I've been working on the second issue of ZFW. We've gotten some good response on issue #1. We also got issue #1 in Diamond Previews, the catalog that is sent to all comic stores around the country. With so many people jumping into the glorious world of comics it is really difficult to get in. There are a ton of requirements you have to meet. So I am very thankful we got accepted.
I tried to get our comics into some of the comic shops around Oklahoma when I went home to visit this Thanksgiving, but they were all hesitant to put an unknown indy comic on their shelves. Some of them also thought the market was being over-saturated with zombie comics. Which may very well be true, but while I was sitting in my car outside calling my publisher I saw a guy walk into the shop and come out with the Walking Dead trade. Just sayin'.
Also I do think our comic has a different spin on the zombie tale. It's about a bunch of old vets that have been through war and know how to fight as a tight unit. When the zombie apocalypse hits they are ready and willing to bring the pain. Who would you want at your back when the zombie horde comes? Your overweight, sweaty neighbor and his little chihuahua or a freakin' group of trained soldiers? As much as I love sitting back and drinking a pint with some friends I want some seasoned warriors at my side when the undead are attempting to feast on my brains!!
Getting comic shops interested in our comic is one of the many hurdles we are going to have to overcome. Being accepted by Diamond is just opening up the door. Now stepping in that door and getting shops to actually take a chance on our comic is going to be the real challenge. We are contacting various shops around the country in an attempt to get them to at least try out our comic. Here's hoping they like what they see! Next time you are in your local comic shop let them know there is a comic you are interested in that is going to be in the January issue of previews. ZFW!
I've always been interested in the business side of comics. Before I went to college I had written and drawn two issues of a comic and had started doing some research into self-publishing. (I still wish I would have continued down that road, but eh, whatev) Now that I have gotten hooked up with a new independent publisher I am getting to see the ins and outs first hand. This is going to help a lot when it comes to me publishing my own comics. I always get a little giddy thinking of traveling across the country (or even the world) going to conventions and spreading the comic book love. I love meeting new people and talking about my creations and comics in general. Ah, the life. 8)
I also went home for the holidays and had an art show the first night. It was the 10 year anniversary of The Killer Next Door, aka the KND, the art collective I have been a part of for nearly 8 years now. It was a great show. I got to sell a buncha copies of ZFW and my 24 hour comic. I also got to hang with life long friends and met a lot of new people. I love going back home and seeing all my friends and family. They are the greatest!!
I also got to hang out with a ton of little kids. Everyone is having babies!!! I love seeing my little nieces and the new little nephew, but they are out of control! Seeing how my buddies Jay Are and Rachel raise their two cute lil boys reminded me how much structure can bring balance to one's life. The kids have a schedule with a time for everything. This does so much to keep them calm and focused while at the same time getting a lot done throughout the day.
This efficiency can be seen in businesses and the military as well. As much as I am against war and violence in nearly any form (except video games, movies and comics, of course) you have to admit the structure helps get more done in less time. So, I have made a weekly schedule to better organize my life.
I broke down everything I want and need to get done each week. I wrote down and color coordinated each area and placed them on magnetic strips. I also left a few hours each day to help move things around or get a little more sleep if possible. I do like naps.This schedule has really done a lot to improve my productivity and my peace of mind. Now instead of always feeling like I need to be drawing, I know my drawing is getting done and I can feel guilt free when I am working on other projects. When I am sitting there drawing and feel the need to do some research, which inevitably leads to wasted time getting lost in Wikipedia, or have an urge to check my Facebook, I can stop and tell myself, "Not now. This is not the allotted time for that. Focus on drawing for now." This helps tremendously in getting everything accomplished.
Since I kept nearly everything in small chunks of time throughout the day I am always changing up what I am doing and keeping interest in every aspect. I suggest setting up a schedule like this for yourself if you are a freelancer or working on your own time trying to make some art or get some writing done. You'll see a great change in your productivity. 8)
Speaking of productivity, it's time for me to get on it, myself. I'll be back soon, blog buddy. Sorry for neglecting you. I still love you, friend.
