Self Publishing Comics (Publish or Perish!)

[@petemarquez8759]

I don't really exist...but I plan to exist someday, I stopped drawing long enough to watch your video. I'm older than you so I can relate to that overwhelming sense of urgency that you spoke of. My "little" brother is an awesome writer but he wouldn't ever submit his work to publishing houses. I kept trying to get him to do it, last year he finally turned the tables on me. He said "why don't you illustrate one of my stories? You aren't doing anything with your art, you always wanted to draw comics..." I hadn't drawn seriously in years, but my skills have returned in the past year and I've picked up new ones like inking with a brush. I've done tons of research too, never realized there was so much involved in this business. I'm retired so I have a lot of free time, but even so there never seems to be enough hours in a day, time flies by so quickly while drawing. I had hoped to have one book done by this year, but realistically I don't think it will be ready until next year. Plus I want it to look good, I want it to look professional quality. His stories are professional level even though no one's read them. I don't want it to be one of those "the story was good, but the art sucked!" books....I think he has a lot of confidence in my ability but he also knows that I'm my own worst critic....

[@MarshMakesComics]

That's awesome! And it's definitely never too late in my opinion. I definitely commend you guys for making it a point to make this comic idea happen. I can't wait to see how it comes out! 😎

[@noteem5726]

This sounds like a great story. I'd love to hear how it all turned out 🙂

[@SidVacant69]

I love making doujinshis but I feel comfortable not existing, I love when people see my art but have no idea who the person is behind it.

[@petemarquez8759]

@@SidVacant69 lol, that was two years ago, now I want to be anonymous! God Bless!

[@MeNoOther]

They now sell 11x17 printers are called "wide format" printers on Amazon, around $300+ so now people can print comics with the quality of professional printers at home. Comicbooks are printed on 80# card stock for cover, and 60# paper for the main pages

[@jerartist127]

I self published a 4 issue mini series. Titled destinies path I got it 4 color printed and sold it throughout the province of Ontario 🇨🇦. Now I'm looking to get back at it... cheaply though lol 😆. You are very inspiring thank you for your channel

[@MarshMakesComics]

I’m really glad you dig it thank you for watching! And nice work on getting that miniseries out 😎👍

[@Qoda]

I need to get to work. Thanks for the push, Marsh!

[@MarshMakesComics]

We all do. Glad I could help!

[@Qoda]

@@MarshMakesComics As a return favor then, bro... GET BACK TO WORK!!! * Whip Crack!* 😆

[@MeNoOther]

Clip Studio Paint is designed for drawing comics. It can also self publish web comics in digital formats. Scribus is free and open-source desktop publishing software available for most desktop operating systems. It is designed for layout, typesetting, and preparation of files for professional-quality image-setting equipment. This is for printing Then a “wide format” laser or inkjet printer that can do 11x17 or greater to fit a comic book Then a large paper cutter, and extended stapler. That is it! That is all the professionals use.

[@LeticiaGarcia-xm1ct]

Thank you. You inspire me!

[@MarshMakesComics]

Thank You for watching!

[@Voltergeist]

I'm phasing into existence, slowly but surely!!

[@liachngo]

I resonate with everything you said here. Your first question on your opening was my exact thought when I realized I wanted to tell stories too. No body will know who you are until you start putting yourself out there. The reason why we even know big name creators from all over the world is because they finished their projects and put it out for the world to see. The grind is real, and it’s a longterm game for creators!

[@MarshMakesComics]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@WhitneyWasson]

Thanks so much. This is stellar advice. I just started my Patreon this week (5 patrons so far, mostly friends) and it's super helpful to hear that you expect to grow and get better and grow your following. It's SO ScARY to put stuff out there!

[@TeresadelPilar]

Cool video Marsh! I agree, putting stuff out there is a great thing. For me as well, it creates a sense of commitment when I share and publish stuff.

[@MarshMakesComics]

Absolutely! Thanks Teresa!

[@amyiswaiting_draws]

Hi Marsh. I've just discovered your videos - this morning. I then went and made my first ever mini comic also this morning. Living a lifelong dream ( I'm 40). So thank you. For the inspirations and excellent videos and helping some of us blocked creative people out. 👍

[@MarshMakesComics]

Oh wow I’m so glad it was helpful!!!

[@megastar3740]

Thanks for the tips. I’m so on with being productive on each project and working on getting better. A progression mindset is really important. A real mental boost!

[@MarshMakesComics]

I usually add the caveat that if your goal isn't to make a career out of you're comic passion then that is totally cool too! And in that case advice like this doesn't necessarily apply. I should have put that right at the front of this video whoops my bad 😎 But if you are interested in making this into a career or something like that then... As a publisher do you even exist? If not are you working on publishing your way into existence? 😜😎

[@PhilipLautinJackson]

Good points - doing beats not doing every day - and on that note.. I tried to join your patreon but the link in the description doesn't work, (it turns into "/donkeyjawpro...") so I had to manually write it out. Same issue with the facebook link. :)

[@rudolfsanchez9855]

MARSH KEEP UP YOUR GREAT WORK

[@MarshMakesComics]

Thank You! 😎👊

[@MarshMakesComics]

Oh thanks for the heads up!

[@vijayaprasad440]

Hi Marshall I'm 10 years old and your videos inspire me to make mini comics for my school projects

[@franksonador]

I enjoy this video! I self-publish too. I can’t afford to print, so I uploaded three mini-comics on Kindle. I made two book trailers as well. I stumbled across your channel and it’s been very inspiring to finish up projects. thanks!

[@ConQuesoComics]

Just the message I needed to hear today! Thanks for this video!

[@MarshMakesComics]

Glad it was helpful! 😎

[@MeNoOther]

Mini comics are a great idea. Specially if the artist can 3D print their own action figure. Shrink wrap the comic behind the figure toy

[@barkovision1048]

Great video! I am 50 and have been an artist at heart all my life but have never gotten it together enough to do it "for real". Over the last few months I have been working on art full time while I look for a job (got laid off last year). There are a few "comics" I would like to make. Some are beyond my limits at the moment but I have a few solid concepts outlined and ready to render. My first project is a Coloring book for adults called "The Only Funny Clown is a Dead Clown" or "Funny Clown=Dead Clown" for short. Also want to make an activity book for stoners. I am looking at using Lulu publishing and print each book on demand and also looking into amazon publishing.

[@brettgitzel]

Hey Marshall, your videos have helped me out a lot. I was able to make my own 8 frame comic because of your tips and tricks. I felt so good to complete it. This video is helping me get inspired again! Anyway, thanks for the videos. Keep it up!

[@mitchellsink2584]

Hey dude! I'm in the process of making my first "big" comic, while at the same time, doing the 100 Days of Making Comics Challenge. I have to say, it has been amazing so far! Life is too short for us not to pursue the things that we are passionate about. I love art and telling stories, yet I never considered making comics until about six months ago. Joining the group and doing the work everyday has been a huge game changer for me. Thanks Marshall for your video on this topic. It's something I have been wondering about. I hope to make a living making art someday and I hope comics are a big part of that, so your advice is much appreciated!

[@MarshMakesComics]

Glad it's helpful man! Keep up the good work!! 😎👊

[@JuwanBuchanan]

I'm 23 and I'm an writer that also want to break into the comics industry one day. I basically want to start small. Start to create a few one-page digital comics, a mini-series, then a full-on series, and even printing my own comics. Anything that I can to help built up my online portfolio, but you are right, you will have to self-publish your own stuff eventually and probably get into the indy's if you want to be noticed by a major publisher. If you never self-publish your work, then how will publishers discover you?

[@MeNoOther]

Clip Studio Paint is designed for drawing comics. It can also self publish web comics in digital formats. Scribus is free and open-source desktop publishing software available for most desktop operating systems. It is designed for layout, typesetting, and preparation of files for professional-quality image-setting equipment. This is for printing Then a “wide format” laser or inkjet printer that can do 11x17 or greater to fit a comic book Then a large paper cutter, and extended stapler. That is it! That is all the professionals use.

[@Muttman]

Dude I like what you're talking about here, but I LOVE watching those mini comics get made. haha! It's mesmerizing. It reminds me of electric company or a sesame street short or something like that. Keep up the good work.

[@MarshMakesComics]

LOL thanks man! It's funny how many comments I've gotten about the actual video of me making the comics. I wanted to have something visual besides just my face in there and all I was able to come up with was this and I thought it was pretty lame but apparently people like it. Ha ha glad it wasn't a flop!

[@brothaantone8286]

Thank you for the words of encouragement, Marshal sensei! 😊

[@Ekaterinatotunova]

thank you for this video! feeling so motivated and better about making my own comic book.

[@ShadowWingTronix]

I do a comic strip every week and a superhero PDF comic for Christmas, so I have stuff out there in the universe. Not in the way I want but I enjoy what I'm making and learning how to work towards a printed comic.

[@MarshMakesComics]

That's awesome! You officially exist as a publisher 😎 keep up the good work buddy!!!

[@JH-od6zk]

Keep up the good work Marsh! I like the artcasters in the background.

[@MarshMakesComics]

Thanks! Yeah I was catching up on Artcasters while assembling comics. Lol😎

[@bevanmaleiba1516]

this really help me get a better veiw on what i should try experiment

[@corykerr]

Fantastic video. I love the idea that “ideas don’t exist” because it’s so true

[@MarshMakesComics]

Totally Cory thanks! 😎👊

[@GazBot]

Agree, and agree. Just start get it out there! also I found your production speed process video very satisfying :p

[@MarshMakesComics]

Ha ha Thanks Gaz! 😎👊

[@Michael-ns1ey]

Excellent advice - thank you! Have you heard this one: 'You'll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind'.

[@natez9532]

Started subbing today. You're amazing. I cheated out and published through createspace.com. I used standard 8.5"x11" printer paper for the actual manuscript so I didn't have to worry about translating margins after I uploaded onto createspace. I just used .25" gutters and it looked professional enough so the page wasn't sucked into the binding. It was a kid friendly sci-fi project called Droids n Slushies. I did that back in 2014 after doing dozens of strips called Zeek N Shellee that I based it from and basically turned those strips into a strung together adventure. Now I'm doin a second project, after recovering from ONE brutal review for all to see with a little more adult but still sci-fi theme on 8x10 which is another createspace pre-set, paper so it looks less goofy. It's going to be longer and have a making of section in the back to give it more production value as it said in the review it was lacking. I'm not promoting my book at all but here is the review. It's not so much that it took five years to bounce back from let alone starting the same project over again and just getting a really strong work ethic and learning really hard after being beat-down.www.amazon.com/Droids-N-Slushies-Nate-Zsido/dp/1506194974/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=droids+n+slushies&qid=1563657491&s=gateway&sr=8-1#customerReviews

[@MarshMakesComics]

Yeah man it can be tough but keep working and keep publishing! Thanks for subscribing man I'm glad you dig my videos! 😎👊

[@NerdLensStudios]

I checked out the link and saw the review. Maybe the guy made a few decent points about the artwork but for most part, he sounded so full of himself and shitty. He used a lot of that review to brag about himself and his work which is really just obnoxious and not real constructive criticism. I know this is an old comment but just wanted to let you know that that was a stupid review and you shouldn't let people like that get to you. Glad to see that it sounded like you were getting back in the game though!

[@princemarokane9521]

Thank you for the advice's, it did motivate me a lot. I will for show do something.

[@MarshMakesComics]

Awesome anytime!!! 😎👍

[@dougcurtis578]

To be honest, fear and anxiety keep hitting me and I'm trying to overcome it. I've been making comics for years, but I have to make that damned leap! I'm 50 now (don't feel like it), and why can't I do this, beat this mental obstacle?

[@MarshMakesComics]

There definitely is that aspect as well. I can totally understand being paralyzed by fear and anxiety. I usually add the caveat that if your goal isn't to make a career out of you're comic passion then that is totally cool too! And in that case advice like this doesn't necessarily apply. I should have put that right at the front of this video whoops my bad 😎

[@Onthegoart7790]

I know what you mean Doug. I'm at 38 and I feel like i'm running out of time. I have tons of stories and characters, but haven't even successfully drawn out one page of it. One of my main issues though is: 1. Instagram only likes me too draw real people in my style. 2. Twitter only likes for me to draw classic comic book characters. 3. Deviant Art only likes my furry art, even if it's krap and they could care less about anything else I do. So it causes a huge dilemma for me and often stops me from going forward with anything. Sorry for the long story.

[@MarshMakesComics]

It's definitely easy to get caught up in what different social sites might expect of you I know I've gotten into that myself even right here on KZbin I fight with it a bit. That being said it ends up being kind of a management issue. Evaluate your time and find out what audiences you can serve and what you don't have time for while still maintaining work on what gets you excited specifically. Or you can cut out everything else except what makes you excited. if you pave the path with what work you want to do and showcase it in a way that's interesting and attractive then the people who like that kind of thing will find their way to you. Also you can find ways to seek those specific type of people out as well. Everything that has become typical on any given platform was once very new on that platform and somebody had to do it and make it popular. 😎 Good luck man I know I'd be interested in seeing the stuff that makes you excited!

[@Onthegoart7790]

@@MarshMakesComics Sound advice, thank you! I will keep you updated on how things are going as well!

[@albertross2456]

Take it slow. Do some comic strips for fun. That's what I'm gonna do.

[@astrofist]

I like self-publishing. I like to be able to control what I'm doing. Is it perfect? No. But I really do enjoy it. I agree with you on the whole idea of the video... I wish i'd seen this video back in the 80s. I had to learn everything from scratch. No internet. Just a public library and what people told me (80% of it was wrong information lol). In the 90s, I drew on 11 x 14 poster boards with ink pens and sharpies. Copied and reduced. Folded and stapled them at home listening to classic rock and drinking Mountain Dew into the wee hours of the night. I didn't know where I could sell any of them, but I didn't care, I was making comics! BECAUSE of those mini books I did, I got work. I did illustrations for Craig Kercheval's Cosmic Crusader. I worked on Destiny Vampire Mermaid with Ronn Foss for Scary Monster Magazine and Monster Memories. I then started working on Dave Goode's Mr. Incognito. I'm still doing stuff for Dave. And many more. I self publish my own comics (Devil Bat, Grizzly Bear Man, Meet the Monstrosities, etc) and magazines (Monster Magazine, Halloween Ticks & Treats) on lulu and IndyPlanet (just look for Vance Capley), and I've put comics on smackjeeves web comics website (again look for my name). That's one thing that needs to be added to the idea of constantly creating, work will start coming in (amen!), but what ever you do, keep working on your stuff too.

[@astrofist]

...and once again, great video!

[@MarshMakesComics]

Thank You and I totally agree! 😎👊

[@SideBurns]

Ummm excuse me, I'm actually a POC, Procrastinator On Comics. And YES we exist!

[@MarshMakesComics]

Lol point taken. I usually add the caveat that if your goal isn't to make a career out of you're comic passion then that is totally cool too! And in that case advice like this doesn't necessarily apply. I should have put that right at the front of this video whoops my bad 😎 either way I totally understand the whole procrastination thing because I've spent most of my life more in that camp then in the high productivity camp.

[@awakz100]

I'm a fan of your channel, I'll have to make an effort to acquire some of your work, many thanks for the great vid

[@MarshMakesComics]

Thank You! Right now what I mostly have available is free to read online with an email sign up!

[@noamsteinerman]

love your content

[@MarshMakesComics]

Thank You!

[@ttobinupinit]

You know Josh too, huh? Tell him that Lisa's ex Todd said, "Hi" next time you see him, please. Great advice overall. I like the content, it reminds me of when I was in my 20's hanging out at Carrow's in Lancaster with other artists all working on stuff but only having enough money between us for a plate of fries and a tip. Despite being Introverted, artist's seem to forget that socialising with others is very important. My sister died the day after Christmas at 43 from cancer complications and it kept reminding me about a comic I started with a buddy years ago that she used to encourage me to finish but I never did. So, I found my portfolio with 30 pages of pencilled line art and sparse inking with over 10 concept drawings for various characters, and there was already a couple pages I already had out of the sleeves to remind myself that they need to be inked. I've been inking them at my overnight job for the last three hours and decided to take a break to leave you a thank you. Also, it's important for artists to stay hydrated and remember to stretch your forearms and hands out... It's easy to develop tennis elbow from not taking care of your hands and arms. Thanks again, dude! You just got a new sub.

[@Belowone]

i want to do a magazine size comic book, how you do that when trying to do it yourself? ive only seen ppl do small comics havent been able to find bigger size comics to self print.

[@anthoniamordi3981]

thank you bro, your amazing 😍😙

[@MarshMakesComics]

Glad you dig it! 😎

[@SalazarArtNation]

I had made my first ,and at this point Only mini comic. An 8 page zine. I went back to it and added some small touches and just now had copies made. I plan on giving them out to friends. Is that self publishing,can I say I have a published book? 😁 It's not the best mini,the art is inconsistent but It's the one i'm proud of because I actually made it and it's my first. I've been using your videos on the mini comics as guides.

[@MarshMakesComics]

I would definitely call that publishing! Congratulations!!!! 😎👍

[@Acid_Lace]

I'm the Tolkien to my sister's CS Lewis. I wrote my graphic novel so I could have something to do besides watch tv. Then she said "you put so much work into it you should publish it afterwards." And it's so long too, it's going to take forever to draw. I haven't given publishing much thought.

[@MarshMakesComics]

It's actually totally cool if you don't publish it as well. I usually add the caveat that if your goal isn't to make a career out of you're comic passion then that is totally cool too! And in that case advice like this doesn't necessarily apply. I should have put that right at the front of this video whoops my bad 😎 either way I'm glad you're moving forward with your project and as long as you're pleased with the way you decide to share it or not share it that's all thats all that matters!

[@Acid_Lace]

@@MarshMakesComics I don't mind publishing it. Im a career artist so that's what I should be doing. Your advice is absolutely spot on. A less nice phrasing would be that "ideas are worthless"

[@MarshMakesComics]

@@Acid_Lace Gotcha! 😎👊

[@saifulissam636]

Is publishing to comixology worth it?

[@JeremiahLambertArt]

jake parker put out a vid about finished not perfect. its pretty great vid.

[@MarshMakesComics]

Yeah that's definitely a great video! Very inspiring!

[@PeterPalmiotti]

I'm published 100, 200 times (I've lost count) but as part of a team. Its really going to be another level when I get my own creations out. Working on it everyday I can.

[@MarshMakesComics]

Yes I can't wait for your creations to come out! But yeah you're way ahead of most of us as far as all your other published work which is Super rad! 😎

[@rudolfsanchez9855]

i agree with all here but a zine is still stuck in paper world a stamp is now$1,00not 10 cents; digital world makes more sense lik a CD or web page but digital discouraged collecting books

[@MarshMakesComics]

Yes no doubt all of these things are always changing so we just need to adjust as we go and do what makes sense. Whether we publish digitally or traditionally the point is that we at least publish. 😎

[@bevanmaleiba1516]

im 10 and im in fourth grade and i made a 20 part series about a super hero called super banana i have them in my school library im really popular now all because of you

[@MarshMakesComics]

Wow great work!!! 😎👍

[@bevanmaleiba1516]

thank u so much i love your channel more than anything

[@KingofPepsi]

I love to draw and write, but I think I should just give up. It's impossible to find a publisher that won't screw me over and hand-making my own books seems pointless. No one is going to buy my books. It's all too frustrating, long, and difficult.

[@robertmoore4050]

I need to exist

[@MarshMakesComics]

Ah yes we all do 😎

[@petemarquez8759]

You're showing "no views" on your video. I noticed the same on several conservative comic related channels too. The Bigfoot, ghost, UFO and home improvement channels that I watch are still showing viewer counts. FYI

[@MarshMakesComics]

Yeah that's so weird I'm not sure why. Huh

[@SideBurns]

@@MarshMakesComics It says 53 views to me

[@MarshMakesComics]

@@SideBurns yeah it's weird for the first hour or so it's said no views but now it's showing the views. Thanks for the heads up guys!

[@IvoryTempestCandleOfStories]

The world would be a sad place if Tolkien never published his works. But on the bright side, we wouldn't have Rings of Power.

[@farahalowydhi2299]

I am a 12 year old and I am doing a comic book / a story

[@MarshMakesComics]

Awesome! Good luck!!!

[@spaghettiart1051]

I came here so I can be like Gerard way (he is currently a comic writer)

[@MarshMakesComics]

Nice good luck!