and comics professor Ryan Claytor just launched a massive, oversized hardcover celebrating his creative journey and the love of process.
Tyler's been on an Alibaba shopping binge as of late, saving money on cool custom products to sell during his Kickstarter launches? In this session, he'll share some ideas for products you can save big on when you order through Alibaba, as well as the pros and cons of working with that e-commerce giant!
For years, veteran Kickstarter creators have come to expect a solid bump at the end of their campaigns, with a surge of backers coming in during those final days and hours. However, some been reporting seeing smaller than usual end-of-campaign bumps? So, what's the status of the end of campaign bump these days and what can creators do to encourage one?
Does it seem like more backers than usual are canceling pledges these days on Kickstarter? Are some projects more likely than others to have a higher cancelation rate? And is there anything creators like us can do about it?
Over the past few years, writer/producer Don Handfield and writer Clay Adams have been working to develop a gritty western comic with actor Martin Kove, best known for his iconic role as Sensei Kreese from Karate Kid & Cobra Kai. Their project, Prodigal Son #1, launched this week on Kickstarter, and the boys join the ComixLaunch Podcast discuss the ins and outs of writing a comic for a celebrity.
Writer Robert Krisch joins Tyler for a wide ranging discussion on the importance for comic creators to prioritize their mental health and well-being and some ways to do just that, while still thriving creatively and in the crowdfunding space.
The creators of the HOSPICE shared comic book universe join Tyler James for a discussion about this unique Kickstarter experiment that sees six veteran crowdfunders all launch distinct one-shot projects with the same name! In this panel, expect great insight on campaign design, taking big swings, and shaking up the status quo in crowdfunding promotion.
Surprise! Kickstarter just rolled out a big change to it's Project Story Editor, which will impact how you design your Kickstarter pages going forward. In this session, Tyler James will help you navigate the new editor and hook you up with some savvy tips to make the most of it.
Building a new audience is a challenge, even for creators who have had success in the past. Rob Multari of Lone Wolf Comics returns to the ComixLaunch Podcast to discuss the process and stress of building a new audience on different social channels and email lists to support his new children's book, Wolf Pack Pups on Kickstarter.
Tyler covers the top news headlines of the week relevant to ComixLaunchers! Stories include the new mandatory AI Disclosure questions on Kickstarter, new publisher DSTILRY's "online drop" business model, JHU in Manhattan closing and more.
Gotta lot of packages to ship this year after rocking a successful Kickstarter launch? Join the club! In this session, Tyler shares some of his top fulfillment tips to help you survive this phase of your project.
Better Kickstarter pages raise more funding. In this session, Tyler will share some of the most common things he routinely sees creators do that negatively impact their campaign pages, and how to easily fix them.
Kickstarter has been busy this year making platform improvements. In this session, Tyler highlights Kickstarter's mid-year progress report and gives a ComixLaunch grade to each new development.
A new Kickstarter policy on the use of AI for project creator goes into effect on August 29, 2023. In this session, Tyler breaks down this new policy – which prioritizes transparency, credit, and consent – and shares his thoughts on how it will affect our community.
Hot off a Ringo Award Nomination and with another Massive Cthulhu Invades... Anthology funding on Kickstarter, writer Travis Gibb of Orange Cone Productions returns to the pod for a discussion about Kickstarter's current role in the comic book marketplace. Are Kickstarter comics and creators still outside of the "mainstream"... or are they now the Mainstream?
Tyler James shares a brief life update in lieu of a regular episode of the podcast this week.
How are creator's pricing their graphic novels on the Kickstarter platform currently? And what are some of the common trends specifically for graphic novel projects on Kickstarter? In this session, Tyler takes a deep dive into the top 20 most funded graphic novel projects on Kickstarter to glean insights about what's working now for that sub-category.
With the launch of his first comic book Eye for an Eye on Kickstarter, writer Chance Edgerly shows that even with a demanding day job, a newborn at home, and "not being able to draw to save his life" can't stop him. In this session, Chance and Tyler will discuss juggling all of the obstacles life throws your way and still finding the time and energy get started in the comics industry!
Writer James Mascia asks the ComixLaunch roundtable to help brainstorm some new ideas to reinvigorate potential backers, as it seems like he's been recycling the same basic crowdfunding moves for a while, and may have plateaued. This mastermind style session is chock full of ideas even the most veteran comic book crowdfunders can put into practice.
With a few launches on the horizon, writer Don Handfield seeks the mastermind roundtable's advice on pre-launch planning ideas that will help me him get the most out of his Kickstarter launches.
How do you build confidence in sharing your work, when you feel there is a gap between your personal taste and your own talent? In the midst of launching and funding his first Kickstarter campaign, writer/artist Jeff Lorentz asks the roundtable for advice on how to share his comics with confidence.
Many crowdfunders feel like the Kickstarter "dead zone" hits earlier and last longer then ever these days. In this mastermind style session, writer Chris Brimmage asks the roundtable how to best deal with a longer dead zone on Kickstarter?
Creating and crowdfunding comics takes a wide range of skills and a ton of time to do it right. So, how exactly does a comic creator looking to build up his or her publishing line determine what jobs to keep and what to outsource. That's the dilemma Scott Harris-King has found himself in. Luckily, a roundtable of creators is here to help Scott determine what his time is worth and what tasks to let go of in this mastermind style session!
Writer Benjamin Hunting joins Tyler for a discussion about the differences between launching comics for the crowdfunding / Kickstarter market and publishing in the direct market.
Get ready for a high-level comic book crowdfunding discussion with some of the most experienced creators in the game! Laurie Foster of Unlikely Heroes Studios and writer Russell Nohelty are back to discuss their new launch for Lucifer Licorice on Kickstarter, as well as how Unlikely Heroes Studios is helping creators with the most cumbersome part of crowdfunding... fulfillment!
Over the past few years, creator Joel Rodriguez has grown his Metal Ninja Studios from a one-man operation to a full-service comic production and design studio. In this conversation with Tyler James, you'll learn about growing a support team, the changing landscape of indie comics and the benefits of letting go of a "do-it-all-yourself" mentality.
In this "from the ComixLaunch Mailbag" episode, Tyler gives some advice to a creator who is looking for recommendations for printers who can print roughly 500 copies and still have their pricing work for Diamond Distribution. Is it possible? Let's talk comic printing in 2023!
After stopping doing comic conventions entirely at the start of the pandemic in 2020, Tyler finally returned to tabling at Wicked Comic Con over the weekend. In this session, he'll break down his top insights from being a vendor at this mid-sized, two day show in Boston.
Many Kickstarter creators add profitability and fun to their campaign when they think beyond "just the PDF" and offer higher priced (and value) digital rewards to their backers. In this session, Tyler will load you up with a ton of ideas for upping your digital game!
Tyler is getting ready to dust off his convention pitches and finally return to tabling at comic cons starting this month! In this session, he'll share one of his ultimate pitching secrets, which you can apply to sales in person, on Kickstarter, and anywhere you're talking about your books.
Eisner Award-winning Writer/Illustrator Karl Kerschl is back on Kickstarter with Death Transit Tanager, his love-letter to the manga and anime he grew up with. Inspired by Metroid and Hellboy, his new title is a murder mystery in space, filled with creeping dread and kinetic sci-fi action!
Veteran comic and video game writer Jon Lock has just launched The Comic Writer's Journal, to provide creators a simple framework for bringing their comic stories to life. In this session, Jon and Tyler will discuss some of the key elements comic writers should have in place before sitting down to write their scripts, and tools that help enable more effective comic creation.
The wait is over! It's finally here! Kickstarter has finally rolled out the ability for creators to upload images that will be paired with each of their project reward tiers and add-ons! This has been one of the most requested features for years, and in this session, Tyler shares everything crowdfunders could want to know about them!
On this, the 400th episode of the ComixLaunch podcast, Tyler shares the #1 recommended (and somewhat controversial) Kickstarter strategy from one of the top Kickstarter marketing companies.
After a perfect storm of dealing with Covid, labor shortages, paper shortages, market uncertainty, and getting hammered by the third-costliest weather disaster on record, Comic Impressions is back on track and printing more comics than ever. Sales manager Rich Boye returns to the podcast to discuss the turbulence in comics printing over the past few years, what's hot in the comic printing industry today, and more.
For the past decade, Will Robson has been working as a professional artist for Marvel, DC, Image, IDW and more. In his career, he's worked on major IP such as Batman, Star Wars, Spider-Man and Deadpool, TMNT, Spawn and more. He's now just hours away from launching his first Kickstarter for a creator-owned zombie anthology style comic book series, called OUTBREAKS! He'll join Tyler for a frank discussion about the state of the comics industry for freelancers here in 2023, and why now is the time for Will to jump into the Kickstarter game.
After three successful Kickstarters raising over $100K in funding on Kickstarter, Russell Nohelty is handing over his Cthulhu is Hard to Spell franchise to Laurie Foster, publisher at Unlikely Heroes Studios. With a new campaign collecting and expanding the first three volumes in new softcover editions launching on Backerkit this week, Tyler chats with the team about the transition, new launch and future of this popular anthology.
Tyler shares the details on a few new rewards he experimented with on Launch Day for the SINK: Cutthroat Kickstarter campaign. Plus, some challenges he had giving it his all on launch day.
With his latest six-figure campaign for PATRIOTIKA REBIRTH, Ron Z of Mount Olympus Comics is employing a number of innovative strategies to keep his Kickstarter fresh and keep the funding coming in. In this interview, Ron and Tyler will chat about how he's been able to consistently raise over one-hundred thousand dollars per launch on Kickstarter and build a massive following for his fantasy imprint.
For the first time in over three years, Tyler's released an all-new FREE strategy guide for comic creator crowdfunders. In this session, you'll hear excerpts from the new guide and learn how you can get your hands on this valuable Kickstarter resource!
Nightwolf creator Rob Multari is back on the podcast to share insight from the trenches as he is attempting to diversifying his product line beyond just comics. In this interview, you'll hear Rob's experience developing a new plush toy for his most popular series, his experiments and challenges with digital figures, and how he's approached launching it all on Kickstarter.
For more than a decade, David Barach has been building technical platforms to help people crowdfund as the president of ConnectionPoint, the company behind FundRazr and Crowdfundr. In this "state of crowdfunding" discussion, David and Tyler discuss the past, present and future of the crowdfunding movement, and why Crowdfundr is so bullish on comic book crowdfunding in particular.
After a successful career in IT and project management, Peter Taylor is working harder than ever on his passion projects. Now a full-time writer and artist, Peter joins Tyler for a discussion about his creative journey, getting started in comics later in life, and the crowdfunding launch of his new series Pioneers: Blood & Stars #1.
Backerkit made news a few months ago with the announcement that it was launching its own Crowdfunding Platform as a Kickstarter alternative. That platform has been up and running for several months now, and the first batch of comic projects have started to launch on the platform. In this session, Tyler chats with David Byrne about his current launch for Cancelled II on Backerkit Crowdfunding. A veteran Kickstarter creator, you'll hear David's insights about the process moving to Backerkit for the crowdfunding launch, and his advice on what creators should be prepared for if they make the switch. Plus hear David's thoughts on variant cover strategy and lessons learned from his time as co-publisher of Scout Comics and a whole lot more!
Over the past few years, writer and publisher Travis Gibb (Orange Cone Productions) has had a lot of success on the Kickstarter platform. Now, he's seeks a roundtable of creators' advice on how to best translate his crowdfunding success into success elsewhere?
The conventional wisdom is that Kickstarter is an awesome platform for serializing comics, as many creators experience strong organic growth in both funding and backer totals with each new issue launch. But what does it mean when that growth doesn't happen? Writer Patrick Kellner seeks the mastermind roundtable's advice to help him figure out if his series has peaked on Kickstarter.
Writer Tom Leveen is currently battling an age old dilemma: should he pursue projects that interest him the most or should he try to follow the market and do something more commercial. Recognizing that some types of projects seem to do better than others on Kickstarter, Tom is questioning whether that should be a filter he runs future projects through when deciding what to work on. In this mastermind style session, four other creators and Tyler will help Tom sort through this dilemma.
What are the best strategies to communicate deadlines and juggle multiple projects and creative teams when you're eyeing the Kickstarter platform? This is a challenge writer and filmmaker Michael Dean is currently wresting with. In this mastermind style session, a roundtable of creators will help Michael find the right tips and best practices to motivate his team and hit his launch goals.
Imposter syndrome is a common affliction for comic creators and humans in all walks of life. In this mastermind style session, Karla Medrano, a self-styled "noob" to the world of creating comics shares her struggles with having the confidence to grow an audience. Luckily, a roundtable of creators who have all been there share what has helped them battle imposter syndrome and have success in the industry.
Storyboard and comic book artist Frank Forte joins Tyler for a discussion about alternative forms of distribution for comics and creative work beyond the main channels. While Frank is an active advocate and user of the Kickstarter platform, he also sees tremendous value in getting your books to sell all year round, and this interview is all about how to do it!
Join comics writer Brian Hawkins (Black Cotton, The Vineyard) for a discussing about creating and launching alternative history comics. Brian's latest crowdfunding effort is America's Kingdom, new series taking place in a modern-day America under the reign and rule of a descendant of George Washington. Get Brian's tips on alternate history worldbuilding, plus insights from his lessons learned as a freelance writer and comics editor.
Want to save some serious coin shipping to backers overseas? Then you need to listen to this one, as Tyler shares how the discovery of Pirate Ship's Simple Export Rate option helped slash over a thousand dollars in shipping costs during his last launch. For US creators shipping goods four pounds or less worldwide, this is a godsend and a game changer!
Get ready for a deep dive conversation on the state of comics crowdfunding with one of the most respected creators in the space, writer Charlie Stickney. Charlie returns to the ComixLaunch Podcast to talk about his stepping down as Co-Publisher of Scout Comics to focus on his successful crowdfunding projects including White Ash, Glarien, The Game and more. Topics will include how many launches are too many, how the crowdfunding space is evolving, what the future may hold for the direct market and Kickstarter, and much more!
After your Kickstarter campaign funds, your work as a creator has only just begun. In fact, it is often how you handle the fulfillment of your campaign and communicate with your backers post-launch, that will have the biggest impact on whether your backers become super fans for life. In this session, Tyler will share time-worn tips to get the most out of your post-launch Kickstarter updates!
What separates the hobbyist from the pros when it comes to creating comics and graphic novels? If, after all your expenses are added up, you're not turning a profit on your comic endeavors, does that mean you have an expensive hobby rather than a business? And is anyone actually making any money in this business? In this session, Tyler breaks down 7 somewhat predictable stages a creator with a comic book based business can expect to go through on the road to profitability.
Cartoonist Ryan Claytor returns to the ComixLaunch Podcast to share tips and strategies for turning your downtime into funds. While working through fulfillment on his last Kickstarter, Ryan found himself needing to recharge with sketches... but a few months later, he's turned his artistic recovery fun project into an awesome product.
Jellop is a marketing company laser focused on helping creators overachieve their Kickstarter goals by running highly targeted paid traffic campaigns during their launch. In this session, Tyler chats with Jellop's Customer Outreach Manager Noah Kinsey about paid traffic strategy for higher level crowdfunding.
Join writer Clay Adams and artist Mick Beyers, creators of the new Lovecraftian one-shot DreamQuest from Fried Comics, for a discussion about leaning in creatively to the type of projects best suited for the Kickstarter audience.
Over the past few years, Jack Holder has successfully ramped up his crowdfunding efforts, launching fantasy comics and prose on Kickstarter, while juggling the demanding duties of raising a newborn. In this interview, he joins Tyler for a candid discussion about balancing, work, life, and crowdfunding.
ComixTribe just had it's most-backed, most funded Kickstarter launch ever with Ryan K Lindsay & Louie Joyce's A FISTFUL OF PAIN. In this Kickstarter postmortem recap, Tyler dives deep into the analytics to extract the key components that resulted in such a successful launch.
Let's tackle the vexing topic of social media algorithms when it comes to using social platforms to promote your creative work. What's working now, what isn't and so much more!
Tyler dusts off the ComixLaunch Mailbag to share some listener feedback on past episodes and answer great Kickstarter questions!
Variant covers. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're a HUGE aspect of the comic creator crowdfunding experience and in this podcast, Tyler will take a deep dive on all things variants. What you learn here may shock you and inform your future comics crowdfunding strategy.
Scott Serkland is the writer and artist of "Young and the Dead" a 1980s-themed kids vs zombie comic in the spirit of The Goonies meets Night of the Living Dead. In this interview, Tyler and Scott will discuss cartooning, mining the past for comic crowdfunding gold in the present, and Scott's line of geeky mad science themed comics and products!
Curious what the "going rate" for comic books on Kickstarter is these days? Tyler was! So in this episode, he takes a deep dive on pricing comics and the widening gap between what the market seems to be willing to bear on Kickstarter vs other sales channels.
In June, Crowdfundr joined the growing list of crowdfunding platforms open to creators with an initial launch of more than 20 comic projects. In this session, Tyler will share his thoughts on this new Kickstarter competitor, and it's initial roll out.
After more than 20 successful Kickstarter launches, writer Pat Shand is wrapping up his most successful launch yet with Cheeky, an erotic and hilarious graphic novel. Join Pat and Tyler for a discussion about playing the Kickstarter long game and playing it to win!
Over the past several years writer Caleb Palmquist has been on a mission to discover through trial and error what works for him when it comes to crowdfunding his creative projects. In the process, he's had to let go of some things that simply weren't working and learn what does work on Kickstarter from some of the top creators on the platform. As a result, he's in the midst of his best launch yet for Unicorn: Vampire Hunter #1-5!
Learn the #1 strategy to use when your crowdfunding campaign is struggling to get to 100% funded.
In this deep-dive discussion about the changing state of the crowdfunding landscape in 2022, Tyler chats with Zoop founder and CEO Jordan Plosky about the niche his new crowdfunding platform is carving out. With the goal of making crowdfunding a more pleasurable experience for creators running campaigns and for the fans supporting them, this conversation covers a wide range of topics anyone interested in comics crowdfunding will want to tune into.
J.S. Earls is working with a popular writer on adapting one of his novels into a graphic novel for launching on Kickstarter. His challenge is that previously, another crowdfunded adaptation project of that author run by another team was seriously late in fulfilling. In this session, a roundtable of creators advise J.S. on how to rebuild good will and trust with fans after a previous failure to meet promises and expectations.
Jacob Michael Campbell is gearing up for his first Kickstarter launch for a brand new comic book series, and is looking for ideas and guidance on how to build an audience for it, starting from scratch. In this mastermind style session of the ComixLaunch Podcast, a roundtable of veteran creators will help Jacob discover where he should be focusing in terms of audience building prior to launch.
With a big convention fast approaching and a number of titles nearly ready to launch on Kickstarter, Shane Chebsey is feeling the pressure to get those projects launched. In this mastermind style session of the ComixLaunch Podcast, a roundtable of creators will help Shane brainstorm ideas for launching more Kickstarter projects in a short amount of time.
Over the past few years, comic creator Nathan Lueth has racked up a number of successful Kickstarter campaigns. As a result, he now has a healthy inventory of books in his basement he'd love to sell, and is interested in getting tips to make more sales in places off of Kickstarter? In this mastermind style episode, Tyler and a group of talented creators advise Nathan where he should be focusing and what strategies work best for sales beyond Kickstarter?
Writer and cartoonist Scott Harris-King has had success publishing his Kickstarter series The Crimebusters over the past few years. But as a do-it-all creator, his creative output is limited. Now he'd like to level up from being a solo creator to building out a publishing line so he can get more stories out into the world. In this mastermind style episode, Tyler and a group of talented creators brainstorm with Scott on how he might best learn the skills of being a publisher and find the right people to round out his team?
Curtis Clow is the writer and co-creator of a number of highly successful fantasy graphic novel series on Kickstarter, including Beastlands, The Wild Cosmos, Slightly Exaggerated and Majestic. In this session, Tyler James talks to Curtis about how his approach to Kickstarter has evolved over the years, and some new opportunities that have been created by the success on that platform.
Today, there are more ways than ever to get into your audience's inbox during a Kickstarter launch, which has many creators wondering how much is too much? In this session, Tyler will break down how he sees the crucial skill of email communication when in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign.
Writer and Editor James Powell (House of Fear) takes a minute away from his biggest House of Fear launch ever to join Tyler James for a discussion about imposter syndrome, playing the mental game of being a creator, and thriving on Kickstarter and beyond.
Nick Pitarra, Eisner-nominated and New York Times bestselling co-creator of the Manhattan Projects, has created, written & drawn the new graphic novel Ax-Wielder Jon. It's debut on the Zoop crowdfunding platform brought in $40K on day one, and has continued to roll. In this session, he'll chat with Tyler about the new project, crowdfunding on a young platform, and more!
Ever look at one of those huge Kickstarters and wonder where the heck did all those backers come from? If you've been listening to ComixLaunch for any length of time, you know that you can see of a successful campaign is only the tip of the iceberg and that most of what makes a launch successful is the work done in advance of the launch. In this session, Tyler breaks down in detail where the backers for his latest big Kickstarter launch are actually coming from, what actions he took to bring them out on day one, and the tools he uses to track and measure what's working at the start of a campaign.
After being furloughed from his job in the 2020 pandemic shut down, writer/artist Gary Parkin decided to finally go for it and publish his comic Vampocalypse #1. Fast-forward 18 months later and Gary has completed dozens of comics and raised over $100,000 on Kickstarter, which has let him focus on growing his imprint Underglow Comics full time. Gary shares his story of spending 15 years working dreadful jobs, to now making comics full-time and being 100% sure that this will be his life forever!
Backer adjustments are a normal part of any Kickstarter launch... but if you're not prepared for them, they can reek havok on a crowdfunder's mindset during a launch. In this session, Tyler shares the Three Laws of Kickstarter Backer Adjustments, and offers some helpful tips for putting them in perspective so that you can have an enjoyable, successful and profitable launch!
Offering variant covers has become the norm for comic book Kickstarter campaigns for a while now… but it seems more and more campaigns are offering risque or NSFW covers. In this session, Tyler chats with Rob Multari, creator of Night Wolf, about the decision to experiment with one such cover during his latest Night Wolf Launch. They're also joined by writer Charlie Stickney, creator of White Ash & Glarien, who's successfully offered NSFW material for his Kickstarter projects
Travis Gibb, a veteran of 13 amazing Kickstarter campaigns, spills his secrets about coming up with compelling "gimmicks" to entice backers to jump on board comic book Kickstarter projects, like his latest live anthology Cthulhu Invades Wonderland. Join Tyler and Travis as they discuss how to make strong projects irresistible!
If you had $500 to spend towards advertising your next Kickstarter launch, where would you put that money? And what if you don't want to throw it into Facebook ads? Are there better opportunities out there to get a stronger return on your marketing dollar? Let's discuss some options for the Kickstarter campaign manager on a budget!
As comic conventions pick up steam again after being sidelined during the pandemic, creators should consider them as strong audience growth opportunities. In this session, I'll share tips for creators to maximize audience growth opportunities at your next comic convention.
Years in the making, Bloom Pretty, a new fantasy comic from an all-female creative team, has had a breakout debut on Kickstarter this month. In this interview, Tyler James chats with writer/ creator Lisa Fowler about what went into bringing this new series to life. They'll also be joined by her partner Brant Fowler, publisher of Last Ember Press about sowing the seeds for a level-up launch!
Your crowdfunding campaign is over and it was a success! Before you can ship your rewards to all those amazing backers, you're going to need to collect some information from them to fulfill. In this session, we'll talk all about the tools Kickstarter provides creators to survey their backers to enable swift fulfillment.
For the first time in forever, comic book printing companies, and by extension comic book creators, are dealing with a global paper shortage, which has manifested in increased prices, longer production times, and greater uncertainty. Is it time for comic creators to panic? And what can comic creators do, other than panic, to adjust to the current paper shortage so that they can continue to move their creative projects forward?
Kickstarters are a TON of work and take a long time to plan, launch and fulfill, right? But, what if they didn't? What would a "quick and dirty" Kickstarter launch look like? And when might it make sense to launch one? In this episode, Tyler pulls back the curtain on his decision to serialize the ComixTribe series Happy Hill by Joe Mulvey and Rich Douek quick and dirty style!
Thanks to Kickstarter, we are in a "Golden Age" of the Comic Book Anthology. However, just making an anthology alone isn't a surefire recipe for success. In this mini-training, veteran five-figure anthology creator Russell Nohelty will break down 10 common mistakes creators are making with their anthology projects, and what to do to set them straight!
Is there an idea for a project that you've had for years that you simply can't let go? In this session, writer George O'Connor shares the process of bringing an original twist on the end-on-the-world genre to life in the form of the new anthology Toddler-Pocalypse. Find out how George worked with co-writer Diana Porter, recruited in-demand artists, and kept his blockbuster high-concept grounded in relatable human truths.
Want to charge your backers for shipping AFTER your Kickstarter campaign but not quite sure how to do it? Curious why some of the bigger Kickstarter launches use Backerkit to collect shipping charges instead of Kickstarter? In this deep dive, Tyler will share the pros and cons of charging shipping off of Kickstarter using Backerkit.
Many creators in the ComixLaunch community are experiencing bigger launch days than ever before… but some are also reporting that the Kickstarter "dead zone" seems to start earlier and last longer. This can be disconcerting for even veteran creators, which is why it's imperative that creators avoid attitudes and actions that turn backers off during a launch and adopt those that attract. In this episode, Tyler will break them all down and give some concrete, actionable steps creators can take today to right the Kickstarter ship.
Want to offer retailer bundles as higher end pledge tiers on Kickstarter? In order to do it right, you'll need to understand how retailers think and how to craft rewards that will be appealing to them. In this mini-training, Tyler will share some of his top tips for getting retailers on board your Kickstarter campaigns!
For decades, authors have promoted new book launches by going on tour, and in the past, Ryan Claytor has done just that. But in a pandemic era, for his latest launch for "A Hunter's Tale", he's pivoted to an online tour model. In this session, he'll share how he lined up 31 "online tour stops" in 31 days to get the word out about his project...and how you can do the same!
Coming off ComixTribe's most funded comic book Kickstarter launch yet, Tyler shares his unique approach and philosophy to stretch goals that help keep momentum rolling all campaign long.
In 2021, writer James Mascia performed the Herculean feat of launching ten successful Kickstarter campaigns within the calendar year! So, it should come as no surprise that James is interested in tips for overcoming the fatigue of constant Kickstarter launching. In this mastermind style session, a round table of ComixLaunch Pros facilitated by Tyler James shares both admiration for James' accomplishment and some advice for how to lighten the load heading into the new year.
The Oneshi Press team of Lynsey G. and Jayel Draco are looking to strategize on ways to warm their existing audience of primarily comic fans to some new offerings from them in other product categories and formats. Will a mostly comic audience warm to prose or other entertainment products? Or should they start they're audience building from scratch for new offers? In this mastermind style session, a round table of ComixLaunch Pros facilitated by Tyler James shares a wealth of tips for creators who offer a multitude of products to their fans.
As Australian comic creator Shaun Keenan starts to focus more on building his publishing imprint COMICS2MOVIES up as an attractive home for other indie creators, he's concerned about making sure he's able to make an attractive offer to creators interested in publishing through him. In this mastermind style session, a round table of ComixLaunch Pros facilitated by Tyler James shares what creators REALLY want (and absolutely do NOT want) from a small press publisher they might consider working with.
Comic creator Chris Beck has a problem most would be thrilled to have -- his first Kickstarter launch funded faster than he could have ever anticipated! But now he's struggling with what to do for stretch goals, and how he can maintain backer interest and enthusiasm without breaking the bank with a ton of unplanned for expenses. Luckily, he has a round table of veteran ComixLaunch Pros facilitated by Tyler James in his corner, and in this special mastermind season Chris and YOU will get a master class in savvy Kickstarter stretch goals!
Gorilla of My Dreams writer Big Tim Stiles latest attempt to get some backer engagement and interaction during his Kickstarter flopped big time. In this mastermind style session, a round table of ComixLaunch Pros facilitated by Tyler James breakdown what went wrong with Tim's engagement strategy, and brainstorm ways to improve it, as well as share what's worked for backer engagement during their launches. Mastermind season is BACK on ComixLaunch!
When it comes time to actually ship your crowdfunding rewards to backers, is Backerkit the right tool for the job? And should you purchase your postage through Backerkit with their built-in Backerkit Postage feature? Tyler takes a deep dive into this Kickstarter fulfillment tool with everything creators like you need to know about whether or not it's time to upgrade to Backerkit for your launches!
For many creators, getting their comic book picked up by publisher was always the ultimate goal. However, some have found much greener pastures going the self-publishing route. In this discussion with writer Anthony Ruttgaizer, you'll hear how a less than amazing experience with a small press publisher encouraged him to go all in on self-publishing and crowdfunding.
Over the past six years, across more than a dozen successful Kickstarter launches, award-winning Australian illustrator Anthony Christou's Luminous Ages IP now includes comics books, art books, card games, fantasy commissions, playmats, puzzles, t-shirts, illustrated novels, RPG Campaign Books, Resin Miniatures and more! In this interview, Tyler and Anthony will discuss expanding your creative universe and product offerings beyond comics.
By the Time I Get to Dallas creator and full-time emergency doctor Colin Devonshire joins Tyler for a discussion about balancing a demanding, rewarding day job, a family and ambitions creative pursuits. They'll discuss how to make Kickstarter efforts sustainable WITHOUT it taking over your life!
Join artist Mog Park and writer Rob Multari for a discussion about their new 19th Century Scottish female werewolf fantasy comic Snow Paw, funding now on Kickstarter. A spin off series from Rob's popular Night Wolf book, you'll find out how this creative team came together to create something new in an already established world.
Russell Nohelty has raised over $250K in funding for his books on the Kickstarter platform and credits Kickstarter with saving his career. In this high-level Kickstarter interview, he'll share why Kickstarter is THE must use platform for authors interested in increasing their profit and visibility.
Comic book projects launched on Kickstarter are more likely to successfully fund than any other project category, according to Kickstarter's own reported stats. In this episode, Tyler shares his take on the top 5 reasons comics are King on Kickstarter.
Is there money in webcomics? Leif & Thorn creator Erin Ptah stops by the ComixLaunch Podcast to crunch some numbers and talk about the opportunities for webcomic creators crowdfunders today.
Tyler welcomes Kickstarter's Director of Publishing & Comics Outreach at Kickstarter Oriana Leckert for an open, ask her all your Kickstarter questions session! We'll learn what the current trends and best practices are from the insiders at Kickstarter to help us continue to level up our launches!
Learn everything comic creator crowdfunders need to know about barcodes for their comics and graphic novels!
One of the hottest trends at conventions, on Kickstarter and in the online retail comic collector space is offering special variant cover comics with METAL covers. Yes... we're talking real metal! In this session, you'll get a complete primer to everything creators need to know about making metal comics so you can decide whether to offer them with your next launch!
Tyler tackles Backerkit's main service offering, the Backerkit Pledge Manager with a particular focus on Backerkit Surveys! In this session, you'll learn what Backerkit Surveys can do, who should use them, and how effective they are at not only managing complex campaigns but also raising significantly more funding AFTER your Kickstarter campaign ends.
Coming back to the Kickstarter platform after a campaign that performs beyond your wildest expectations brings its own set of challenges. Comic writer David Pepose, creator of The O.Z., returns to the ComixLaunch Podcast to discuss doubling down on the success of his first crowdfunding effort with it's second issue launch!
Over the past month, a wave of high profile comic creators started publishing new email newsletters on Substack, a venture backed platform for independent publishing. In this session, Tyler goes deep on the Substack platform, and weather or not it's a place ComixLaunchers should be.
Award-winning writer and veteran of 19 Kickstarter launches Felipe Cagno joins Tyler for a discussion of comics and crowdfunding!
Campaign underperforming? You know you need to stay positive in order to keep promoting your Kickstarter... but how do you actually do that when you keep hitting refresh on your project page and aren't liking your funding or backer totals? In this session, Tyler shares why it's so important to shake out of that negative state and how to quickly right your emotional ship.
Looking for something to do during your Kickstarter campaign to engage your backers and bring some new ones onboard your campaign? Then look no further than the Livestream Q&A! In this podcast, Tyler will break this strategy down step-by-step!
No question the more times you launch on Kickstarter the easier it becomes for creators... and yet, there are still some problems that arise when you've been launching for a while. After launching his 23rd(!) Kickstarter campaign for ComixTribe's Happy Hill #1, Tyler shares a few problems that he and other veteran creators face, as well as suggestions for how best to handle them.
When the mainstream comics industry went "pencils down" during the pandemic of 2020, industry veteran Jeremy Haun knew he had to keep telling stories and making comics... and so he did! The result... HAUNTHOLOGY an oversized, 144+ page hardcover of original short horror comics.
Karl Kerschl, the Eisner Award-winning Writer/Illustrator of The Abominable Charles Christopher, Gotham Academy and the fantasy adventure series ISOLA, joins Tyler for a wide-ranging interview about building a lasting career in comics, webcomics, crowdfunding, and a whole lot more.
Comics writer D.P. Brown is looking to expand his audience by using a viral contest... but he's never done one before and is looking for strategies to make it pop. A round table of comic creators guide D.P. on tools, strategies and best practices for audience building viral contests.
Despite rocking his best Kickstarter launch ever, there was one metric that was really bothering Night Wolf creator Rob Multari... his returning backer rate? Was this a sign that something major was wrong with his launch? Or was this "problem" actually not a problem at all?
Writer/artist Jaymie Dylan is concerned that her next Kickstarter project might be too different from her last one to bring her existing backers back for more. In this mastermind style session, the round table discusses personal branding and strategies for multi-talented, multi-interested creators can use to get their audience to follow them, regardless of what they're creating.
Like many creators, Ryan Claytor has far more creative projects in the works than he can possibly complete. As a result, he's feeling less productive than he'd like. Know the feeling? Well, this group of creators certainly does, and in this mastermind style session, they'll provide Ryan some support for taking control of his project load.
Writer George O'Connor is gearing up to launch his first big anthology project, Toddlerpocalypse, and is looking to brainstorm reward and campaign ideas to help take this launch to the stratosphere. A group of talented creators helps George unlock some brilliant ideas in this mastermind style session.
Writer Rob Multari, and the founder and publisher of Lone Wolf Comics, best known for the Kickstarter funded ongoing series Night Wolf joins Tyler for a discussion about building genuine connections in the comic creator community and challenges serializing comics on Kickstarter.
Ringo-nominated comic book writer and editor Erica Schultz chats with Tyler about using crowdfunding to bring an all-new original graphic novel The Deadliest Bouquet to life on Kickstarter.
If you're an overseas creator stumped about how to deliver Kickstarter rewards to a primarily US based audience or simply want to get out of the Kickstarter reward packing and shipping game, this one is for you! Tyler chats with writer Andrew Clemson, creator of Damsel from D.I.S.T.R.E.S.S., about how he is able to orchestrate comic book Kickstarter fulfillment from overseas.
Every month, Backerkit Marketing runs paid traffic for some of the biggest crowdfunding projects on the planet. In this episode, Tyler will tell you everything you need to know about this offering from Backerkit, including how Backerkit Marketing contributed to his biggest Kickstarter launch yet!
Does it ever feel like crowdfunding is just easier for other people? Even if your launches are succeeding, why does it still feel like a massive struggle to get traction? Are you worried it will always be this way? In this session, Tyler will look at this common frustration for creators and share some ways to solve it once and for all.
Tyler's latest launch for the Counting, Colors & Cthulhu Board Book with Jason Ciaramella & Josh Janes is his biggest yet! In this session, he'll break down the five NEW things he's doing for this launch that are contributing to a new personal crowdfunding best!
Award-winning comic book colorist and creator Wes Hartman joins Tyler for a discussion about serializing his "Bigfoot in space" series SAVAGE SASQUANAUT on Kickstarter!
In this first of a four-part in-depth revisit of the Backerkit platform, Tyler shares how this company has evolved into much more than a crowdfunding survey management tool. This session focuses on BackerKit Launch, a tool that helps creators get their hottest leads to back early.
Want prospective backers to believe your book is going to be great and that you'll be able to deliver on all your campaign promises? Then don't make them take your word for it! Instead show them some awesome social proof! In this episode, Tyler will show you how to get social proof for your project, even if you're a total newbie!
ComixLaunch welcomes its youngest guest ever, 7 year old Owen Claytor, creator of Honk: A comics story about bullying, which successfully launched on Kickstarter with a little help from his father and fellow comic creator Ryan Claytor.
Ten31 Publisher and creator of House of Fear James Powell joins Tyler for an honest discussion about the emotional rollercoaster ride creators face when going after their dreams. We'll discuss that self-doubt, fear of failure, or imposter syndrome, as well as many of the insights and breakthroughs James has had after leaving the day job to go all in on his creative pursuits.
Tyler chats with Colorado based comic writer & artist and the CEO of Actionline Studios, Matt Campbell about his Kickstarter funded epic thriller comic series, Mythica. Matt is a teacher of the visual arts and drops a ton of guidance and sage advice for young comic creators in this conversation.
Charlie Stickney, co-creator of WHITE ASH, is back on Kickstarter this month with the first White Ash Spin-off series, GLARIEN. We'll discuss his latest campaigns explosive launch, and dive into a range of topics including evolving your product offerings to meet the changing Kickstarter market, investing in variant covers, as well as get an update on how things are going in his role as co-publisher of Scout Comics.
What's the secret to getting the "Project We Love" Tag on Your Comic Book Kickstarter Project? In this video, Tyler shares the importance of the PWL tag, dispels some common myths about it, and shares what comic crowdfunding creators can do to up the odds that their projects get selected.
In this session, Tyler shares all the revenue streams for his creative business, as well as all the expenses required to keeping ComixTribe and ComixLaunch running, so that hopefully you can get some new ideas for sources of income... or ways to spend it!
After consecutive failed Kickstarters, a friend asked if his brand is irrevocably ruined? And, if not, what should he do to course correct? In this session, Tyler answers his questions and provide a plan for him to move forward!
Writer/artist Nima Afshar launched the world's first full length glow-in-the-dark comic on Kickstarter. In this session, we'll talk about creating specialty comics and prints, how a fan comic helped Nima get his comics career rolling, first launch challenges and more!
Tyler interviews writer Jason Inman, the Ringo nominated co-writer of Kickstarter funded comics including Jupiter Jet and SCIENCE! A military veteran, he's also the author of book Super Soldiers: A Salute to the Comic Book Heroes and Villains Who Fought for Their Country, available on Amazon. Formerly the host of DC All Access, he currently hosts the Geek History Lesson podcast. His latest comic project is SUPER BEST FRIEND, which is live and funding on Kickstarter right now!
If you're looking to ramp up the total number of projects you're hoping to launch this year, but aren't quite sure how to do it, this episode shares the 4 best strategies to launch more often and to do so with less stress.
Printing a comic or graphic novel in 2021? Then this is the podcast to listen to as printing specialist Rich Boye of Comic Impressions returns to the podcast to answer all your printing questions.
Before you put 2020 behind you forever, there are a few things you'll want to make sure you capture. In this special new year session of the ComixLaunch Podcast, Tyler James walks you through his end-of-the-year review system to get you prepped and ready for a breakthrough 2021!
Actor Dan Feuerriegel, best known for roles on Spartacus and Marvel: Agents of Shield, talks about creating and launching his first graphic novel project, Fractured Shards, on Kickstarter with Comics2Movies publisher Shaun Keenan.
So, maybe your campaign is taking forever to fund. Or maybe you're heading into the final few days and you still have what seems like a long way to go... should you give up? And if not, how do you finish strong on a campaign that isn't funded right away?
Tyler shares four purchases for their creative businesses that ComixLaunch Pro say they are happy they have made over the years. If you have a little extra cash this holiday season, you might want to treat yourself to one of these!
99.9% of Kickstarter Backers are amazing… but what about the few who are not? In this session, Tyler talks about the phenomenon of bad faith backers who troll Kickstarter creators by pledging at large dollar...
Thinking about collecting your comic series into a trade collection and launching it on Kickstarter? Don't do it until you listen to this episode so you can maximize the value of your collected edition!
Sit in on a conversation about serializing your super hero comic on Kickstarter as Tyler James chats with writer Kat Calamia of "Like Father, Like Daughters" whose seventh issue is funding now on Kickstarter.
Learn how to get creative with your Kickstarter crosspromotions as Tyler James and Night Wolf's Rob Multari discuss strategies that are working for their live launches.
Kickstarter time is game time! In this session, Tyler shares one of his favorite campaign strategies to turn his Kickstarter launches into fun events!
Come hang out for the NIGHTMARE THEATER Roundtable as we take a look inside the success of this new cinematic horror comic anthology! Tyler James is joined by creators David Schrader, Clay Adams, David Pepose, James Powell, Jessica Maison Judd, Newton Lilavois & Terry Mayo for a lively discussion about the 225+ page book starring demons, Lovecraftian monsters, psycho killers and more that's perfect for the Halloween season!
Thinking about offering early backer discount pledge levels for your next Kickstarter campaign? This podcast episode will tell you everything you need to know!
Tyler talks to Fraser Campbell, the award-winning writer of comics such as Sleeping Dogs, Alex Automatic, Heart of Steal, The Edge Off and House of Sweets, about building a steady following for diverse styles of books on Kickstarter. Fraser shares secretes behind his latest and most successful launch to date, the lo-fi sci-fi story IND-XED.
Renderwave's Oldrich Stibor shares the secrets and strategies behind the massive success of his current Kickstarter launch for a new digital art tutorial book, Colorpedia, available at ComixLaunch.com/color.
Will November 2020 be a terrible time to launch a comic book Kickstarter? In this session, Tyler discusses the pros and cons of launching during a CRAZY month.
Keanu or Kea-NO? Is the New Blockbuster Kickstarter Comic by Keanu Reeves & Boom Studios Bad for Indie Comic Creators? I have strong words... let's discuss!
The O.Z., a high-concept re-imagining of the fantasy classic, has been a smash success for first-time Kickstarter creator David Pepose. Tyler chats with David about the secrets to the success of this exciting new book.
Entertainment lawyer and author Gamal Hennessy shares secrets from his new book THE BUSINESS OF INDEPENDENT COMIC BOOK PUBLISHING, which just rocked a very successful launch on Kickstarter.
Michael Avon Oeming, Eisner, Harvey and Eagle award winning comics creator, writer and artist, best known as the artist of POWERS, and his wife and collaborator Taki Soma, join Tyler James for a discussion about comics and crowdfunding their ongoing Kickstarter funded, Image Comics published series The After Realm.
Tyler chats with talks to Inverse Press' Kevin LaPorte about his lessons learned from Ten Years of Independent Comics Publishing, as he celebrates their 10th Anniversary with a Collector's Box of Horror, funding now on Kickstarter.
Is it possible to over-promote your Kickstarter campaign and turn off your audience by doing so? What promotional strategies come across as "spammy"? And what's the right attitude and approach creators should take towards promoting their launches?
How important is the genre you choose when it comes to your ability to have success on Kickstarter?
Ever wondered what exactly ComixLaunch host and ComixTribe Publisher Tyler James does all week? Then this is your episode, as Tyler is pulling back the curtain on a full week in the life of a full time creator in the age of Covid.
Tyler dives back into the ComixLaunch Mailbag and answers a host of questions from comic creator crowdfunders.
Curtis Clow is a comic book writer and creator whose Kickstarter-serialized series Beastland's has raised $90,000 on the platform, and just wrapped his biggest launch yet. In this interview, Tyler chats with Curtis about how he was able to quit the day job late last year and make a living through writing and comics, how he landed all of his Kickstarter funded comics with publishers, and the secrets behind his latest breakthrough launch. Considering Curtis' comics journey started in earnest just a few years ago, this interview should be incredibly inspiring for creators out there.
Lone Wolf Comics' Rob Multari joins Tyler James for a discussion about self-funding comics, crowdfunding comics, and comic book project management, as Rob's latest launch for Nightwolf #1-4 takes off on Kickstarter.
Comic creator Rene Pfitzner has been building a following and having success on Kickstarter, but still feels like he's struggling to find out where his ideal reader hangs out online, and the best strategies to actually connect with them so that they can discover his books? Tyler and a mastermind roundtable of creators have advice for Rene and share it in this mastermind style session.
Webcomics creator Bitsy Tandem has a dilemma on her hands... Should she re-launch her webcomic on Webtoons or go with a new small publisher interested in her work. How to decide between launching on Webtoon or going with a small publisher for my next project? Tyler and a mastermind roundtable of creators have advice for Bitsy and share it in this mastermind style session.
20 year comics veteran Jim Rugg has launched a wildly successful Kickstarter for what could be the worlds first blacklight comic book with fluorescent ink, OCTOBRIANA 1976. In this ComixLaunch Interview, Tyler will talk to the Eisner and Ignatz award-winning cartoonist about pushing the boundaries of the print medium, his work as an instructor at the School of Visual Arts, and co-founding YouTube’s Cartoonist Kayfabe comics channel with Ed Piskor, and more.
Zebra Comics publisher E.N. Ejob has one successful Kickstarter campaign under his belt, but has been nervous about launching another one. His challenge: How do you keep your past backers engaged and get them to come back for more and at the same time appeal to new readers when you launch again? Tyler and a mastermind roundtable of creators have advice for E.N. and share it in this mastermind style session.
Artist & Comic Creator Matthew Childers is having trouble recreating the success he has selling prints at conventions on his own online shop. In this mastermind style roundtable session, Tyler and a group of talented creators give him a series of valuable strategies to boost sales online.
For the first time ever, listen in on clips from the ComixLaunch Mastermind sessions this year that help lead to Clay Adams of Fried Comics most successful Kickstarter launch ever... for a project that he had been sitting on for years!
The ComixLaunch Mailbag is opened once again, as Tyler answers four questions submitted by creators during a recent ComixLaunch Masterclass. In this session, you'll learn what makes launching on Kickstarter special, some additional tips for building your email list, finding an artist and fighting fear.
Ovation Comics Publisher and writer of Battle Royale Planet, Goth Ghost Girl & Infinity Agents John Schlim, Jr. joins Tyler for a frank discussion on the perserverance and problem solving required for success on Kickstarter and beyond.
While this year’s Free Comic Book Day may have been postponed, creator Russell Nohelty wanted to provide fans with a fun, virtual con loaded with FREE COMICS and AMAZING CREATORS... so he did! Find out all about the event, as well as Russell's tips and lessons learned from quickly pulling together several successful online events.
It's Kickstarter Launch Day for writer, artist, and ComixLaunch Pro Member Dan Ekis, creator of ODYSSEY, INC: THE TWIN BENGALS, Live Now on Kickstarter. Find out the strategies Dan has been using to reach more fans with his art on webtoons, YouTube and inside his mailing list!
Australian comic creator and publisher Shaun Keenan discusses lessons learned from his most successful launch which happened to roll during the Covid-Crisis, and how his plans are changing to adjust for the new reality on the ground for comic creators worldwide.
The massive, once-in-a-lifetime disruption of the current pandemic has opened up some unique opportunities for comic book creators. Let's discuss!
A few years ago, creator Emily Drouin started Kids Con, a New England area comic con exclusively for kids! However, due to Covid-19 shutting down public gatherings and forcing the closure of this years June event, Emily and her team have pivoted to take the Kids Con experience online! Find out the Kids Con origin story, Emily's experience of bringing this convention to life, and their plans for turning the beloved family event into an online extravaganza.
Tyler James joins Rob Andersin on The Advocating Channel to talk about how to create a successful crowdfunding campaigns today. In this session, they discuss everything from making the right video, to stacking the right pledge rewards and the decision on whether to delay or go forward with a launch considering the state of the world right now.
What do you do when your Kickstarter progress slows down or your campaign feels like it's stuck in neutral?
Thousands of comic creators right now trying to decide whether to launch their previously planned Kickstarters in light of the global pandemic. Tyler shares his best advice on how to navigate these unprecidented choppy waters.
Kristen Renee Gorlitz, film and comics writer, and creator of The Empties stops by the ComixLaunch Podcast to talk about the process of writing a screenplay, turning it into a horror comic and then funding it successfully on Kickstarter.
While in the midst of his latest Kickstarter launch, writer Travis Gibb gets a little coaching from Tyler on the realities of serializing a crime comic on Kickstarter and what it will take to level up his launches.
Sam Johnson is preparing for his biggest Kickstarter launch yet, and is asking Tyler's advice how to continue to grow and excite his fanbase during his next launch.
A group of comic creators have joined forces to create an anthology book of art and short stories, titled 'Australia Burns: Tales of Devastation and Courage Under Fire' with all proceeds to be donated to the firefighters who are still out there right now, and the families who have lost everything in the 2019–20 Australian bushfire season. In this session, Tyler talks to a supergroup of creators including Tim Stiles, Clay Adams, Shaun Keenan and Shane Walsh-Smith about the devastating situation on the ground in Australia and how this charity anthology was pulled together in record time to respond.
In this session, Tyler walks you step by step through a simple, proven, free strategy to add your first or next 100 subscribers to your email list in the next three days or less. This strategy has a 100% success rate for creators who follow it to the letter.
Most creators listening to ComixLaunch have been trying to build an audience for a while now. In this second of three focused trainings on audience growth, you'll learn six big mistakes creators often make that stops them from building an engaged subscriber base.
ComixLaunch gets backs to basics for the new year, and that means building a big, engaged audience ready to support your project launches on Kickstarter and beyond! In this first of three focused mini-trainings, you'll learn how to clear out all the obstacles standing in the way of a rabid fanbase and where to put your focus this decade to maximize your results.
'Tis the season of annual goal setting, but many creators have been frustrated with setting goals in the past. In this session, Tyler will help you reframe your relationship with goal setting and get you primed to achieve big things in 2020 by following a few simple actions.
Could 2020 be the year that Kickstarter finally stops working for comic creators and crowdfunders? In this session, Tyler looks at 5 common concerns creators have about the sustainability of the #1 crowdfunding platform… and shares his own insights on the future of the platform.
After 3 days of (successfully!) potty training his toddler, ComixLaunch host Tyler James as popped back up with 10 lessons comic creators and crowdfunders can learn from the process and apply to their successful 2020.
In this end-of-the-decade session of the ComixLaunch Podcast, Tyler shares the 10 biggest lessons he's learned over the past 10 years working on THE RED TEN series, which recently wrapped up with a final successful Kickstarter launch.
Fantasy webcomic creator Melissa J Massey is puzzled by the fact that despite creating work that features strong female leads in genres women generally like, most of her fan base is male. She asks the mastermind for ideas on how to attract more female fans and backers.
Professional comic writer Erica Schultz looks for feedback from a mastermind of creator peers on the advantages of getting a literary agent to represent her work and tips for finding one. Highlights of This Session...
Abrian Curington is a multi-talented creator who, over the past few years has crowdfunded both fiction and non-fiction projects. Now she's wrestling with whether or not she needs to rebrand herself to be more inclusive of everything she does or to split her branding to serve the different fanbases she appeals to.
Drawing has never been a problem for illustrator Dawn Griffin. However, she's now finding it challenging to sit down and write out her first graphic novel and looks to a pop-up ComixLaunch Mastermind group facilitated by Tyler James including creators Erica Shultz, Abrian Curington and Melissa J Massey to help her build better writing habits.
Gamal Hennessy is an experienced entertainment transactions attorney with an expertise in comic book publishing and comic IP licensing. In this session, Gamal answers key questions comic creators have around the topic of protecting their intellectual property.
If you've been beating yourself up because your project is taking to long, listen to this one...
Writer/artist/MC? Mike Barry returns to the ComixLaunch Podcast sharing the success of his all-ages graphic novel Action Tank since funding on Kickstarter in 2017.
Tyler revisits his big career goal from a decade ago and discusses the power of setting big, audacious goals... even if you never hit them!
Tyler looks back at three distinct strategies he employed at three different stages of his creative career that helped him dramatically expand his online audience, and as a result, his network and his launches. Highlights...
What do you do when it feels like the bottom has fallen out of your launch and failure is imminent? Whether you're a first timer or a ComixLaunch Veteran, you may still find yourself in an emotional freefall when your launch doesn't match your expectations. In this training, Tyler provides a simple 5 step plan to stop the freefall and hit the ground running toward a successful launch.
Would you love to launch a Kickstarter, but you're afraid to hit that green button because you're worried your audience isn't big enough? This episode will show you why a big audience is NOT a prerequisite to Kickstarter success.
Launching a Kickstarter for the second issue of a comic book series presents unique challenges and opportunities for creators. To break them all down this week, Tyler is joined by Travis Gibb (Broke Down and Four Dead Bodies) and Joel Rodriguez (Dusk County Chronicles.)
White Ash and The Game creator Charlie Stickney returns to the ComixLaunch podcast to share insights from his successful launches over the past three years, as well as his strategy for launching in the direct market.
Listen in on a coaching call with a freelancer who just launched her first project on Kickstarter and is looking for insight on how to take her career to the next level.
Russell Nohelty returns to the ComixLaunch podcast for an open and honest discussion about launching novels and comics as a Complete Creative. Russell opens up about what's working this year and what definitely is not working, and how he's pivoting to continue to grow his business, while also returning to one of his earliest and most beloved comic creations for another run on Kickstarter.
Rich Boye of Comic Impressions joins Tyler for discussion about how their company is making a strong push into the comic printing market and how they are poised to serve the independent creator as well as large scale publishers.
If you're a creator who isn't launching on Kickstarter due to fear of failure, Tyler has the cure for you in this session of ComixLaunch. In this episode, he'll share one of his big failures this year, and why he actually doesn't see it as a failure at all.
President of Scout Comics & Entertainment, Inc. James Haick returns to the Comixlaunch podcast to talk about the innovative moves SCOUT is making to shake up the world of creator-owned comics.
If fear is getting in the way of you actually launching your crowdfunding projects or going after your creative pursuits in a major way, this episode could change your future!
In this session, you'll learn the importance of a great logline and how to craft one for your book. Tyler is joined by writer John "Scooter" Robinson, who teaches a simple, step-by-step formula any writer can use to compress even the most epic tale into a single compelling sentence that will connect with readers and make it vastly easier to sell.
Tyler welcomes BOOM! Studios president and CEO Ross Richie to talk about the company's rapid rise from humble beginnings to a top publisher in the comics industry.
2 Emails That Generated $3,293 in Kickstarter Funding on Day One… Wait? You don’t have an email launch list yet? No excuses, attend my free workshop here: https://www.comixlaunch.com/ready And if you like smart, action -packed and...
Tyler is going ALL IN on reader testimonials to help power what he hopes will be the biggest ComixTribe graphic novel launch yet. Find out the whys and hows of this strategy and get a behind the curtain look at his latest Kickstarter launch.
Walter Ostlie, Bob Frantz & Kevin Cuffe, creators of the hit Kickstarter-funded graphic novel Metal Shark Bro join Tyler for a lively discussion on going after a big goal on Kickstarter.
How many sales channels are your books selling in? In this session, Tyler breaks down the six distinct sales channels where ComixTribe books are generating revenue, and shares the exact distribution of where the money is coming from for it's latest release.
Wondering if Diamond Comics distribution make sense for YOUR indie comic? Tyler James & indie comic writer Travis Gibb jam on this hot topic, uncovering the common misconceptions and myths about working with Diamond. Highlights...
Over the past several years, Ryan K Lindsay has heard the word "yes" from Black Mask, IDW, Dark Horse, DC, ComixTribe and many more. On this special session of the ComixLaunch Podcast, Tyler picks Ryan's brain on how he's managed to perfect his pitching process to attract the interest of artists, editors and fans.
Tables are turned and ComixLaunch Host Tyler James finds himself in the hotseat. In this session, Tyler talks about a calling and vision for a live, in-person professional development conference for comic creators and gets some feedback and great questions to think about from a mastermind of creator peers. And the best part... YOU get to be a fly on the wall for this conversation!
As his writing demands increase, Nightmare World creator Dirk Manning realizes he's going to need to cut back on his convention schedule. However, he's worried about losing connection with the fans who've supported him along the way if he's out of sight and out of mind. Hear the counsel Dirk receives from a mastermind of creator peers.
Russell Nohelty has made more money every year he's been a creator and 2019 is on track to being his best year ever. So, why does it feel like things are getting harder and not easier? Dirk Manning, Karl Kesel and Tyler James counsel Russell in a hotseat that all creators should hear.
After forming several MasterMind Groups over the years, I've learned what works and what doesn't. Here are four tips if you're thinking of starting your own group for mutual support and accountability.
Karl Kesel's (Section Zero) projects have raised over $100,000.00 on Kickstarter, but he's struggling to grow his fan base and reach a new audience for his work. In this session, he's joined by fellow members of the "six-figures in funding" club including Russell Nohelty, Dirk Manning and Tyler James to brainstorm golden opportunities and new strategies for Karl to build upon his fan base and take it to new heights!
In this session, Tyler speaks to a broader audience of business owners and creatives and shares 4 reasons why every entrepreneur should launch Kickstarter in 2019!
For the last 200 weeks, I've shared the lessons myself and other inspiring creators have learned from launching their creative projects into the world. Let's celebrate and keep going!
Lynne Somerman is a financial coach who helps creative entrepreneurs and small business owners feel less stupid about money. In this special session of The ComixLaunch Podcast, Lynne shares practical advice for creators who want to control the financial resources they have, rather than letting their money control them.
Tyler Chin-Tanner and his wife Wendy, co-founders of the publishing company A Wave Blue World have launched 4 successful Kickstarter anthology projects. In this session, Tyler spills the beans on the ups, downs, high, lows and best practices for planning and launching a great comic anthology.
How much should you charge when pricing comics? While conventional wisdom suggests that creators should charge the going rate (around $4 US) it is very possible sell your creator owned and independent comics for a lot more than that. In this session, Tyler shares 9 strategies that will let you charge way more than just a few bucks for your books, and still have fans happy to buy from you.
Author, podcaster and crowdfunding expert Salvador Briggman returns to the ComixLaunch Podcast to discuss the state of the Kickstarter platform.
Did you know you can easily recruit Kickstarter to promote your campaign on your behalf with just a couple of clicks?
Richard Bliss, host of Funding the Dream, the longest running Kickstarter podcast stops by for a great crowdfunding conversation with Tyler James.
On Kickstarter, is it best to wait until after you fund to add a list of stretch goals or does it help motivate funding if people see you already have a list of stretch goals? Tyler has a definitive answer for you!
After pouring years into creating his first graphic novel which is finally about to be complete, creator Zach Block is now looking for a little guidance on how to proceed with getting it launched to the world. Sit in on this final coaching call with Zach and Tyler as they walk through what happens after your book is finished.
Should you serialize your comic book on Kickstarter? On this FastTipFriday episode, we're going to look at the benefits of Serializing your series on the Kickstarter platform.
Veteran comic artist Michael Pennick is finally ready to step out on his own to build an audience for his creator-owned worked. But he's a bit overwhelmed and confused about which crowdfunding platform is right for him, so Tyler gives him some guidance in this week's coaching session.
If you're like most creators, I'm willing to bet that keeping some things up to date is a struggle for you. In this special FASTTIPFRIDAY episode of the ComixLaunch podcast, I'm going to tell you ONE thing you definitely don't want to let get too out of date.
As creators, we face no shortage of obstacles and challenges along the way to achieving or goals. However, often many of these roadblocks are of our own creation, and if we're not careful, we just might become the biggest thing standing in the way of our own success. In this session, Tyler helps new creator Dwayne Green sort through the many things standing in the way of his dreams and helps him forge a clearer path toward moving his creative business forward.
Timing is everything, right? Well, let's talk about it! In this coaching session, professional writer S.K. Malveaux asks about the best time to launch a Kickstarter, and gets support on the way towards her next launch.
Tyler coaches Dust Bunny Mafia creator Bret Juliano on how to strategically choose the right project for his first Kickstarter launch.
Listen in on a real coaching call, where Tyler helps writer Stephen Fisher figure out the next steps to putting together a creative team and bring his first comic book idea to life. Plus: The #comichelpinghand hashtag going on Twitter and details about new coaching program for creators.
When planning your launch, you might find yourself wondering what percentage of backers will choose physical rewards and how many will go the digital route? You also might be surprised when some choose no reward at all. In this session, Tyler dives deep into the numbers to help you know what you might expect for a backer distribution the next time you launch.
Let's say you've got a great idea for a giveaway to grow your email list and you've set everything up... what do you do now? How do you get people to enter your giveaway, and what can you do after they climb on board your list to warm them up to a future Kickstarter launch? All that and much more is covered in Part 2 of this Viral Giveway training episode!
What's the best way to energize and grow you Kickstarter email launch list fast in the lead up to your campaign? Have you tried a viral giveaway? In this two part training, Tyler breaks down the blueprint for a successful viral giveaway to grow your audience and prime them for your Kickstarter.
You'll want to bookmark this episode the next time you build a Kickstarter page because in it, Tyler shares 37 Kickstarter page elements that build trust with backers and lead to a successful launch! And the best part... this entire episode was generated with the help of the ComixLaunch community.
Comic creator Nathaniel Gold finally started going after his comic creating goals in the last year and has started to have some success. Now he's looking for help playing a bigger game and trying to start generating a consistent profit from his art. In this coaching call, Tyler will share strategies to help him do just that!
Writer Rich Douek and artist Joe Mulvey, the creative team from ComixTribe's new dark fantasy series Wailing Blade, stops by to share tips for building epic worlds for your characters to play in.
In the "Indie Advocator Presents..." Travis Gibb and Rob Andersin are crowdfunding an innovative approach to getting more awareness for exciting indie comic franchises. In this session, you'll learn about the origin of this project and how other indie creators can get involved.
Tyler shares five of his biggest new lessons learned over the past year and how he'll be applying them in the new year to have an even bigger 2019.
Few creators have written more about Kickstarter, had more success on Kickstarter, and helped more people achieve success on Kickstarter than Jamey Stegmaier, author of A Crowdfunder's Strategy Guide: Build a Better Business by Building Community and CEO of Stonemaier games. So why did he decided to STOP launching on Kickstarter? And how has he managed to grow his business in the years since? All that and much more is discussed on this year-end episode of ComixLaunch!
Over the past year, Carmelo Chimera has worked hard at dialing in his audience building, email list growth, and Kickstarter launches. Now that he has a a successfully funded graphic novel to sell, he's identified his sales page as not converting. In this session, the mastermind provides Carmelo with concrete steps to boost his online sales conversion rate.
How do you best launch a new podcast for artists and creators that will build community and make an impact? That's the challenge Ryan Summers brings to a mastermind of his potential listeners for clarity and actionable suggestions about how to roll out his new show.
One of the best parts about writing historical fiction graphic novels, is doing research into fascinating people, times and places in the past. However, it also represents a challenge of determining how to best incorporate that research into your work. In this mastermind session, writer Shaun Manning brainstorms systems and processes for weaving rich history into compelling historical fiction.
Would you believe that half of all comic creators launching projects on Kickstarter are making a big mistake when it comes to how they title their crowdfunding projects? In this post I'll show you how to title your Kickstarter project to attract more backers and to increase funding on Kickstarter.
The best thing about creative people is that they have lots of great project ideas. But when our time and resources are limited, that also poses a challenge. In this podcast, Dobbers creator Darryl Jones solicits feedback from a mastermind of creator peers on which of several promising projects to launch next.
Setting your funding goal is one of the most important decisions when launching a Kickstarter campaign. In this special MasterMind style session of ComixLaunch, writer/artist Sebastian Chow gets advice from the round table on how to nail the funding goal for his next launch.
A few years ago, Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios went all in on his dream to become a successful comic book publisher. In this podcast, Roye shares his journey from watching American super hero cartoons as a child in Nigeria to moving to the States and developing a line of books showcasing heroes inspired by his culture, and all the many lessons he's learned along the way.
Creator At Large Jeremy Melloul returns to ComixLaunch to discuss his new comics industry podcast and the difference between breaking in and building a career.
The long middle stretch of a Kickstarter campaign, where funding and new backers seem hard to come by, can be one of the most difficult parts of a crowdfunding launch. In this session, Tyler explains why the Kickstarter "Dead Zone" happens and what to do about it.
How do you get everyone on your creative team rowing in the same direction when it comes to promoting a big Kickstarter launch? And what does it take to build a strong collaborative relationship to create something truly unique? Those topics and more are up for discussion when L.U.C.H.A. writer C.W. Cooke and artist Travis Hymel stop by the ComixLaunch Podcast.
Learn How to Maintain Crowdfunding Momentum, Steadily Attract and Convert New Backers, and Stay Confident During the Difficult Middle Stretch of a Kickstarter Campaign with 13 Days of Dead Zone Training for Club ComixLaunch Patreon Patrons This Halloween Season!
Have you noticed the Kickstarter Follower Conversion Rate metric on your project dashboard? A ComixLaunch listener has, and wants to know what a good conversion rate is, plus more great questions from the ComixLaunch mailbag!
Successful Kickstarter creator Simon Amadeus Pillario stops by the ComixLaunch podcast to share lessons learned bringing a massive passion project of Biblical proportions to life through Kickstarter.
Jacob Way, CEO of KrakenPrint returns to the podcast to talk about new developments in printing for crowdfunders, as well as lessons he's learned by launching his own Kickstarter projects.
In every creative life and business, there are some aspects that are less then perfect. Check that... that are straight up broken, messy or not working at all. In this behind the curtains episode of ComixLaunch, Tyler shares five areas in his creative life that are far from perfect, and what, if anything he plans on doing to correct them in the near future.
Question: How do you choose the right creative path to go down when you're inspired and intrigued by so many different projects and possibilities? Answer: You talk to someone who's traveled those roads before! In this coaching call, Tyler talks to creator Anthony Latiker to help him choose the right moves for his creative business.
Wondering the Kickstarter success rate for comic projects is and whether or not the so-called Kickstarter bubble is about to burst? This video has the answer!
Over the past few years, creator James Mascia had a number of successful Kickstarter launches. Now, he's planning his next moves in order to continue to play a bigger game on Kickstarter and beyond. James sorts through his options in this coaching call session with Tyler.
After a successful Kickstarter campaign to launch his latest series Skies Over Superior, creator Josh Dahl is interested in moving his series to Patreon for ongoing crowdfunding. Tyler asks Josh to walk through his Patreon launch strategy and helps him refine it.
For the past year, writer/artist Michael Mauro has been focused on steadily producing and building an audience for his webcomic, Atom Bug. In this coaching call, Tyler helps him refine and refocus the business model that supports his comic.
In this special "ComixLaunch Coaching" Session, Tyler coaches comic book writer Jay D'Ici (Conceptual Heist) through plans for his next launch, one in which he'd like to significantly increase funding from his last successful campaign.
Are you thinking about how you're going to ship your Kickstarter rewards? Whether you're in the midst of fulfillment or still planning your next launch, this episode is for you, as Tyler shares three valuable Kickstarter reward shipping DOs and three DON'Ts.
How easy is it for potential readers to find YOU? That's just one of many questions Tyler will ask you to think about as he dives into the ComixLaunch Mailbag to answer creator questions.
There are four roles you can play in your creative business -- The Visionary, The Manager, The Skilled Worker & The Intern. In this episode, Tyler defines each of these roles and shares how they can be applied to your Kickstarter campaign.
Your Kickstarter project image is the single most important image on your page and one of the most important decisions of your launch. And yet, so many creators treat it as an after thought. In this session, you'll learn how to avoid the most common image mistakes and learn how to craft a compelling image for your next launch.
When you look up to the clouds what do you see? In this session, we'll look at how humans are meaning making machines, and how the stories we tell ourselves determine what's possible for us on Kickstarter, in our careers, and in our lives.
Australian Graphic novelist Shane W Smith (Triumviratus) shares lessons from recent Kickstarters and an opportunity he had to modify his comic series Un-Dad into a television series and pitch it to a number of broadcasters.
Have you been putting off your Kickstarter project because you've been overwhelmed by the amount of work involved? Imagine all of those complications and objections you have were taken away, could you launch then? In this session, Tyler breaks down what Kickstarter's new Quickstarter initiative is, and how it just might help you overcome those obstacles holding you back from launching.
ComixLaunch gets back to basics as Tyler opens up the Kickstarter Q&A mailbag to answer vexing Kickstarter questions from the ComixLaunch community. Getting backers to answer their surveys, tips for visualizing reward tiers and the pros and cons of backer thank you pages are covered in this session!
As creators, we know we need to actively promote our work. But how do we do so in a way that doesn't leave us completely drained and take all our time from creating? In this mastermind session episode, a group of creators help graphic novelist Geoff Weber navigate the tricky waters of social media systems.
How do you balance your passion projects with the freelance work that pays the bills? In this special mastermind session, artist Dan Ekis gets help brainstorming ways to increase his monthly comic pages output.
In this mastermind style session of the ComixLaunch podcast, a panel of creators help writer Will Allred navigate time management issues so that he can stay focused on producing the projects that truly matter.
ComixLaunch celebrates its 150th episode with an all-new format. Welcome to the MasterMind Sessions, featuring creators Jamie Gambell, Dan Ekis, Will Allred & Geoff Weber, tackling real issues in a creator roundtable mastermind discussion. In today's session, the group helps Jamie Gambell rethink his convention strategy for more fun and profit at his next convention.
Comic creator Becca Hillburn, sponsor of the National Art & Trade Tuition Opportunity, a scholarship for sequential artists of all ages interested in getting funding to pursue contining education in the arts joins Tyler for a free-wheeling conversation and shares how ComixLaunch listeners can apply for funding to advance their artistic pursuits.
What are the key components you need to build a strong audience? Find out in today's session.
The General Data Protection Regulation, a privacy law from the European Union, goes into effect May 25, 2018, and has major consequences for creatives like us. Tyler breaks down what you need to know about GDPR and how to get compliant before the deadline. If you want support getting GDPR compliant, join ComixLaunch.com/springcleaning
Do the words we use control the cash we have in our bank account? In this session, Tyler shares why you might want to get obsessed with copy writing and includes actionable hacks that will add funds to your bottom line by using words that sell.
You know Kickstarter campaigns have all-or-nothing funding goals... but imagine if it was DOUBLE or nothing. Well, because of a special grant today's guest, fantasy illustrator Anthony Christou received, his latest campaign is exactly that.
Wouldn't it be awesome if you could raise more Kickstarter funds in less time? Of course it would... and there are a lot more reason why you might want to consider running shorter Kickstarter campaigns. This session of ComixLaunch is a deep dive on shorter campaigns.
Wondering where to find new readers and fans for your work? Tyler recently surveyed the ComixLaunch community to discover what's working now when it comes to promoting your work in 2018.
Charlie Stickney, writer and creator of White Ash, shares his innovative campaign and promotion strategies for notching two five figure comic book Kickstarter launches for his new series.
Pop quiz: What's the easiest funding to raise during a Kickstarter launch? Believe it or not, from my own experience and that of my guest, it's the funding you raise AFTER the campaign is over. Join Tyler James as he interviews Chandler Copenhaver of Crowdox to talk post campaign funding strategies.
Writer and creator of Headmetal Press Christopher Michael Orndoff explains what "CHUNKING" is and how you can use it to make better art.
Creator Abrian Curington of Blue Cat Co. stops buy for a guest lesson all about how to create an eye-popping, head-turning, professional-looking book... even if it's your first one.
Learn how to steadily and predictably build your audience, grow your email list, drive people to your Kickstarter campaigns and other online promotions, and generate more backers and sales WITHOUT spending all of YOUR time marketing.
Sales at conventions, signings, and promotional events are an important part of your success as a comic creator. But, those venues present unique challenges for writers working in this visual medium. Guest host Josh Dahl (makebettercomics.com) walks you through the mindset, strategies, and techniques that can help you turn a profit at live events, even if you aren't an artist.
Learn how creator Mike Barry turned a notebook of doodles drawn on the commute to his day job into a successfully funded Kickstarter graphic novel for kids.
Confused about what should be on your Kickstarter Homepage? Madeleine Holly-Rosing, author of Kickstarter for the Independent Creator and writer/creator of Boston Metaphysical Society walks you through the basics.
All of us are building something in this game, but what foundations are we dropping down first? The start of the year is a good time to think broadly about what you want out of the coming 12 months and this is why I always lay down an Annual Theme for things first. In this session, Ryan K Lindsay unpacks what an Annual Theme is, how it can build clarity for your mind, and what avenues it might help you explore.
Independent comic creator Dan Ekis shares how you can get your next 1000 followers who will pay for your comics.
In this guest lesson, comic creator Evan Waterman shares 5 proven tips that will help you turn procrastination into productivity so you can get more done this year and take your creative career to new heights.
Does your entire creative career feel like a struggle? Do you constantly feel like no matter how hard you work, you'll never measure up? In this session of ComixLaunch, writer and editor James Powell (Ten31 Publishing) opens up about his own struggles with creative insecurity and how he's fought back against them.
In this guest session, Russell Nohelty (Wannabe Press) shares the three limiting beliefs that prevent creators from being great at selling their comics, and how to overcome them so you can get more of your art in the hands of people who genuinely want it.
It's a new year and that usually means new resolutions and big goals for creative entrepreneurs. In this session, Tyler shares some actionable tips for making yours rock solid in 2018.
To kick off the new year, Tyler shares four more of big and profitable lessons learned from the many successful launches he ran in 2017. Plus, you'll hear some of the biggest launch lessons of ComixLaunch listeners.
2017 was a big year for launches. In this year-end session of ComixLaunch, Tyler shares his biggest and most profitably lessons learned from the many successful launches he's been a part of this year.
Throw a log on the fire, spike your egg nog and curl up to a special holiday episode of ComixLaunch. In this session, Tyler opens up the ComixLaunch mailbag and also answers some festive questions. Plus, an update on Patreon's decision to walk back their big fee structure change.
Find out what popular ongoing crowdfunding platfrom Patreon did to anger most of it's creators and learn about a competing service owned by Kickstarter that may be coming to try to eat Patreon's lunch. Plus, the most important take-aways from these developments that independent creators must keep front and center.
What do King Arthur, Franklin Delanore Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Bill Gates all have in common? They all attribute some of their success to being a part of a mastermind group as a key to their success. In this session, you'll learn what is a mastermind, what the benefits to joining one are, and how to find one to help you succeed in the new year.
Simon Birks of Blue Fox Comics has launched over a dozen successful Kickstarter campaigns. In this session, Tyler picks his brain on the keys to his success. Plus: How to handle negative feedback on your offers.
The tables are turned and Tyler James is on the hotseat, as Clay Adams digs into the secret origins of ComixTribe and ComixLaunch and Kickstarter questions get asked and answered on this replay of a Kickstarter Live broadcast.
Is Kickstarter a sustainable long-term platform or are we in a bubble that's soon to burst? How creators respond to this question reveals a ton about how they see the world, and in particular, whether they are operating from a mindset of scarcity or abundance.
Clay Adams of Fried Comics returns to the show to talk about jumping into Kickstarter commissions month, the best time to launch a holiday camera and how to cozy up to the camera for your Kickstarter video shoot.
Horror writer Dirk Manning takes a break from his busy con schedule to talk his latest successful Kickstarter campaign, crowdfunding growing pains and more. Pull up a chair and dive in.
In this awesome interview with Kevin Joseph of Kechal Comics, you'll learn the power and importance of communication with your collaborators and your fans.
Tyler answers great questions from inside the private ComixLaunch communities and shares the answers with all of ComixLaunch.
Kickstarter wants you to create with your fans in the month of November. Comissions month is coming on Kickstarter and in this session, Tyler lays out all the details you need to know to participate and offers strategies and protips to dramatically increase your commission sales.
Many creators early in their careers make the mistake of tackling a giant project requiring a longterm creative "marriage" with their collaborators. There's a better way to do it.
Two habits. One is extremely common among creators and not only worthless... but actually will cost you. The other, far less common, though simple to practice, and yet is extremely valuable. Tyler unpacks them both and shares some great news at the end!
Discover the many benefits of planning, launching and funding a successful Kickstarter campaign working alongside a fellow creator who is doing the same with Ryan Kroboth (Sunmaker) and John Edingfield II (Rancidville.)
In this session, Tyler crushes three persistent myths about crowdfunding on Kickstarter that will derail your launch. Plus, go behind the scenes on ComixTribe's biggest one-day comic book sales on their online store...EVER!
Ever had an idea for an anthology project? In this session, Tyler sits down with writer James E. Roche as he's about to launch his first anthology project on Kickstarter, raise awareness for social issues.
Get in the know about some of the latest software updates relevant to crowdfunders, including recent developments at Dropbox, Kickbooster, Backerkit and Crowdox.
Is it cool to reach out to Kickstarter creators whose projects you've backed in the past to ask them to help you with your project? Tyler answers this ComixLaunch listener question and more in this "Ask ComixLaunch" Q&A style show.
Tyler opens the ComixLaunch mailbag and answers listener's biggest questions about launching an email list the right way.
Every year, creators are raising hundreds, thousands, even tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars for their dream projects. But who cares what's possible for them... how much funding are YOU likely to raise for your crowdfunding campaign? In this session, Tyler will share how to predict with "scary" accuracy, how much funding you're likely to raise on Kickstarter and will give you access to a new free ComixLaunch tool to predict the funding potential of your next Kickstarter.
Behind every successful project is a great idea. And yet, many creators who launch on Kickstarter quickly discover that a great idea alone isn't enough to get funded. In this session, Robots vs. Princesses creator Todd Matthy shares lessons learned after an unsuccessful first Kickstarter, and the action steps he's taken to help make his relaunch a success.
Building a large and engaged email list is the key to launching successfully on Kickstarter and beyond. So why are so many creators still procrastinating on starting or growing their list? This mini-training episode will break down the myths and mistakes that are keeping you from a bigger fan list and a better relationship with your audience.
While most listeners of ComixLaunch are willing to blaze their own paths to independently plan, launch, fund and fulfill their creative projects, that doesn't mean they aren't also open to the idea of working with publishers to reach a broader audience. In this session, comics lawyer Dirk Vanover returns with some sage advice on some things creators should consider before signing a contract with publishers.
How do we get press coverage for our projects, especially if we're not a big name in the industry or have the backing of large publishers or PR teams? In this session, writer and comics journalist Forrest Helvie (Newsarama, Marvel.com) shares actionable tips and strategies for getting more reviews, interviews and press coverage for your projects.
What's the difference between pros and amateurs? When the pros finish playing a game, they study film... they examine what worked, what didn't, and what they can do better next time. The same goes for taking your Kickstarter launches to the next level... this podcast will walk you through how to do a Kickstarter postmortem.
Friend of the podcast and author of Kickstarter for the Independent Creator Madeliene Holly-Rosing returns to the show to talk about what's new in the updated addition of her crowdfunding book and lessons learned from recent campaigns.
Tyler picks the brain of Khierstyn Ross, host of the top podcast Crowdfunding Uncut, who shares lessons learned about building a winning Kickstarter launch team from successful projects that have raised over 2 million dollars in funding.
ComixLaunch celebrates its landmark 100th podcast episode by answering ComixLaunch listeners' top questions related to Kickstarter, crowdfunding and building a creative career. Plus, details and an invitation to the upcoming Beyond Kickstarter Master Class.
Take a walk with Tyler James in a totally different episode of the ComixLaunch podcast, pondering higher quality questions creators should be asking themselves.
What's it actually going to take to get your Kickstarter funded? When you know your numbers and you know what metrics to pay attention to when it comes to running a Kickstarter campaign, you're much more likely to achieve the results you are looking for. This episode will show you what to pay attention to.
Every Kickstarter project creator must include a professional bio with his or her profile. But all bios are NOT created equal. In this session, Tyler will give you four essential elements your Kickstarter biography MUST include.
Comics Lawyer and Comics Start-up 101 author Dirk Vanover returns to the ComixLaunch podcast to share what independent creators need to know about work-for-hire contracts and collaborator agreements.
In this session of the ComixLaunch podcast, Tyler James shares 10 reasons why there's never been a better time to launch a project on Kickstarter. If you've been on the fence about launching, this session might just give you the final nudge to take the plunge.
It's not often Tyler talks to a guest who has spent more time thinking about, studying, analyzing and interviewing experts in crowdfunding than he has. But Sal Briggman of Crowdcrux.com and the Crowdfunding Demystified podcast is such a person. Tyler and Sal geek out about the wide world of crowdfunding in this next level launching interview episode.
Hot on the heels of the C is for Cthulhu Team's biggest launch ever, Tyler breaks down the three pieces of pre-launch content strategy the team crafted to energize current fans and attract more just like them, powering a $21,000.00+ launch day.
My guest today has been working in the comics industry since 2010, first as a retailer, and currently as a part of the marketing team at Diamond Comic Distributors. She also works as a freelance assistant, I provide services for comic creators such as Patreon & social media management, creative marketing solutions, event assistance, and more, allowing them to focus on their writing and art.
Building excitement for a new project is something most of us are used to. But how to you dust off an older project to give it a second chance on Kickstarter? And how to you re-energize the audience you have and attract its "new to you" fans to power crowdfunding success. In this session, Tyler chats with Clay Adams about taking his series Pregnant Bitches of War to Kickstarter.
Interested in growing and connecting with a large audience on Instagram? Then this session of the ComixLaunch podcast is your blueprint, as Russell Nohelty of Wannabe Press shares his strategies for growing a following of 10,000+ on Instagram in under two years.
April is Audience Building month at ComixLaunch and this session sets the stage. If you're ready to build a large audience to launch incredible projects to on Kickstarter and beyond, you need to put a solid foundation in place. Tyler gives you that foundation piece by piece in this podcast.
In today's show, veteran webcartoonist Brad Guigar (Evil, Inc.) drops an onslaught of mega-ton knowledge bombs on everything from Kickstarter to Patreon to creating better comics. You're going to want to listen to this session at least twice!
This month, Kickstarter is encouraging creators to launch one-week campaigns? We'll talk the whys, the hows and whether the #Allin1 initiative is right for you.
In this special bonus session of the ComixLaunch Podcast, Tyler shares the problem with cooking without a recipe, and building a Kickstarter page without a proper blueprint. Sign-up for the master class at ComixLaunch.com/blueprintclass.
Every Kickstarter campaign reveals multiple creative lessons and business breakthroughs. In this session, Tyler James shares the top lesson learned from each of his first 5 successful Kickstarter campaigns.
Every Kickstarter campaign reveals multiple creative lessons and business breakthroughs. In this session, Tyler James shares the top lesson learned from each of his first 5 successful Kickstarter campaigns that raised over $100,000.00 in funding with the support of over 2,500 backers.
Andrew Pawley of GalaXaFreaks swings by ComixLaunch to talk about his experience successfully launching multiple projects on both Kickstarter AND Indiegogo. Andrew will also share some of the ways he's leveled up his audience growth after joining the ListLaunch program.
Take the ComixLaunch Kickstarter Page Design Survey at ComixLaunch.com/pagesurvey and get my updated for 2017 Kickstarter Page Design Checklist.
Russell Nohelty of Wannabe Press and the Monsters and Other Scary Sh*t anthology returns to ComixLaunch to discuss the ups and downs and lessons learned from running 4 Kickstarter campaigns in a 12 month.
SINK, the latest horror Kickstarter from John Lees, Alex Cormack and ComixTribe was funded in just 12 hours. In this fly-on-the-wall conversation session, you'll hear the SINK team discuss openly and honestly the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of this new project, and how they put the game plan together for such a big project
In this session, Tyler recaps the recent 6-Day Kickstarter Challenge, and shares insights from dozens of creators who participated. Including clips from every lesson shared during the challenge, this is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in taking their crowdfunding to the next level this year.
Although ComixLaunch has almost exclusively focused on the Kickstarter platform, it is not the only game in town. Indiegogo is a crowdfunding platform that hundreds of comic creators have chosen to fund their projects. In this guest lesson episode, creator Jen Finelli makes the case for Indiegogo, and why she chose it over Kickstarter for her current launch.
While ComixLaunch has almost exclusively focused on the Kickstarter platform, it is not the only game in town. Indiegogo is a crowdfunding platform that hundreds of comic creators have chosen to fund their projects. In this guest post, Jen Finelli makes the case for Indiegogo.
2017 is already well underway, and many of us are already locked and loaded and moving forward on achieving our big goals for this year. But if you haven't carved out some time to review the year that just wrapped, you're making a mistake. In this session, Tyler shares his system for taking stock of the year that was in order to crush the year that's yet to be.
Pay it forward. Give value first. Do unto others. We hear this advice all the time and many of us practice it. But you won't believe what one ComixLaunch listener did to really live this principle...
Creators, have you heard about Kickstarter's Make/100 initiative rolling out in January? They're challenging you to launch a Kickstarter with a special reward capped and limited to just 100 backers.
Launching a Kickstarter in 2017? Are you up for a Challenge? Then ComixLaunch has one for you. Join Tyler James and five special guest instructors in completing six powerful challenges designed to level up your next Kickstarter project to make it your best launch ever!
In this year-end session, the ComixLaunch podcast refines and rededicates itself to the mission of making the comics the category on Kickstarter with the highest success rate. Tyler connects the process of expanding your mission to making a greater impact on the world with your art... and leaving a legacy.
In this session, Daniel Brodie of the comedy comic Morgan's Organs shares lessons learned jumping head first into the world of comics and crowdfunding. You'll hear about Daniel's process of developing Morgan's Organs from an idea in his head to a book that found a fan base and support on Kickstarter.
We did it. We survived the 2016 US Presidential Election. (Knock on wood.) In this non-partisan episode featuring a guest lesson from Clay Adams of Fried Comics, we'll breakdown actionable and positive lessons Kickstarter creators can take away from the nasties campaign ever.
In this session, Tyler and Searnold of Completely Different Comics discuss their experience keeping a Patreon Launch Journal for 30 Days, where they committed to taking action and tracking results for their respective Patreon launches for a month. Lots of insight on what works when it comes to building your Patronage.
The 2016 contest between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton provides ample crowdfunding lessons. (There's a reason we call them Kickstarter campaigns.) So, sit back, relax, put your partisan politics aside, and let's look at what worked and what didn't.
There have been almost 6,700 launched comic projects on Kickstarter. Of those, only half are successful. And of the successful projects, only 1.5% raise six figures or more. These campaigns are the vanguard for comics...
“NOW is the best time in the entire history of the comic book industry to be a self-publisher.” At least that's the perspective of Kirk Lindo, who brings more than 25 years of comics publishing experience to the table. Tyler and Kirk talk the evolution of comics publishing in this session, and Kirk also shares one tip that has doubled his productivity this year.
Today's guest is a writer, model, cosplayer, and host of the podcast Vodka O'Clock. Tyler and Amber discuss a wide range of topics, including releasing books via Kindle and Amazon Createspace, the challenges of making big changes to your Patreon format, what it takes to do NANOWRIMO, and how to build a better, more inclusive comic book industry.
How do you get the people within your reach off the fence and into your campaign as an engaged backer? In this second part of a two-part mini-training, Tyler shares a load of ideas on how to encourage the 4 different types of "sideliners" to support your project.
How do you convince potential backers sitting on the sidelines to support you Kickstarter campaigns? In this first of a two-part session, Tyler delves into the psychology of the "sideliner" as well as the 4 secrets to getting them off the fence and into the backer column.
Join Tyler James and a small group of hardworking creators to learn to how to start, grow and energize an email list of fans big enough to successfully launch your project on Kickstarter. Then learn how to harness the power of Kickstarter to fund your projects, expand your audience, and build the foundation for your career as a comic creator. Join ComixLaunch Mastery today!
For many creators, marketing is the most challenging part of a Kickstarter campaign. In this session, artist Anthony Christou teaches a guest lesson sharing his 40 day campaign marketing plan. Then, Tyler shares audio from a past ComixLaunch Course office hours session where he corrects a big mistake many creators make when it comes to email marketing.
If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice that you wish you new when you first began your creative career, what would it be? It's a great question right... and a commonly asked question. In this session, Tyler shares his answer, and it's probably not the one you're expecting, but if you're planning on launching a Kickstarter in 2017, it's something you need to hear.
In today's session with writer Jennie Wood (Flutter, A Boy Like Me) the topic of sticking with a project is discussed. You'll hear how Jenny drew from personal experience to craft a story that really resonates with readers and how Flutter came together. She'll also share insight from her experience on Kickstarter and teaching comics and graphic novels in Boston.
Are you spending your career waiting to get picked? Or are you choosing yourself? In this session, Tyler discusses creator reaction to the recent DC Comics Writers Talent Development Workshop, and the importance of handling disappointment with professionalism.
We often hear you can learn a lot more from failure than from success... but that doesn't make failure any easier a pill to swallow. Today's guest, Sam Costello, however, has embraced the lessons learned from his first unsuccessful Kickstarter campaign and brainstorms relaunch strategies with Tyler on today's session. Sam also shares hard won wisdom from 10 years of producing the webcomic Split Lip.
Want to learn how publishers can use Patreon to build recurring revenue into their business and provide extra value to their biggest fans? In this session, Tyler talks to Mike Kennedy, publisher of the Eisner-nominated comic book and graphic novel imprint Magnetic Press. Mike is using Patreon in an innovative way, and he shares his thinking and experience on Patreon, as well as bonus tips about licensing comics.
Can Patreon work for writers? Jim Zub, acclaimed writer of Skullkickers, Wayward, and GlitterBomb swings by to drop knowledge bombs a plenty on how writers can harness the power of Patreon. Plus: Winners of the Patreon Survey Amazon Giftcards announced!
Having trouble writing your Patreon project description? In this section, Tyler will share 15 key elements to a strong sales page, and how to make those elements work for you. Plus, bonus tips from Jason Brubaker, and ComixLaunch listener voicemail.
This Wednesday night, Tyler is hosting an free online workshop called BADASS Productivity for Writers & Artists. He'll present a simple, memorable framework to help you know what to focus on when it comes to improving your productivity. It will include loads of real examples of myself and other creators putting these principles into practice, and his top productivity tools, apps, and resources.
ComixLaunch is keeping it 100 with this session, as Tyler shares some recent creative struggles he's facing as an independent creator... as well as the hard truth that to create is to struggle. From conventions to retail sales and everything in between, there will always be obstacles in our way. This session shares strategies for dealing with them.
With the help of artist Anthony Christou (Luminous Ages), Tyler tackles the much fretted about subject of Patreon Rewards. They discuss the best ways to offer value for Patrons, the pros and cons of physical Patreon rewards, and how you make sure your Patrons get their money's worth. Plus, new ComixLaunch listener voicemail!
The Patreon Launch series continues with a deep dive analysis of the essential elements that make up and effective Patreon page. Tyler also shares 5 tips for building, and more importantly launching, your Patreon page. Plus, and invitation to take the ComixLaunch Patreon survey.
Okay, so you’ve pressed launched your Patreon page. Now what? One of the things most creators are stumped by when it comes to Patreon is really the most basic question of all: “How do you...
The doors to Club ComixLaunch on Patreon are now open! Club ComixLaunch is a way to help us continue and expand on the ComixLaunch mission, and add even more value for creators like you who are looking to harness the power of crowdfunding to bring creative projects to life. Membership has its privileges, and Club ComixLaunch members may receive: Shout outs to you and your projects on the show. Access to bonus lessons on the Club Exclusive Patreon Feed, A VIP INSIDER Bonus resource (Guide, cheat sheet, checklist, video, template, etc.) designed to help you launch, Advance looks at future ComixLaunch books and resources, and much more! Priority placement and discounts in ComixLaunch courses, And much, much more! Join the Club and Get Your Welcome Kit
Last month, more than $6 million dollars in monthly recurring funding was raised for creators like us via the Patreon platform. It's time we looked a little closer at this growing crowdfunding platform. Are you ready for Patreon Launch? In this first part of the series, Tyler breaks down the differences between Kickstarter and Patreon, with the help of special guest Jason Brubaker.
Statistically, the comics category on Kickstarter is the category most likely to have creators return to the platform after having a successful campaign... but that doesn't mean it's easy. Tyler chats with Vito Delsante, writer of Stray, about the challenges, strategies, and tactics of bringing backers back for another Kickstarter.
Regardless of what you're trying to create, your audience is on Facebook. As such, if there's one platform you should be leveraging to grow your audience, it's the house that Zuck's built. In this session, you'll learn 10 super simple tips to maximize the power of your Facebook page to get you ready to launch your next Kickstarter.
Many creators don't give much thought to their Kickstarter project title... and that's a big mistake. In this session, Tyler shares a great project naming formula that many successful creators have used to maximize funding for their projects, and loads of examples of projects with strong titles. Listen to this show, and you'll know how to title your project for maximum funding.
Hard to believe it, but 2016 is more than half over already! In this bonus session, Tyler peels back the curtain and reviews ComixLaunch's progress towards its yearly goals. He also opens the books and breaks down every dollar that came in and went out for the ComixLaunch business in Q1 and Q2 2016. Also covered: the 3 levers any creative business can play with to improve profitability. Finally, he shares his action plan for making Q3 &Q4 even more successful, and a bonus featured resource creators should check out.
A great title can do wonders for your project and career. In this first of two sessions on titles, Tyler shares his "Million Dollar Title" checklist. If you're having trouble giving your next series a name, this session will help!
In today's session, Tyler brings on Dirk Vanover of Vanover Legal to talk comics, Kickstarter, contracts and more. Legal issues aren't something that many creators pay much attention to... but as high profile cases in the comic and crowdfunding space demonstrate, it can be costly not to.
The biggest ComixLaunch ever! In this session, you'll hear fifty outstanding creators who have collectively raised millions of dollars on Kickstarter share their #1 crowdfunding tip. Get access to proven strategies from Greg Pak, Jason Brubaker, John Lee Dumas, Amy Chu, and many, many more. Plus, Tyler is joined by co-host Jeremy Melloul to cover highlights from the first 50 sessions of ComixLaunch, including the top 5 most downloaded shows. Then they'll look forward to what's in store for the next 50 sessions, including a big announcement. Oh, and there's a big ComixLaunch Supershow Bundle Giveaway for listeners to enter as well. This one is HUGE!
Want to add energy, backers, and funding to your campaign and build your standing in the Kickstarter community at the same time? In this session, Tyler breaks down a step-by-step Kickstarter co-promotion strategy that will create a win-win-win for you, your backers, and your fellow Kickstarter creators.
Are you fulfilling your Kickstarter campaign yourself? If so, this episode is for you, as Tyler will share his three top tools for DIY fulfillment, as well as hard-won wisdom from successfully fulfilling 7 Kickstarter campaigns, and with more on the way.
In this session, Jeremy Melloul interviews writer/artist Joe Mulvey and Tyler James about the Mummy's Always Right Kickstarter project, and how Joe successfully pivoted from comics targeted at an adult audience to children's books for little monsters.
Great news, ComixLaunch listeners... despite what you read on the internet, the future of comics is in wonderful hands. In this session, Tyler talks to a young comic creator who recently won a $1,000 entrepreneurship competition for her diversity focused publishing line, and has launched a Kickstarter for her new series, Fury's Forge, this month. Oh, and she's still in high school.
The ComixLaunch mailbag is open again! Tyler shares his savvy new strategy to deal with the onslaught of unsolicited offers to help promote your Facebook campaign. Plus: Can you share your project on the ComixLaunch Facebook page,and more importantly should you? Should you mail my backers pledges in alphabetical order? And should you share reviews for your comic on your Kickstarter page?
In this session, Tyler talks to Jason Brubaker, a former Dreamwork animator who has pursued his dream of full-time self-publishing. Learn how Jason built a trusting and loyal audience that has helped him raise more than $200K in crowdfunding. Plus: Jason has a special bonus offer for ComixLaunch listeners.
Yes, having an explosive launch to your Kickstarter project is important... but so too is finishing strong. In this must-listen to session, Tyler breaks down his 5 best tactics for closing with a bang, with examples pulled from his latest and greatest Kickstarter launch. If you're running a Kickstarter campaign right now, you can't afford NOT to listen to this one.
Greg Pak is one of the most prolific writers for Marvel and DC Comics (Planet Hulk, X-Men, Batman/Superman) and one of the most successful comic book creators to harness the Kickstarter platform. In this session, Greg shares his Kickstarter secrets that have powered nearly half a million dollars in crowdfunding.
Kickback and be a fly on the wall with this frank crowdfunding discussion with Dirk Manning, writer of Nightmare World and The Tales of Mr. Rhee, and author of the book Write or Wrong: A Writer's Guide to Creating Comics, as he an Tyler discuss the importance of putting enough skin in the game when running a Kickstarter and building a career.
In this session, Tyler is joined by the head of sales of BackerKit, specialized software designed to make life easier for crowdfunders after their campaigns are successfully funded. All Tyler's BackerKit questions are answered. Listen to hear Tyler get 100% convinced that BackerKit is right for his next campaign.
In this live workshop, ComixLaunch host Tyler James will break down seven key steps to making your first or next Kickstarter launch a hit. Drawing on his personal experience successfully funding eight Kickstarter projects and an analysis of every comic book Kickstarter launched between 2014-15, this workshop is loaded with actionable information. Q&A to follow.
It's ComixLaunch mailbag time again! Tyler answers questions about print, the best way to send digital files to your backers, and the challenges of crowdfunding second issues. Plus, we have a survey winner!
In this session, Tyler talks to the creator of Hyperstarter, a new diagnostic tool for crowdfunders. Plus, a new change to Kickstarter image sizes, and ComixLaunch listener voicemail.
In this Bonus Session of ComixLaunch, Tyler shares 7 brand new Kickstarter strategies he'll be implementing in the upcoming C is for Cthulhu Coloring Book Kickstarter Campaign, launching April 4, 2016. See the campaign in action at ColorCthulhu.com.
In today's session, Tyler talks to Cathryn Lavery of BestSelf.co, who recently launched a crowdfunding campaign that raised more than $300,000 on Kickstarter in the publishing category. How to achieve 6-figure crowdfunding success is talked about at length, including plenty of actionable strategies creators can apply to their own campaigns.
Serialization has been a fundamental aspect of the comic book medium. This session with new writer James Haick explores the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities Kickstarter provides creators to crowdfund comics one issue at a time.
Tyler investigates BackerClub, a community of frequent crowdfunders that offers promotional opportunities for Kickstarter creators. Is BackerClub a legitimate marketing vehicle for creators, or is it scam creators and backers alike should avoid like the plague? This session will help inform you in order to make your own intelligent decision.
There have been almost 6,700 launched comic projects on Kickstarter. Of those, only half are successful. And of the successful projects, only 1.5% raise six figures or more. These campaigns are the vanguard for comics...
In 2016, there's no one way to launch a new comic series... in fact, the options are more varied than ever. In this session, Tyler discusses Chris Lewis' experiences publishing on Comixology, in the direct market through IDW, and on Kickstarter, as well as his experience with Andy Schmidt's Comics Experience.
All your comic book printing questions are answered, as Tyler talks to the KrakenPrint Team about when to choose offset vs. POD printing, what are the real drivers of cost when it comes to printing, paper quality and much more. If you're printing a book this year, you need to listen to this session.
Issues of diversity in comics and finding the big why's behind the comics and projects you create is the focus of this session with special guest Kwanza Osajyefo. Plus: ComixLaunch listener voice mail!
Transparency is a key currency for creators in the internet age, and a powerful force when embraced by Kickstarter creators. In this session, Tyler discusses the pros and cons of transparency. Then, he reveals the inner workings of ComixLaunch, sharing its key metrics for 2015, including total income and expenses.
The Freedom Journal campaign, the first Kickstarter run by podcaster John Lee Dumas, raised more than $450K. In this session, Tyler breaks down five keys to the project's monumental success.
What are the pros and cons of launching a Kickstarter campaign with a $1 goal? In this session, Tyler will give you his opinion on this "Dollar goal strategy" which is more common than you might think, and more importantly, will tell you what cold hard Kickstarter data says about its efficacy.
Tyler breaks down an exciting conversation he had with the co-founder of Kickbooster, a new service that empowers and rewards your backers, fans, and affiliates for promoting your Kickstarter campaign. This just might be the "dead zone" cure Kickstarter creators have been searching for.
There have been almost 6,700 launched comic projects on Kickstarter. Of those, only half are successful. And of the successful projects, only 1.5% raise six figures or more. These campaigns are the vanguard for comics...
In this session with media buyer and senior staff writer at HorrorTalk James Ferguson, we go deeper than ever before on the show on one of the most powerful advertising platforms on the planet for Kickstarter creators: Facebook. Why it works, and how to get started with Facebook advertising.
In this session, Tyler speaks with Madeleine Holly-Rosing, author of Kickstarter For The Independent Creator: A Practical and Informative Guide To Crowdfunding, about how to know if and when you're ready to launch your Kickstarter.
In this session, Tyler and Jeremy talk to Russell Nohelty of Wannabe Press about tapping into the power of Kickstarter and the techniques of successful online marketers to launch a new publishing venture.
Is a Kickstarter project in the cards for you in 2016? If so, this session will give you 7 principles to guide your effective use of the Kickstarter platform, and help you set both outcome...
Get a pen and a pad of paper ready because in today's session, Tyler asks CPA Josh Bauerle everything you ever wanted to know about Kickstarter and taxes...but were afraid to ask. A must listen for creators who see their work not just as a hobby, but as a business.
The largest independent study of Kickstarter backers was released, with eye-opening findings about the fulfillment failure rates and much more. In this session, Tyler reviews the findings in depth.
There have been almost 6,700 launched comic projects on Kickstarter. Of those, only half are successful. And of the successful projects, only 1.5% raise six figures or more. These campaigns are the vanguard for comics...
In this session with Jeff McComsey, the small press powerhouse behind the FUBAR historical zombie franchise, the elements of a successful Kickstarter project page are uncovered. Discover how Jeff's beautiful Kickstarter pages have generated more than $150K in funding.
"Early Bird" discount reward levels or "Day One Backer" bonuses can be an effective strategy to get your Kickstarter campaign off to a explosive start... but there is a downside. In this session, Tyler discusses the pros and cons of early bird rewards.
What makes a project worthy of launching a Kickstarter? In this session, 3 Kickstarter mindset myths are shattered, and Tyler discusses the best way to think about crowdfunding projects.
Today's session explores the emotional roller coaster ride that is running a Kickstarter campaign, with a creator whose last campaign went right down to the wire. Ups, downs, twists and turns are covered in detail.
Figuring out if and how to engage brick and mortar retailers in a Kickstarter campaign is a vexing issue for creators. Chimera Comics owner Carmelo Chimera joins Tyler for a frank discussion on retailer outreach.
With more than $40 million dollars raised for comics and graphic novel projects to date, Kickstarter is playing an ever increasing role in the industry. Tyler James discusses the economics of Kickstarter and digital comics with Author Todd Allen.
Did you know that Kickstarter creators don't actually receive the entire funding amount displayed on every Kickstarter page? In this episode, Tyler James details the three reasons why, what (if anything) you can do about it, and how much you can actually expect to receive. Plus: A bonus mini-lesson on SMART goal setting!
There have been almost 6,700 launched comic projects on Kickstarter. Of those, only half are successful. And of the successful projects, only 1.5% raise six figures or more. These campaigns are the vanguard for comics...
Tyler James answers ComixLaunch listeners' crowdfunding questions! This episode covers protecting your books from piracy, getting the best price on printing, and how big an audience you need to launch a successful Kickstarter project.
ComixLaunch host Tyler James is interviewed by Walter Haas of Kickspy, in an effort to uncover the secrets of successful Kickstarter projects.
In this session with writer Ryan K Lindsay (Negative Space, Deer Editor), the topic is the pros and cons of digital only reward Kickstarter campaigns. This session will be especially valuable to creators outside of the United States interested in discover whether or not Kickstarter is a good platform for them.
In this session, Tyler James and co-host Jeremy Melloul, rebuild the Riverdale relaunch Kickstarter from the ground up, and discuss ideas for crafting a more successful launch.
Earlier this year, Archie Comics launched a massive Kickstarter campaign to help relaunch Riverdale for a modern audience. Just five days later, they shut the campaign down after backlash from the comic book industry. On today's episode, Tyler James and co-host Jeremy Melloul discuss exactly what went wrong in Riverdale, and more importantly, talk about the important lessons creators can learn from Archie's failed Kickstarter.
Thousands of creators have had successful comic book projects on Kickstarter, and thousands more have had unsuccessful ones... but few creators have experienced both failure and success in the same month! Today, Tyler talks to writer Wes Locher about the agony and the ecstasy of Kickstarter, and how he turned a failed campaign into a successful one by changing 5 key things.
Did you know 9 out of the top 10 most funded Kickstarter projects were webcomics first? In this knowledge-bomb laced session, Tyler James talks to Ryan Browne, creator of God Hates Astronauts and Blast Furnace, about the the potent combination of webcomics and Kickstarter.
What are the pros and cons of promoting your Kickstarter at comic book conventions? What are the best strategies for converting con attendees into happy backers? When is the best time to promote your Kickstarter at live-events like conventions? Tyler James discusses all this and more in this episode of ComixLaunch!
Tyler James is joined by co-host Jeremy Melloul for a frank discussion about who Kickstarter is for... and who it's not for, and who the perception of who should be crowdfunding comics has evolved over the past five years.
Your project image is the single most important image you'll need for a successful Kickstarter. In this episode of ComixLaunch, you'll learn what works and what definitely doesn't when it comes to creating Kickstarter project images.
Don’t even think about launching your crowdfunding project until you do these five things. Today’s Session is Sponsored by PureButtons! Go to comixlaunch.com/purebuttons for 10% off your entire custom button order! There is a FREE...
Ever stopped to think why KS as a platform is so darn effective? How is it possible that nearly one billion dollars in funding for creative projects have been raised there? Tyler looks at 9 powerful mental triggers naturally built into Kickstarter that successful creators use to their advantage.
In this session, Tyler share's an incredibly valuable project planning tool that he uses to design all his successful Kickstarter projects. If you want to launch, you need to do a SWOT analysis, and this episode will teach you how.
Tyler looks at his own history with Kickstarter, and explains how his mindset shifted from viewing it as a finite resource to a renewable one. He then offers 3 actionable strategies for making sure KS is a renewable resource for you.
Tyler James discusses the difference between mindset, strategy, and tactics when it comes to Kickstarter, and shares why mindset is the most important of the three.
The ComixLaunch Podcast is committed to raising the success rate of comic book and graphic novel projects on Kickstarter. That mission starts here...