Capital of Comics

Erika Lance shares her journey from novelist to publisher, offering invaluable insights into the publishing industry, marketing strategies, and how creators can succeed by understanding the business side of art.

In this episode, Rob Multari shares his extensive experience with Kickstarter campaigns, community building, and marketing strategies for creators. Discover actionable insights on campaign planning, audience engagement, variant covers, stretch goals, and overcoming creator fatigue.

In this episode, Joel interviews Eric Tapper, co-founder of GlobalComix. They discuss the evolution of GlobalComix, and share insights on innovation in the industry, emphasizing the importance of making digital publishing accessible and engaging. They also explore the impact of AI and machine learning in enhancing the reading experience.

In this episode, Kyle Willis shares his inspiring journey from artist to successful comic book retailer, emphasizing the importance of persistence, adaptability, and business mindset in the creative industry. Discover practical tips on managing multiple facets of a creative business, turning no into yes, and building a thriving community around your art. Kyle Willis shares his journey through various art mediums, the creative process behind his mosaic work, and insights into the comic industry, including trends, marketing, and political satire. This episode offers valuable lessons for creators and entrepreneurs alike.

In this episode, Joel Rodriguez interviews Laurie Foster, owner of Laguna Studios, about her journey from comic artist to business owner, the importance of vision, balancing creativity with business, and overcoming imposter syndrome. They discuss growth, diversification, and the mindset needed for success in the creative industry. Join us for an in-depth discussion as we explore innovative approaches to comics creation, community building, and industry trends. Discover how Laguna Studios is shaping the future of comics through community engagement, makerspaces, and strategic pivots.

In this episode, Erik Laidroo, a seasoned media producer and owner of Blue Rock Media, shares insights on building a successful media business, networking strategies, the impact of AI on media production, and lessons from the creative industry that apply to comics. Discover how small jobs can lead to big opportunities and the importance of quality and relationships.

In this episode of Capital of Comics, host Joel Rodriguez interviews David Byrne, a narrative strategist and lead writer at Metal Ninja Studios. They discuss David's journey into the comic industry, the evolution of his publishing company, W.i.N. Pictures, and the importance of team dynamics in creative projects. The conversation also delves into the challenges of adapting stories into different mediums, understanding publishing contracts, and the signs of a good publisher. Additionally, they explore the significance of building relationships within the industry and the process of finding and collaborating with artists. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of the comic book industry, discussing the rewarding aspects of writing and editing, the transformative power of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, and the challenges of navigating the direct market. They share insights on pitching to publishers, understanding IP licensing, and the ongoing debate about working for exposure. The importance of effective communication and building partnerships with artists is emphasized, along with practical advice on character design and collaboration.
 

In this episode, host Joel Rodriguez sits down with executive headhunter and podcast host Kip Knippel (Kip Search, Capitalist Culture) to dismantle the stigma around the business side of creativity.
Kip pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of executive recruitment and translates those corporate strategies into a blueprint for indie creators. Whether you are looking for your first artist or scaling a studio, this session explores why shifting your mindset from "cost" to "value" is the essential pivot for any creator who wants to move beyond the "starving artist" trope and build a sustainable career.

Success in comics isn't just about what you know, but who you grow with.
In this masterclass, host Joel Rodriguez sits down with prolific writer and community leader Travis Gibb (Broke Down And Four Dead Bodies, Voodoo Nations) to discuss the most undervalued asset in the indie comic industry: Community.
Travis pulls back the curtain on how building a genuine network of peers, fans, and collaborators acts as a force multiplier for your career. If you’ve ever felt like you’re shouting into a void on social media, this session will give you the blueprint to turn those digital echoes into a thriving support system.
 
 
In this Masterclass, you’ll learn:
The "Rising Tide" Philosophy: Why helping others succeed is the fastest way to accelerate your own growth.
Networking vs. Relationship Building: How to approach creators and professionals without being "that person" who only wants something.
Crowdfunding Fuel: How a strong community transforms a Kickstarter from a "hopeful launch" into a "guaranteed win."
Vetting Your Inner Circle: Finding the right collaborators who match your work ethic and creative vision.
Navigating the "Con" Circuit: Practical tips for building lasting industry connections during live events and conventions.
"Your network is your safety net. In the indie world, we don't compete—we complete each other's journeys." — Travis Gibb
 
Connect with Our Guest:
Instagram: @Jesterlou
Ready to level up your comic career? Join the Concept to Comic Academy for exclusive Q&As, mentorship, and full masterclass archives. 👉 [Join the Academy here]
Subscribe and follow for weekly insights into the business behind the panels.

EP 09: The 4 Levers of Profit with Eranga Devasurendra
Ever wondered if your creative passion can actually pay the bills—without leading to total burnout?
In this episode, host Joel Rodriguez is joined by master illustrator and creator Eranga Devasurendra (Metal Ninja Studios) to demystify the business side of art. While many creatives shy away from the "F-word" (Finance), Eranga breaks down a powerful framework borrowed from the manufacturing industry: The 4 Levers of Profit.
Whether you are a comic book artist, a writer, or a freelance letterer, understanding these four variables is the key to building a sustainable, long-term career.
In this Masterclass, you’ll learn:
The Volume Lever: Why starting with high volume and low prices is a necessary (but temporary) stepping stone.
The Price Lever: How to overcome the fear of raising your rates once you’ve built your "reputation bedrock."
The Mix Lever: Strategies for diversifying your product offerings—from $25 sketch cards to $15,000 Concept to Comic™ packages.
The Cost Lever: Practical ways to cut overhead, including bulk material buying and shipping hacks.
The "Exposure" Trap: Why you should refuse "exposure bucks" and focus on partnerships instead.
"Volume is not a sustainable strategy for hand-drawn art. Eventually, you have to pull the price lever so you can make more money in the same amount of time—and actually have a balanced life." — Eranga Devasurendra
 
Connect with Our Guest:
Instagram: @eranga.d.art
Ready to level up your comic career? Join the Concept to Comic Academy for exclusive Q&As, mentorship, and full masterclass archives. 👉 [Join the Academy here]
Subscribe and follow for weekly insights into the business behind the panels.