Running till March 9, there are over two weeks left to again the brand new Kickstarter marketing campaign from Kat Calamia, Phil Falco (Bi Visibility: A Bisexual Anthology), and Jamila Rowser (Wash Day Diaries), who unite to deliver you a brand-new comedian e book anthology, Hairology, with a foreword from the legendary Gail Simone (Batgirl, Birds of Prey). Before the marketing campaign’s launch, The Beat caught up with Calamia over Zoom to debate the genesis of the Hairology anthology, her expertise working with Rowser on the venture, and ideas for making it in the comedian e book business.
This interview has been edited for readability and size.
Rebecca Oliver Kaplan: What was the genesis of this venture?
Kat Calamia: We did Bi Visibility: A Bisexual Anthology and Bi Visibility: Still Bi, each efficiently, so we needed to do extra anthologies. One day, I thought of what’s one other factor I’ve a relationship with, and I thought of hair as a result of I’ve at all times had a relationship with my curly hair. So, I talked to my enterprise companion about doing an anthology about hair, and he stated, “Oh, that sounds like a cool idea.” Many folks have completely different tales about hair, and we didn’t need it to be about one particular sort of hair as a result of these anthologies have been performed. Thus, we needed to do one anthology about all of the various kinds of relationships with hair, completely different genres, and completely different experiences. So that was the genesis of this one.
Kaplan: Can you inform us extra about why/if it’s vital to debate the subject of hair? Do you’re feeling it’s ignored?
Calamia: Yes, to each. I might say that it’s vital as a result of it’s an expertise that not many individuals discuss however have felt. Like, with my curly hair, I used to be studying one of many tales in Hairology, which talked about being scared to go to the hairdresser due to being afraid of what you’re going to appear to be, and I had a reminiscence I hadn’t thought of in years about how anytime I went to a hairdresser, and somebody needed to straighten my hair, I might get anxious and nervous about it. I didn’t know why, however as I used to be doing this, it was like, “Oh, I felt anxious because someone was trying to change my hair, and I didn’t want that to happen.” But, as a result of society thinks straight hair is the go-to, I felt that’s what I ought to appear to be, and I didn’t know that again then. Again, I hadn’t thought of that reminiscence in like 15 years, however as I used to be studying that story, a lot of individuals have ideas like that buried deep inside.
For the individuals who contributed, they’ve been capable of discover [these feelings]. I hope that individuals can both relate to them or no less than discover a new story to take pleasure in as a result of there are additionally tales that aren’t as heavy as a result of, yeah, I simply haven’t seen this matter explored fairly often. So there are a broad number of genres. For instance, there are tales about going to camp, having bees assault your head, and having to chop your hair due to it. And then, some tales in the anthology aren’t as private. There’s a post-apocalyptic story and a werewolf story. We tried to make it as numerous as doable in that regard.
It’s great that we’ve got Jamila Rowser, one among our e book’s editors. She did Wash Day Diaries, which targeted on a particular hair sort. We needed her on board as a result of she did a great job with that.
Kaplan: What was it prefer to work with Jamila Rowser?
Calamia: It was superb to work with Jamila. She introduced a great perception. There are a few tales, if Jamila wasn’t on board, I don’t know if we might have seen the sunshine of what she dropped at us. I bear in mind there was a story that Phil favored, and I wasn’t positive about it. Then, when Jamila gave her two cents about it, I stated, “You’re right. Maybe I was in the wrong mind frame when I read it.” It ended up being in the e book. Vice versa, too, there might need been a story I favored, and Phil was extra on the fence about it, and then Jamila introduced a completely different mild to it. That’s why having three editors is sweet. We did that with Bi Visibility, with somebody in our lives. Phil’s sibling is trans, and we needed a trans perspective for quantity two. There, we noticed the worth of getting a third editor as a result of Phil and I agree a lot of the time, however there are specific instances when we’ve got completely different opinions on one thing, and then having that third voice helps.
Kaplan: Does this venture draw inspiration from, or is it someway associated to, Wash Day Diaries?
Calamia: None of the three editors have a story in this, so I wouldn’t say there’s inspiration from Wash Day Diaries — there could also be some enhancing inspiration.
Kaplan: So then, did any comics encourage this venture straight or maybe in response to it?
Calamia: I might say, in basic, anthologies impressed this venture as a result of many great anthologies on Kickstarter do effectively. But I additionally simply love seeing completely different hairstyles and comedian types in basic. I like completely different fashions in comics, so in that regard, that most likely additionally helped encourage issues.
Kaplan: Can you inform us how this anthology got here collectively? What was the method of discovering creators to work on the anthology?
Calamia: You can do anthologies in another way, however we like placing out an open submission so anybody may apply. I typically see anthologies that solely ask for a basic thought in regards to the script. We need the script’s first draft to get a gist of your writing fashion. That method, there might be A-list creators making use of, however there’s additionally somebody who’s by no means made a comedian earlier than. We have a few individuals who’ve by no means written something earlier than in this one, however then we’ve got folks like Sterling Gates (Supergirl, The Flash), who’s written many comics and written for tv, who additionally utilized. We bought all our writers by means of the appliance.
For the artists, we did the identical factor. They didn’t have to attract issues for the comedian, however they gave their portfolio and sequential artwork samples—we at all times want them. We bought a handful of artists by means of the purposes, however the different artists we both used on earlier stuff that we labored on, or I normally have a record of individuals from Twitter that I’ve been , and if a particular person may match, then we’ll see in the event that they’ll be part of a venture.
Kaplan: Often, anthologies are criticized. What is the worth of an anthology to each the reader and creator?
Calamia: I perceive the criticism too. Sometimes it’s simply 10 quick tales, and as a reader, it may be arduous. I do know that Marvel and DC publish a lot of anthologies and some that I take pleasure in. But then, there are others the place I want I had extra of that story, and I need to see that character in a miniseries as a substitute. With these anthologies about a particular matter, it’s a little simpler to have vignettes and quick tales of characters which have by no means existed in the previous as a substitute of wishing they’d extra tales to inform.
The worth of anthologies is that if you happen to’ve by no means written a comedian earlier than, they permit new creators to jot down one thing very quick and get revealed. They’re additionally alternatives for older creators to strive one thing new. Like, I don’t suppose Sterling has performed something by means of Kickstarter earlier than, so whereas I can’t communicate for him, it’s most likely cool to get a quick story in a Kickstarter e book as a result of that’s one thing completely different, not pushed by the direct market. The longest story we allowed for this was eight pages, with the shortest being two, so I believe there are inventive issues that you possibly can do with it.
Kaplan: I like that your Kickstarter credit the emblem designer as a result of we regularly don’t talk about them in comics. Why is it vital to credit score all members of the inventive workforce?
Calamia: We need to credit score any work you set into it — like, Brant Fowler, who designs the web page. Then, for the logos, we love Justin [a.k.a. LetterSquids]. We’ve labored collectively on each brand we’ve performed, and we love the thought of getting a brand to finish every story. Instead of simply doing one thing generic, we needed to get an precise brand designer to place some persona into these tales.
We mentioned it as a result of getting these logos is a good sum of money. I at all times really feel prefer it’s value it as a result of it helps the tip product of the e book. But yeah, it was vital for us to have that aptitude as a result of logos additionally assist construct the Kickstarter web page.
Kaplan: You might need plans for a second anthology of Hairology.
Calamia: I’ll say that we’ve got plans for extra anthologies to return, and there’s one which’s being labored on proper now that’s not hair associated. We will cowl one other matter for our subsequent anthology, which is completely different as a result of it’s a secret anthology particular to a completely different medium. We requested folks straight to try this anthology. However, if the Hairology marketing campaign goes effectively, by no means say by no means to a second quantity.
Kaplan: A special medium?
Calamia: Yeah, I can’t say any greater than that. It’s comic-related, but it surely’s a completely different aspect of comics. We’ll announce that as a June venture. So sit up for that.
Kaplan: Over time, you’ve discovered that thriller containers are a nice incentive on your Kickstarter campaigns. What is a thriller field? How did they arrive to be?
Calamia: We created our thriller containers for Comic Con. I had a lot of leftover Bi Visibility containers from quantity one, the place we had particular issues we gave away, and I’m like, “Why not do a mystery box for comic cons where people can get the book, but maybe also get a pin or trading cards or other books that we have?” It permits folks to learn one thing they won’t learn and love as a result of it was in the field, in order that’s one thing need to do with the thriller field. Because the thriller containers bought so effectively at conventions – like, they’re one among our greatest sellers – we’re like, why not add them to Kickstarter? And then, we did.
I spotlight this on the Kickstarter web page, however I’ll say it right here, too: it’s the greatest deal. We put stuff in there that’s value extra money than we’re promoting the thriller field. We put restricted version objects you possibly can’t get anyplace else, so it’s a whole lot. Plus, we do attempt to craft it for the particular person. It will not be it’s randomized. When we get a thriller field order, we attempt to craft it relating to what folks backed in the previous, so we’re not giving the identical factor they’ve had. We additionally attempt to throw in unique issues. It takes us a little longer to try this, however we find it irresistible. Honestly, our favourite factor is the thriller containers.
Kaplan: I believe folks like personalised stuff on Kickstarter.
Calamia: Exactly. Trying to make it a little completely different. I prefer it after I get unique issues, particularly with Kickstarter. You typically pay a lot for issues on Kickstarter, so I at all times need folks to really feel particular. I by no means need somebody to really feel like they may have simply gone to a conference [or comic book shop] to get it—no, get one thing you possibly can solely get on Kickstarter. For instance, we’ve got covers which can be particular to Kickstarter.
Kaplan: Crowdfunding could be a beast, particularly if it’s your first venture. You’ve run many profitable Kickstarter campaigns. Do you may have any recommendation for younger creators trying to crowdfund?
Calamia: I’ve been doing it for therefore lengthy that it comes naturally. I can’t even think about doing Kickstarter for the primary time once more as a result of it’s a difficult factor to place collectively. But, so many superior creators are prepared to assist, or there are consultants. I seek the advice of for Kickstarter, for instance. There are additionally good podcasts like Tyler James does ComixLaunch, or search for data on Twitter as a result of there are some nice threads. All of these, I believe, are good avenues to go all the way down to have a guided hand to determine how you can Kickstarter.
Also, I believe learning and attending to know the Kickstarter group is vital. Look at different campaigns to see what’s profitable. For instance, you possibly can see what they did effectively, what makes a cool tier, or how they designed their web page. Many folks new to Kickstarter marvel why they didn’t get the group’s help, and they’ve backed zero campaigns, it’s like, effectively, you didn’t help different folks, and Kickstarter is a lot about group.
It’s not at all times value doing PR. You ought to get PR for sure books. I’m doing this interview for Hairology, however I wouldn’t for Like Father, Like Daughter, concern eight of a superhero e book, and even one thing that isn’t as newsworthy. Most of the time, on Kickstarter, you’ll get followers [and support] by means of the Kickstarter algorithm itself. So, my greatest recommendation is to take it gradual. If you’re planning your first marketing campaign and have the funds to take action, I say, create the entire comedian. That method, you possibly can ship it out instantly – you’ll simply want to provide it to the printer when the Kickstarter is completed – as a result of half of the battle is getting the e book performed. Plus, when your backers wait two years, they could marvel, “Do I trust you to make another campaign?”
Kaplan: What has the Kickstarter journey seemed like for you?
Calamia: That’s such a nice query. Kickstarter, in basic, has modified a lot in regard to how folks see it. Many folks used to see crowdfunding as individuals who usually couldn’t be in the direct market attempting to make it on Kickstarter. But now, there’s been a lot of worth on Kickstarter; e.g., there are creators who’ve made their title on Kickstarter, and then, there are folks from the direct market happening to Kickstarter. I imply, Jimmy Palmiotti, who’s very a lot identified for doing his DC work, has moved his entire firm to Kickstarter, and Terry Moore, a very well-known creator, has now launched a Kickstarter. I believe when Keanu Reeves did BRZRKR or when Scott Snyder did his campaigns, each began a lot of change.
How did issues change for me? We launch a lot extra. Back in the day, I used to be fortunate to do one Kickstarter a yr, and now we do a crowdfunding marketing campaign as soon as a month. We have anthologies and our WEBTOON, and I’ve my superhero e book — having a numerous variety of initiatives on the platform has labored for us. I’m not saying that’s one thing everybody ought to do as a result of you must discover your voice on the platform and see what works for you, however yeah, that’s what’s labored for us.
Kaplan: Speaking of WEBTOON, I didn’t know Slice of Life was shifting to Zestworld! What’s your expertise with WEBTOON’s current platform modifications? Since there are different webcomics platforms, why did you publish on Zestworld? How’s it going?
Calamia: WEBTOON’s creator rewards program doesn’t formally finish till subsequent month. So we received’t know the bigger results for a few months. As for Zestworld, we’re actually comfortable to be a part of a platform that really cares for its creators. We’ve been working carefully with their workforce to permit Slice of Life to make a large splash over there.
We sit up for working extra with Zestworld whereas constructing our WEBTOON.
Kaplan: Is comics what you do?
Calamia: I do comics for my fundamental job. But yeah, I’ve a lot of freelance jobs, together with making comics. I additionally do journalism, seek the advice of for Kickstarter, work for Kickstarter (I’m on their council), and do PR on the aspect.
Kaplan: For new creators and critics who need to make this their profession, do you may have any recommendation?
Calamia: Know how you can market your self. My greatest recommendation is to make a model for your self as a result of that’s the way you get employed. Me, I’ve very a lot made a model on Twitter and Facebook that I find out about Kickstarter, and I like Kickstarter. So, folks normally come to me for Kickstarter-related stuff. Then, with regards to writing, begin to write and create your personal factor, and actually, I believe that Kickstarter is a nice alternative to try this. Many folks say you possibly can’t generate profits in comics, however I believe it’s doable. I’m somebody who has, and I believe there are a lot of various avenues you need to use to generate profits in comics.
Kaplan: I agree — throughout. It’s additionally my full-time job.
Calamia: Yeah, freelance doing a million various things. I believe the most important recommendation we can provide is simply don’t do one factor.
On a associated be aware, I additionally need folks to know that everybody in comics is aware of one another—actually, everyone seems to be related. I do know it’s a cliche, but it surely’s true in comics that everybody is aware of any person and is related. For probably the most half, that’s a good factor as a result of lots of my alternatives come as a result of I do know somebody who is aware of this individual that thinks I might be a good match for that, and then vice versa
Kaplan: Is there the rest you want to add?
Calamia: Hopefully, you guys can go take a look at the Kickstarter. It’s useful to again by means of Kickstarter. And if you happen to guys can share, that’d be great, too. Thank you.
Hairology is at present dwell on Kickstarter. The marketing campaign runs till March 9, 2023, at 7:00 PM PST.
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