Look out for my Kickstarter!

Recently I did a public post on my Patreon about how I’m using Patreon and Kickstarter together! Check it out! The world of crowdfunding is so amazing. At first it seems overwhelming, but I think anyone could do it if they had enough motivation. It does take time to learn how to plan correctly to launch your project, and that plan varies by platform. I’m glad that I started with Patreon first rather than jumping into a Kickstarter before I was ready. But really, it’s high time I did one for AER HEAD by now!! Stay tuned for more updates, as my current plan is to launch in early September :)

Meanwhile, no conventions or events planned for me in the comics world in August! At first I thought I’d try to exhibit in more beach/boardwalk events, but I really do need to focus on planning the Kickstarter. And untangling the massive mess that is getting a new computer. And getting more ongoing work. Yes all these 3 things at the same time make my head spin but it’s the journey of life!

As for my computer, I’ve made my 2011 MacBook Pro last until now through upgrading the parts over time. It’s one of the last macs with this ability, but 8.5 years later, the writing is on the wall and it started acting up. I solved some things and am typing to you on it now though.

I’ve put my Business Basics for Freelancers class on hold to prioritize other projects. I’m considering adding a special business tips section to this blog/mailing list, but really this whole post is a kind of tip. But let’s try it out by talking more about the differences between Patreon and Kickstarter:

Business Tip

If you’re a creative person of any kind, or a teacher, or an inventor, I highly recommend crowdfunding on Patreon, Kickstarter, or both. Here’s a quick rundown of differences:

Patreon

Ongoing campaign with patrons pledging a monthly subsciption.

Behind the scenes peek at your artistic process.

Feels more laid back and organic, and you can post very sketchy sketches and feel ok.

Kickstarter

Short campaign usually lasting only one month where people pledge only once.

Usually focuses on the finished product like physical comic printing. Usually most of the project must be done before launching.

Feels like everything needs to be perfect. Definitely more pressure and stress to fund a successful campaign in a short time.

Ok trying some new things out with layouts on this blog. I’m using Squarespace and wanted to make a side-by-side list, but seems like it may have been better if I created my own graphic in Illustrator. But whatever I need to move on with my life. I’m considering moving to Mail Chimp but it doesn’t use an RSS feed. Ugh other tech problems.

This really is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to differences between Patreon and Kickstarter. Please let me know what you think by replying if you get this via email or commenting if you see it on my blog!

Diversity Comic Con this THURS & Biz Basics NEXT WED!

There’s a new con in town: Diversity Comic Con at FIT! Celebrating diversity in the comics world! It’s this Thursday 10/11, so if you missed NYCC this is perfect for you - their panel lineup is all the best of what NYCC should have had, such as “breaking in” and “self-publishing.” Since cosplay has had such a boom, FIT is the perfect venue. It’s FREE but you must get a free eventbrite ticket. I’ll be exhibiting at table 41 in the corner near the stage, along with many other diverse comic creators.

In other news, the next Business Basics for Freelancers class is NEXT WEDNESDAY October 17th from 6-9p at Anyone Comics! I promoted this class like crazy at NYCC, and will at Diversity comic con, so don’t wait til the day before to get a ticket if you’ve been considering it. People always ask “will I have other classes?” and I try to have them once a month, but if you can actually make this time, go for it, because my classes may start to fill up! Thanks!

Pete's Mini Zine Fest & Business Basics THIS WEEKEND!

If you're into indie 'zines, are an artsy person, or are just curious, stop by Pete's Mini Zine Fest this Saturday 7/14!  It's at Pete's Candy Store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn:  709 Lorimer St.  2P - 7P & it's FREE!  Here's the Facebook invite:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1790188944616901/

It's half indoors/half outdoors in their backyard, and it looks like it'll be a nice day so far!  I also have a BRAND NEW MINI COMIC for a very special project I've been working on.  You'll get a sneak peek if you come to the zine fest.  I'll also have copies of "OTHER REALMS" if you didn't get a chance to get one.

This could be YOU!

There's still time to sign up for the next Business Basics for Freelancers class - this Sunday 7/15 at Anyone Comics in Crown Heights!  I know it's summer and you may want to do other things besides learning about business stuff, but there's no time like the present to improve your freelance skills!  I've been flyering around and the more I talk with people about this, the more I realize just how MUCH a class like this is needed for the freelance community.  Register here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-basics-for-freelancers-tickets-47556957139

Hope to see you at one of these events this weekend!  So much going on, but that's a good thing!

Next Business Basics for Freelancers Class: Sunday 7/15

I've had a growing interest in my Business Basics for Freelancers Class!  The next one will be held once again at Anyone Comics in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.  It's coming up soon - Sunday July 15, from 2-5p.  Register here at Eventbrite:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-basics-for-freelancers-tickets-47556957139 Tickets are $50 if you get them online or $55 at the door.

As for everyone I met at Motor City Comic Con who's interested in the class, I am going to make an online course in the future.  Thank you for your patience!  I've already accomplished a lot since going FULL FREELANCE a week ago, but I'm still only one person.  New to this & future courses is that I'll talk about different forms of scheduling & prioritizing as a part-time freelancer VS full-time freelancer.  I'm amazed at the changes I've been able to make in only one week... like checking off things on my TO DO list that have been on there for months. 

I don't know why I geek out about stuff like this... it's really bizarre... but I'm glad to be helping people get better at freelancing!  Hope you can make it to the next class, and have a happy 4th of July!

Class Now Only $50 for Business Basics for Freelancers!

Life is pretty good when people pay you real money to draw their pets at Batman characters.  But customers don't just walk around waiting to give you money for random stuff.  You have to start with a solid product and venue to sell your work, part of which we'll cover in Business Basics for Freelancers!  There is a special right now for $50 per ticket (a $75 value)!  The class is TOMORROW May 9th, so if you're on the edge wondering if you should take it or not, GO FOR IT!  Register here:  

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-basics-for-freelancers-tickets-45478802322

The class is at Anyone Comics in Crown Heights:  1216 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11225.  It's from 6p-9p.  The closest subway is the President St. 2/5.  We'll also go over stuff like banking, taxes, and one of my favorite subjects - productivity!  No matter if you've been freelancing for awhile or are considering taking the plunge from your day job, there are always new things to learn.  Please spread the word as well, and hope to see you there!

Next Business Basics For Freelancers Class!

If you missed my last Business Basics for Freelancers class, I'm having another one in 2 weeks on Wednesday May 9, from 6p-9p!  With the arrival of spring, we tend to find the energy to get out there and DO things we've been putting off all winter.  Now's a great time to sharpen your business skills to become a more successful freelancer! 

This time, the class will be at Anyone Comics in Crown Heights, Brooklyn (1216 Union St).  They have a very nice downstairs area where they've held lots of fun events I've been to before (and they have not only one, but TWO bathrooms!  I'm probably the only one who gets excited about the bathrooms, but really... it's LUXURIOUS for NYC & you'll be comfortable being in the class for 3 hours).  This class is open to ALL freelancers, from musicians to painters to event planners & more. 

Click for more info and registration:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-basics-for-freelancers-tickets-45478802322 

And PLEASE spread the word!  Even if you think the class isn't for you, do you know someone it WOULD be good for?  The more I talk with other freelancers, the more I realize just how much the topics I cover (keeping track of projects, banking, taxes, productivity) are needed in our communities.  Hope to see you and some of your friends there!

Business Basics for Freelancers THIS SATURDAY!

There's still time to sign up for the new class I'm teaching: "Business Basics for Freelancers!"  With tax season approaching, now is the perfect time to start thinking more seriously about the business side of your freelancing.  (By the way, the $75 you pay for this class is TAX DEDUCTIBLE!  We'll go over stuff like that.)  If you're on the edge of deciding, GO FOR IT!  A class like this pays for itself many times over.  Here are the details:

Business Basics for Freelancers is a one session workshop on:

Saturday, February 24th from 2-5pm

Shoestring Studio is 640 Classon Ave in Brooklyn, NY 

You must sign up through the Shoestring site (no walk-ins) here:  http://shoestringstudiony.com/classes/business

Hope to see you there!

Business Basics for Freelancers Class!

Happy New Year!  Are some of your 2018 resolutions to make more money, become more successful at freelancing, or get more organized in your business?  If those goals sound good to you, please sign up for my new class at Shoestring Studio! 

Often, we’re artists first and business people second, and sometimes the business side of art can seem overwhelming to us. I’ll break down some “scary” concepts into bite-sized steps you’ll work on during the class. We’ll cover everything from making a product and pricing it to how to get more freelance work by exhibiting. We’ll also talk about the “not-so-fun” but very important aspects of keeping track of your earnings, banking, and taxes. We’ll also touch upon contracts and time management. All in 3 hours – WHEW!

Probably the biggest question on everyone's mind is how Trump's new tax laws will affect you.  This class is on February 24th, well before taxes are due mid April, so you'll have time to sort it all out.  Take deep breaths - we'll get through it together!  Although I'm not a "tax professional," I have one, and will share what I've learned from them and point you in the right direction.  Really, the whole class is me presenting you with information that I've learned through trial and error, but what you DO with that info is entirely up to you.  I'll provide you with work sheets so you can start taking concrete steps on topics immediately.

Business Basics for Freelancers is a one session workshop on:

Saturday, February 24th from 2-5pm

Shoestring Studio is 640 Classon Ave in Brooklyn, NY 

You must sign up through the Shoestring site (no walk-ins) here:  http://shoestringstudiony.com/classes/business

It's $75, which is cheaper than other Shoestring classes, but in the bigger picture, you'll be saving money in the long run with the knowledge you'll gain.  Feel free to email me any questions about the class at [ mindy at mindyindy dot com ].  Very excited for the class!

Meanwhile, what are your other new year's resolutions?  My theme for 2018 is to "simplify my life," starting with lots of decluttering and cleaning in January! 

Comic Book Music Film Fest THIS FRIDAY!

Looks like Lovecraft Bar is becoming one of my favorite places!  This Friday March 4th they're having another small festival that combines comics, music, and film!  I also designed the flyer for this one and will be exhibiting again.  Here are some fun-sounding names of other people who will be there:  Comic art by Ninja Express and Dionisios Kavvadias, and music by Sunshiner and Bad Mary.  My friend and fellow exhibitor Nadia Burgess (aka Toughspirit) will also be showing one of her films:  "Black."  If you've liked her other art at NYCC, MoCCA Fest, or Special Edition (which btw isn't happening this year), now's the chance to see her film work. 

Comic Book Music Film Fest is 7P-11:45P 3/4.  Lovecraft 50 Ave B.  Here's the facebook event.  Please take any train to the Delancey-Essex stop, then walk north.  $5 admission and it's encouraged to get either 1 drink or food item.  Every $5 entry fee goes to the Goodwill Rescue Mission, striving to end homelessness.  You can rest assured your $ will go directly to feed and shelter the homeless, instead of it possibly being spent on "other" things if you just give to panhandlers.  Homelessness is a huge issue in NYC, and even though I'm not sure the problem will ever be totally solved, at least we can help a little in our own way with fun fundraising events like this.

See you Friday!

We all hate getting charged with a surprise fee for anything.  Sometimes there are fees we expect, but it really kicks you in the pants when there's a big random one that somehow, for some reason, you didn't see until it was too late.  It's important to try to stay on top of everything, which is why I'm trying out this thing called a "weekly review," something I learned from David Allen's book "Getting Things Done" or GTD for short.  I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone, but especially artists, who often struggle with project management.  Basically, the GTD method helps you to:

1.  Do a "brain dump" where you write down literally every task or project you have to do.  2.  Break down projects into small steps.  3.  Actually DO the steps.  Part of this process is the weekly review, to review all the projects and steps to make sure you're on top of things, including everything from bank accounts to comic projects to what you'll cook for dinner.  I feel like I could write all day about GTD because it's helped me immensely, but more on that later.

Artist UPGRADE!

I'm so super excited about some fancy devices that will help me in comic creation efficiency!  For a Christmas present to myself, I got a brand new Intuos Pro by Wacom, and my comic artist friend Warner gave me his old A3 scanner because he got an upgraded scanner/printer.  With these tools combined, I can conquer the world!  ART BATTLING COMMENCE!

For awhile I'd been wanting a bigger scanner to scan whole comic pages but gave up because they were too pricey.  Thus, with the free 8.5x11 scanner I found on my apartment doorstep (I'm too much of a cheapskate for my own good), I scanned large images in pieces and stitched them together in Photoshop.  What a time waster!  A few times I was able to access larger scanners for rush projects but that was lots of running around.  But now I can easily scan 11x17 sized paper in the blink of an eye!  Pictured above is the A3 Scanner, which uses Twain Driver.  Works for both Mac and PC.  Simple and easy to use because it does one thing and does it very well - scans big stuff!

I've also wanted to get a better Wacom tablet for awhile.  Seeing ads for the Surface Pro 3 (where you draw directly on the screen) made me want to get one of those at first, but upon trying it out in Best Buy, it was much smaller than I expected.  How can you create legit art on such a tiny screen?  I've seen people do it, but it's not for me.  The Best Buy techie recommended the Intuos family of tablets, and I'm pretty happy with it so far!  Previously I used a Wacom Bamboo for digital coloring, but it's the most basic one (only $25).  It worked well for solid coloring but I couldn't draw smooth lines for creating artwork SOLELY on the computer.  Also, the pressure sensitivity sucks.  And the pen nib always wore down too flat, which made my "brush" too blunt.  Anyway I've been playing around with the Intuos Pro and it's pretty awesome so far!  My goal is to create more comics solely digitally, which will be much faster!

It's serendipitous that I acquired these devices at the same time.  As shown above, I've scanned an AER HEAD page and am playing around with digital inking.  AER HEAD is drawn by hand on bristol, and is like 75% drawn, but I've had some hang-ups about changing scenes around and moving forward.  But working digitally makes it SO much easier to edit!  Yay for the UNDO command!  And inking is pretty much like tracing with pizazz anyway.  I've gotten frustrated with my traditional inking tools, like unexpected globs of ink plopping out of nowhere.  Having to switch pens each time you want to change line widths (I find the brush to be too blobby for inking small works).  Trying to draw a line and no ink will come out even when I just dipped it in ink.  The list goes on.  It'll still take awhile for me to master the Intuos and digital inking, but I think it's a step in the right direction.  Mostly experimenting in Photoshop, and tried Illustrator but have had some problems.  While Illustrator is great about smoothing the line, when I lift the pen from the tablet the line ends quite bluntly and not gradual like in Photoshop.  Any comments on digital inking are appreciated!  I've been looking at some online tutorials too.

WHOO that's a long post!  So much to blog about on this topic! 

Sometimes it's good to be thrifty, but when that thriftiness is holding you back from being productive, it's better to invest in tools that will make your life easier.  If you're just entering a field, it's good to begin by seeing how you can get by on cheaper materials that work just fine but maybe they take more time.  But once you're on the professional scope of your field, it's time to get serious and invest in some better tools.  I'm not saying buy the most expensive things, because even though business expenses are tax deductible, you only have so much $ in your account.  But growing in knowing yourself, your habits, and your field will help you to spend money more wisely in a way that will benefit you the most.