Articles appearing in WIZARD by Jonnie Allan
*** Unfortunately WIZARD Magazine has since
cancelled this column. With the change & turnover in staff
– especially Independent Comics stalwart Karen Evora –it
appears their focus has shifted once again away from the
Independent Creator back to being solely a Puff Piece for
the Big 5. There is, however, good news. This is not the
end for the "Independent
Insights" column. You can find all of the articles that did not see
print and much, much more by visiting
Creating
Comic Success ***
WIZARD #207
"Easy and Covenient"
By Jonnie Allan
Publisher/Creator The Miscellaneous Adventures
of STYKMAN™
Times are tough right now – there is no doubt. Very uncertain times loom on the horizon. Unfortunately when this happens, “Easy and Convenient” becomes the rule of measurement for most Independent Creators. It is “easy and convenient” to cut advertising. It is “easy and convenient” to stop promoting. It is “easy and convenient” to wait out the storm. However, what destroys so many dreams is that people will do what is “easy and convenient” instead of what will make them great. What will make you great is not found in the realm of “easy and convenient.” You will never find it there. So stop looking.
The truth is, in the entrepreneurial world – which is where Independent comics lie – we are ahead of the game. As entrepreneurs we can shift our focus, learn new skills, address new markets, alter our strategies, marketing and price points and take advantage of the current state of things. For instance, did you know that more companies were started in 1929 – the beginning of The Great Depression– than in the years just prior to? While everyone was screaming Gloom and Doom inspired entrepreneurs took advantage of opportunities that presented themselves that normally would not have otherwise been available to them.
So forget about “easy and convenient.” The future will not wait for you. The Comic Book Industry needs you. Remember, if you do not decide to build your dreams, you will be building someone else’s. Nothing happens until you take action.
For more information regarding Developing, Marketing and Branding your Creativity visit
WIZARD #203
"Where To Begin"
By Jonnie Allan
Publisher/Creator The Miscellaneous Adventures of STYKMAN™
A question often asked by those wanting to produce and publish their own comic is, “Where do I begin?” For starters, no matter what your skill set is, it is imperative that you acquire a new one – the skill of acquiring skills. The world of independent publishing is a world where individuals wear many hats. The lines between job titles begin to blur. Creating a comic is by itself a very daunting, and somewhat overwhelming task. Factor in the need for marketing and promotion, and one can feel a bit crushed by the weight of where to begin. However, it is important for you to start somewhere. Simply put, just start. Pick up a hat, put it on, and get to work.
A terrific analogy would be The Great Wall of China. Huh?
That’s right, China. When one looks at such a magnificent monument– an
incredible, awe-inspiring work of man– one cannot help but feel
a bit small and unsure. How did they..? Where did they..? It’s amazing.
It’s a miracle. Well, no, not really. Amazing yes, miracle no. It’s
just a pile of bricks – one stacked on top of the other. Where do
you begin? Choose a brick. Lay another one on top of it, then another,
and another, until you begin to make a little progress. By the end of
the day, you won’t have built The Great Wall, but you’ll be
further along than you were.
So put on a hat, grab a brick, and get started.
For more information regarding Developing, Marketing and Branding your Creativity visit
WIZARD #199
"Press & Release "
By Jonnie Allan
Publisher/Creator The Miscellaneous Adventures of STYKMAN™
One invaluable aspect of marketing regularly overlooked by Independent creators is the Press Release (PR). According to Wikipedia: A PR is “for the purpose of announcing something claimed as having news value.” In other words, the real purpose behind a PR is to tell the world about your comic by attracting favorable media attention. Most of the time, media outlets –– especially online media –– will pick up your PR and post it to their respective sites.
So how is this done? A good PR answers all of the "W" questions: who, what, where, when and why. It provides the media with useful information about your company, your comic, and any and all creators attached to it. Your headline and first paragraph should tell the story; the rest of your PR should provide the detail. You have a matter of seconds to grab your readers' attention; you don’t want to lose it with a weak opening. Follow the rules of grammar. Always use a word processing program when writing. Errors in grammar, spelling and style affect your credibility. Avoid hyperbole. Embellishment and exaggeration will only lead to skepticism from news outlets. And remember, this is not the time to make a sale. A journalist’s job is to relay information to their audience, not to sell. If your PR reads like an advertisement, rewrite it.
A well-crafted Press Release can and will capture the attention of media outlets, paving the way to articles, interviews and reviews. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?
For more information regarding Developing, Marketing and Branding your Creativity visit
WIZARD #195
"BRAND Standing"
By Jonnie Allan
Publisher/Creator The Miscellaneous Adventures of STYKMAN™
How recognizable are you? Better yet, how recognizable is your comic? When people see your logo do they immediately think of your character? Without a clear program for communication, you just blend in - you become part of the scenery. Even in a crowded field - even if your product or service is like your competition's - your comic and its brand identity and image need have a personality all their own. For instance: When you have a runny nose you reach for a…? When you have a cut or scrape you use an adhesive strip called a…? Now that’s brand identity. The name of the product is associated with the entire category. The big boys are great at this. The DC shield or the IMAGE “I” are immediately recognizable. Automatically you think comics and the many books and characters under their stable.
So how is this done? You promote, position and advertise. Through print ads, web ads, banners, business cards, t-shirts, stickers, postcards, temporary tattoos, etc., you can accomplish your goals. By making the logo visible wherever you are a direct correlation is made. Because of the STYKMAN logo present on everything I wear, just about everyone in this business calls me STYKMAN. When I walk into a retail shop the logo is clearly visible associating me with the character and comic on their shelf. Even if they have not read the book, the logo is recognized and their interest is piqued. And that, my friends is branding.
For more information regarding Developing, Marketing and Branding your Creativity visit
WIZARD #191
"Independent Insights"
By Jonnie Allan
Publisher/Creator The Miscellaneous Adventures of STYKMAN™
It’s been said “If you build they with come.” And it’s true.. in the movies. However, the world of comics is an entirely different animal. Sure you can build it, but when you look around and all of the seats are empty what then? One word – Marketing. After all, how will they know if they have not heard? How will they hear if you have not told them? As with any successful business, the key is marketing. Too often brilliant ideas and incredible story telling go unnoticed because creators to promote their ideas – a concept often overlooked, but easily rectified.
Marketing campaigns range from direct mail to email, internet ads to print ads, telemarketing to word of mouth. Do you have a website? What about an e-newsletter? Do you exhibit at comic conventions? Did you know that comic conventions present a unique opportunity for you to place your comic directly into a fan's hands while simultaneously marketing to everyone else? Possibilities are endless and limited only to your creativity. We already know you are creative, time to apply it.
With hundreds of titles available every month, the only sure way your comic will be noticed by retailers and fans alike is marketing.
For more information regarding Developing, Marketing and Branding your Creativity visit
