Hey folks,
Since I've started writing comics, I've experienced a flood of ideas that can sometimes get overwhelming. I'm looking for some advice regarding managing several projects at once.
Currently, my main project is a six-issue arc for a new series. Issue #1 is fully scripted, and currently in the hands of the artist. Issue #2 and 3 are 50% complete, and Issues 4-6 are outlined in great detail. My problem is that I feel like waiting for work on #1 to progress further before I really sink into the next issues.
Meanwhile, I have two other four-issue stories in the works, both with Issue #1 fully scripted and detailed outlines for the rest of each series.
On top of those, I've started developing concepts/characters for a webcomic, as well as an entire other series.
My question is, how do you manage your projects? Do you tackle one at a time, get it done and then move on? Do you allow yourself to take a break from one and develop another?
Thanks in advance!
Joel Kleine
Hey folks,
Since I've started writing comics, I've experienced a flood of ideas that can sometimes get overwhelming. I'm looking for some advice regarding managing several projects at once.
Currently, my main project is a six-issue arc for a new series. Issue #1 is fully scripted, and currently in the hands of the artist. Issue #2 and 3 are 50% complete, and Issues 4-6 are outlined in great detail. My problem is that I feel like waiting for work on #1 to progress further before I really sink into the next issues.
Meanwhile, I have two other four-issue stories in the works, both with Issue #1 fully scripted and detailed outlines for the rest of each series.
On top of those, I've started developing concepts/characters for a webcomic, as well as an entire other series.
My question is, how do you manage your projects? Do you tackle one at a time, get it done and then move on? Do you allow yourself to take a break from one and develop another?
Thanks in advance!
Joel Kleine
For me, it really depends on money. I focus on those projects I currently have the funds to fully publish. It makes little sense to push forward on a project that upon completion will never see the light of day because of funding.
But if I know that the book will be published, I go full steam ahead. I'll do that with more than one project if there's a creative team in place and solid.
It all boils down to funding.
Also, public response is a big factor. I never would have went ahead with plans for Everyday Heroes if Honor Brigade had flopped.
Developing a readership with an initial book should be the priority over planning X amount of arcs and/or series. Otherwise you're putting the cart before the horse.
So how much of HB #2-6 was scripted when Brad started working on #1? Was every issue fully scripted? Detailed outline?
At that point I only bothered with #1. I had no idea if we'd sell even ten copies. You can't count on friends and family as your entire fanbase because they will almost surely let you down. We didn't even know if general comic fandom would care. So we invested ourselves in getting that issue out the door and waited to see what would happen.
When it was clear we had a readership and could sell enough books to fund the series, and all that publishing a series entails, we pressed on. While one issue was being drawn the next issue was usually fully scripted and ready.
While Brad was finishing #6 I was already working on the trade and several solo books for each character.
Also, I don't think it's a great idea scripting or outlining too far ahead in production. Sure, script atleast an issue or two in advance of what you're currently working on. That's a given. But as you go you learn more about making comics, more about scripting and writing, you learn about what works and what doesn't, you get feedback from the readers as well. What you scripted at the start might need an major overhaul considering everything you've learned.
If you look at HB #1 and HB #6 you'll see a huge leap in storytelling with both art and scripting. That's because we used everything we learned over the course of making #1-#5, from all available sources, to improve our craft. Everyday Heroes is benefiting greatly from the mistakes and trials of Honor Brigade.
I know exactly what you mean, Joel -- I've found myself facing down at least half-a-dozen projects that are all vying for equal attention that I just can't give them. How DO you prioritize? Do you go for the one that you feel the most passion for at the moment? Do you go for the one you suspect may be the most marketable?
I've decided which one to give my focus to for the time being, but I already find myself missing the other projects.
For me, I pick the project I feel has the best chance of succeeding.
Success on one project brings a higher level of recognition for the projects to follow. The profit can be used to fund your next books.
Passion is good. It's just doesn't always translate into success. It's alot easier to publish "your baby" with full coffers and a name people recognize.