We don't share a lot...
...but this is a start!
MIKE’S FREE TIPS FOR STARTING A COMIC BOOK PROJECT
Start Small and Manageable
Keep your first project simple. Most independent comics rarely make it past 4-6 issues before they’re either finished or abandoned. Jumping into a massive, 30-issue epic with multiple spinoffs is ambitious but impractical for a beginner. Instead, consider starting with a one-shot—a single-issue story. It’s a low-commitment option for both you and your creative team and the safest way to dip your toes into the world of comics.
Know Your Audience
Identifying your target audience is critical. Just because you find a story about a day in the life of a blind, crime-fighting barista fascinating doesn’t mean others will. Research similar projects to see how creators present their stories and connect with their audience. Understanding your market will help you shape your narrative and make it resonate with readers.
Learn Comic Script-Writing Formats
Writing a comic script requires clear communication with your artists. Your job as a writer or creator is to provide precise direction on what should appear on each page and panel. Comic script formats vary widely, so take the time to research and familiarize yourself with them. There are plenty of online resources to guide you.
Follow Your Favorite Writers
Social media is a great tool for learning from seasoned writers. Many share insights on their creative processes, inspiration, and even samples of their scripts. Following their advice and studying their formatting can offer invaluable lessons as you develop your skills.
Get Feedback Early
Find a trusted beta reader or editor who can provide honest feedback on your story. While exposing your work to critique can be tough, it’s far better to identify weaknesses and make improvements early on than to discover problems after investing significant time and money. Sometimes, what seems clear in your mind doesn’t translate perfectly on the page—an outside perspective is vital for refining your story.
Budget Ahead
Budgeting is CRITICAL when producing a comic. The most effective way to keep your art team engaged and motivated is to pay them promptly. Save at least $2,000-$3,000 before starting. This ensures you can afford cover art and enough interior pages to showcase your project on crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, Backerkit, or Indiegogo. Potential backers want to see the visual appeal of your comic before they commit. A cover and two pages might not be enough content to sway them.
Negotiate Fair Rates
Artist rates can vary significantly based on their skill, experience, speed, and several other factors. Some artists could charge as little as $50 per page, while those with high-profile experience, such as working for Marvel or DC, may charge $300 or more. It's also important to set clear expectations for deadlines—2 to 3 pages per week is a common pace—and to select artists whose rates fit within your budget. Avoid pressuring them to lower their rates; while they might take the job out of necessity, underpaying them can lead to delays or work that doesn’t meet expectations. Fair compensation fosters both quality and reliability. Pay them well enough that they don’t feel the need to look for work elsewhere.
Choose the Right Artist
Finding the right artist is about more than just skill—it’s about alignment with your vision. Look at their portfolio and work history. Do they have experience completing full comic projects? Do they illustrate subjects and genres that match your story? An artist passionate about your project will bring more energy and care to the work. Search for talent on platforms like Instagram, ArtStation, or Facebook comic art groups. That’s where I started.
These are lessons I wish someone had shared with me when I started out. I hope this advice helps you avoid common pitfalls and sets you on the path toward creating a successful comic. Good luck, and stay tuned for more insights from the Bad Bug team.
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LAUNCHING THIS WEEK!
The first official Bad Bug Midnight series continues its marathon of prehistoric madness with this new entry that’s TRULY action-packed with some spice thrown in for good measure.
“A time traveling soldier finds herself stranded in a prehistoric world, forced to battle for survival against a ruthless alien species.” GET IT HERE.
LAUNCHING NEXT WEEK!
FANGERS 2 brings you further into the chaos with this super spicy story about a heavily secured vampire community erupting into mayhem when human tourists end up trapped inside overnight. We’ll have variant covers from Sorah Sung, Bill McKay, Brian Miroglio, John Royle, and more…
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That’s all for now!
Bugs and Kisses,
Mike and the Bad Bug crew