In this engaging conversation, Sean Dietrich and Tom Doherty, from Committed Comics, delve into the world of comics, exploring the journey of his publishing company, the evolution of Comic-Con, and the intricacies of talent discovery and publishing in the comic industry. They share personal anecdotes, insights on portfolio reviews, and the importance of creator ownership, while also discussing the challenges and future of storytelling in comics. In this conversation, Tom Doherty and Sean Dietrich delve into the details of the comic book industry, discussing the challenges of adaptation, the importance of communication in creative collaborations, and the evolving landscape of marketing and distribution. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on publishing, the role of crowdfunding, and the potential future of AI in creative processes. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of constructive criticism, the value of portfolio reviews, and the necessity of maintaining a balance between speed and quality in artistic endeavors. Tom discusses the challenges faced by independent comic publishers at conventions, the impact of fan art on original creations, and the evolving landscape of comic culture. He emphasizes the importance of building connections with audiences, the need for originality in art, and effective marketing strategies for independent artists. The discussion also touches on the role of artist alleys in conventions and the future of comic conventions in supporting independent creators.

Find Committed Comics here: https://committedcomics.com/

Chapters

(00:00)

Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

(05:04)

The Birth of Committed Comics

(10:28)

The Changing Landscape of Comic Culture

(25:35)

The Significance of Artifacts in Storytelling

(31:07)

Navigating the Comic Industry: Talent and Submissions

(36:31)

Discovering New Talent: Portfolio Reviews and Conventions

(45:33)

Criteria for Publishing: What Tom Looks For

(54:30)

Navigating Portfolio Reviews and Constructive Criticism

(01:01:14)

The Evolution of Comic Book Marketing

(01:09:55)

The Realities of Crowdfunding in Comics

(01:16:26)

The Role of Automation in Creative Processes

(01:22:51)

Balancing Speed and Quality in Creative Work

(01:33:04)

Navigating Comic Con Challenges

(01:37:43)

The Artist's Journey: Originality vs. Fan Art

(01:45:55)

Marketing Strategies for Comic Creators

(01:56:08)

The Challenges of Comic-Con Participation

(02:01:57)

The Dynamics of Artist Alley

(02:11:46)

Strategies for Successful Convention Participation

Keywords

comics, publishing, Comic-Con, independent artists, portfolio reviews, talent discovery, creator ownership, comic industry, storytelling, art, comics, publishing, adaptation, communication, marketing, crowdfunding, AI, creative process, portfolio reviews, independent comics, Comic Con, Independent Publishing, Fan Art, Original Creations, Artist Alley, Comic Culture, Marketing Strategies, Small Press, Creator-Owned Comics, Convention Experience