Was having a conversation this morning about where I’m going and it hit me, why not share this with everyone? I’m a fan of communication and so why not communicate to those who are most interested in what I’m doing, both with my own career and with A.N.A Comics.

I recently went live with http://anthonyhary.com and on that site I have a store area set up. I plan post original art there for sale, and in June, after my hectic May show schedule is over, I plan to work hard to do small sketches, one per day if I can and post them up there for sale, just $10 each. Hopefully it will garner some sales and start bringing in revenue. Similarly we have a store set up at anacomics.com where we will be selling books/prints/digital books/ and what-not to bring in revenue to support that business.

People talk a lot about “how do I get paid to do this.” My theory is pretty strait forward. Need to create work, products, put them out there for people to enjoy, become fans, and get connected to. We need to get art in front of people, gain their trust through consistency and earn their loyalty through our commitment and then build up from that foundation. Without that foundation we really have nothing to go on. Through both my personal site and A.N.A Comics the plan is to focus a LOT on the fan experience. Talk, post, share, and reach out to people who are interested in what we do and make new fans. People who see the value is what we bring to the table and will support our efforts by purchasing our products and telling their friends about us. There will be a lot of giving before there is an asking for money, a lot of interaction before trying to get a reaction. That’s my game plan and this over flows into retailer relationships. Whether its orders through Diamond or what I am working on now with establishing direct distribution markets, it’s all about the relationship. Know what you can and can’t give and then give it to help them give their customers the very best experience.

That’s the plan, win or lose, we’re going to Make IT Happen!!!

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SOME OBVIOUS ADVICE to comic book people:

When you get a contract, get a lawyer to read it over.

Understand that work for hire is exactly that. You do not own rights nor can you claim any rights to the material you created, even if it’s years later. I know a lot of people had some issues in the past, but I am talking today on…not preaching to those with situations.
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Tell your lawyer every single concern you have and have them work it out with the client ,till you are satisfied.

Put a % of your money away, because you are responsible for your own future, not a company, a parent or anyone else. Plan now for the future and learn from others.

BUY medical insurance for your self…even the cheapest one is better than none. Even having catastrophic insurance will help you eventually.

Its easy to pick on people, companies and so on, but once you do, you cant go back. Be smart and research before you point fingers. Most people I know have huge memories and will never forget what you say…and years later, it will bite you in the ass. Be smart and complain to your spouse/friends and not the internet, unless you have all the facts.

When you have all the facts, check them again and look at what you are writing objectively…as if it was someone else writing it …and then e mail it to yourself to read the neXt day clean.

Be generous , give to others and don’t go around boasting about it or using it for your own publicity. Knowing you helped should be enough.

Spend some time daily complimenting others work, on line and off…and encourage those trying to break into our business.

Spend less time on message boards unless you really feel you have something to say. Time on the boards is time off your own board.

If you disagrree with any of this, let me know why…because I am open to learn and correct anything I believe to be proven wrong.

and last:

Support artistic people…they make the world more interesting.

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For more info on Jimmy and his AWESOME comic book and creative projects visit his blog: jimmypalmiotti.blogspot.com

Step 1: The Stick Figure

Step 2: Refine the Figure

Step 3: Dress the Figure

Step 4: Detailing the Figure

Step 5: lighting the Figure