Capital of Comics

In this episode, Don Aguillo shares his journey from aspiring artist to working with Spawn, the importance of community, and how to navigate the business side of being a professional artist. Discover insights on success, dealing with hardships, and building a sustainable career in comics and illustration. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Don Aguilio and His Journey 05:48 - Defining Su...

In this episode, Steve Colle shares expert insights on trade show marketing for indie creators, focusing on booth presentation, location strategies, psychology of display, and effective engagement techniques to stand out in a competitive environment. ----more----Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Trade Show Marketing 02:35 - Understanding the Importance of Location 05:24 - Effective Display Techniqu...

In this episode, comic creator Charlie Stickney shares his journey from traditional media to successful Kickstarter campaigns, insights on project management, marketing strategies, and building a compelling world for sustained success in comics. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:36 - The Journey of White Ash: From Concept to Success 11:13 - Innovative Kickstart...

In this episode, comic book retailer, writer, and educator Dr. Christina Blanch shares her journey through the comics industry, insights on community building, navigating COVID-19 challenges, and advice for aspiring writers. Discover how passion, adaptability, and community focus drive success in the comic book world. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Capital of Comics Masterclass...

In this episode, Joshua Malkin, editor-in-chief at AMP Comics and educator, shares his diverse journey through film, education, and comics. He discusses the business advantages of comics, the impact of AI on creative industries, and practical advice for aspiring creators looking to navigate the evolving landscape. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Creative Journey 02:53 - Embracing...

In this episode, Rob Potchak, VP of Partnerships at KeenSpot, shares his extensive experience in the comic industry, from his start as a creator to his current role. He discusses industry challenges, success strategies, and the importance of diversifying creative pursuits while staying true to your passion. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 03:10 - Journey into Comics: From...

Join host Joel Rodriguez in an insightful conversation with game and comic writer Joshua Rubin. Discover his journey from Hollywood screenwriting to creating iconic characters like Ezio Auditore, and explore his innovative work in VR, AI, and comics. Learn valuable lessons on career pivots, collaboration, and the future of storytelling in the digital age. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 - Introduction...

In this episode, host Joel Rodriguez interviews Jesse Sosa, a versatile creator involved in both games and comics. Jesse shares his journey from working in the gaming industry at Gearbox, where he manages art outsourcing and direction, to transitioning into comics. He discusses his passion for storytelling across various mediums, inspired by his childhood love for comics and the desire to honor a...

In this episode, Shawn Hudachko shares his journey from Marine to successful comic book publisher, emphasizing discipline, risk-taking, and authentic branding. Discover practical advice on starting, growing, and innovating in the comic industry, including how to handle controversy and build a resilient business mindset. ----more----Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Shawn Hudachko and Comics Elite 0...

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. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 - The Journey from Novelist to Publisher 06:20 - Navigating the Creative Landscape 11:10 - Marketing Yourself as a Creator 14:40 - Redefining Success in Creativ...

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. ----more---- Chapters 00:00 - Kickstarter Origins and Early Struggles 05:47 - Learning from Failure and Building an A...

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. ----more---- Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and episode over...

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 vari...

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 approac...

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. ----more----Chapters 00:00 - In...

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...

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...

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 collaborat...

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 pow...

In this episode of the Capital of Comics podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with my good friend Danny Martinez, the owner of Flashpoint Comics and Games. We delved into his journey from working at a comic book store to running his own, including the challenges of COVID-19 and balancing fatherhood. Danny shared his unique perspective on the importance of community in brick-and-mortar stores ve...

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Steve Colle, owner of Editor’s Eye View and THE Comics, for a deep dive into the often misunderstood world of comic book editing. Joel and Steve break down the different types of editors across the industry, what each role actually does, and why strong editorial support can elevate a creator’s work far beyond the page. They also exp...

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Michael Zapcic, Manager of Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash, for an inside look at how passion for a fandom can bring people together. They dive into the history of Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, the behind-the-scenes experience of Comic Book Men, and the unexpected ways a love for comics can open doors, build communities, and...

In this special solo Christmas episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez reflects on seven years of building Metal Ninja Studios and the lessons learned along the way. From creative breakthroughs to hard-earned business realities, Joel shares how his understanding of creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth has evolved. He talks candidly about adaptation, resilience, and why long-te...

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by James Lamb, owner of Hive Comics, for an inside look at the evolving world of online comic retail. They break down how online retailers have changed the way comics are discovered and sold, what creators often misunderstand about working with retailers, and how strong relationships are built on trust, professionalism, and mutual valu...

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Mark Florio, Director of Instructional Design of Metal Ninja Studios, for a deep dive on building an educational resource for comic creators and creative entrepreneurs. Together, they unpack why skill-building and continued education are no longer optional for creators who want longevity. Mark and Joel walk through the real-world th...