How I Self-Published a Graphic Novel (4/10)

This is the forth in a ten entry series of blog posts about my experiences self-publishing my first graphic novel, Tonoharu: Part One. I’m writing this “how-to” guide in the hopes that my limited experience might be of some value to aspiring comic book self-publishers.

This guide is offered with no guarantees. I’ve done my best to provide accurate information, but I assume no responsibility for any negative consequences that result from following my advice. For other important disclaimers, please see the first entry in the series. Links to other installments in the series can be found on the bottom of this page.

Part Four: Money Matters
Since I’m so disclaimer-happy, I want to reiterate: cartooning (especially “alternative” cartooning) is a horrible career choice; it is a field where “breaking even” is often considered to be synonymous with “smashing success”. You should only consider cartooning as a career if you are either independently wealthy, or if you feel like you can do nothing else with your life.

I myself am firmly and exclusively in the second camp, and if you are too, then it’s all the more important to put yourself in a good financial place before you self-publish, and to make good choices with what little money happens your way once you start selling books. Continue reading How I Self-Published a Graphic Novel (4/10)

Opening Party for MMAA show TONIGHT, October 3rd 2008!

I’m putting my How I Self-Published a Graphic Novel series on hold for one week, since the following announcement is time-sensitive.

I just wanted to remind Twin Cities residents that the opening party for the Minnesota Museum of American Art’s fall exhibit Hot Ink: Comic Art in Minnesota is tonight at 8pm! Admission is $10, or $5 for students and MMAA members.

I unfortunately will not be in attendance, since I’m currently on the opposite side of the globe. But I assume that most of the other contributing cartoonists will be there, so anyone interested in the Minnesota comics scene should definitely check it out!

*UPDATE* It’s over now, of course. The MMAA website has some pictures of the event here.

The exhibit actually opened last Sunday, and my parents snapped a few pics of my contribution to it: Continue reading Opening Party for MMAA show TONIGHT, October 3rd 2008!

How I Self-Published a Graphic Novel (3/10)

 

This is the third in a ten entry series of blog posts about my experiences self-publishing my first graphic novel, Tonoharu: Part One. I’m writing this “how-to” guide in the hopes that my limited experience might be of some value to aspiring comic book self-publishers.

This guide is offered with no guarantees. I’ve done my best to provide accurate information, but I assume no responsibility for any negative consequences that result from following my advice. For other important disclaimers, please see the first entry in the series. Links to other installments in the series can be found on the bottom of this entry.

Part Three: Research, Research, Research
If you’ve been drawing comics for a while and are considering self-publishing in the not-so-distant future, it’s probably the right time to sit down and start doing some research. Reading this guide is perhaps a very small step in that direction, but by itself isn’t nearly enough. To really prepare yourself, you’ll need to crack open a few books. Continue reading How I Self-Published a Graphic Novel (3/10)

Minnesota Residents! Original Artwork by Me on Display!

I’m happy to announce that artwork from my two comic books, Tonoharu and Young Men of a Certain Mind, will be displayed at the Minnesota Museum of American Art as a part of their fall exhibit Hot Ink: Comic Art in Minnesota!

The exhibit opens on September 28, with an opening party taking place on October 3rd at 8pm.

This is the first time my work has ever been publicly displayed, so needlessly to say I’m thrilled; the only downside is that since I’m in Japan, I won’t be able to attend the party. But my parents will be representin’, so here’s your chance to meet them! Oh boy!

For more information, check out the MMAA’s website.

*UPDATE* The International Cartoonist Conspiracy website has a page with even more details, including a full list of featured artists. Check that out here.

How I Self-Published a Graphic Novel (2/10)

 

This is the second in a ten entry series of blog posts about my experiences self-publishing my first graphic novel, Tonoharu: Part One. I’m writing this “how-to” guide in the hopes that my limited experience might be of some value to aspiring comic book self-publishers.

This guide is offered with no guarantees. I’ve done my best to provide accurate information, but I assume no responsibility for any negative consequences that result from following my advice. For other important disclaimers, please see the first entry in the series. Links to other installments in the series can be found on the bottom of this entry.

Continue reading How I Self-Published a Graphic Novel (2/10)

Ignatz Award Nomination!

 

I’m delighted to announce that I have been nominated for a 2008 Ignatz Award in the category of “Promising New Talent”! For those who aren’t familiar with the Ignatz Awards, here’s a description taken from their website:

The Ignatz Awards, named for the character in the classic comic strip Krazy Kat by George Herriman, is a festival prize that recognizes outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning. The ballot is created by a panel of five cartoonists and is then voted on by the attendees [of the Small Press Expo]. This offers a unique reflection of the views the professionals and their fans.

The Ignatz Awards is one of the most prestigious comics awards, so I’m thrilled just to be nominated. Of course I’d be even more thrilled to win, so if you happen to be attending the Small Press Expo next month, please consider voting for me! Thanks!

*UPDATE* I didn’t win. Shucks. But my thanks to those who voted for me, and my congratulations to winner Sarah Glidden!