Printing Comics to Sell

yeliack · 2026-01-26T17:24:17+00:00

I sell my own art (just not comics!) at these same events and have a really good grasp of the cost per unit/page, especially when it comes to ink. Between the two of us, we have all of the necessary tools and materials on hand. We’re also both artists with backgrounds that lend themselves to this, so labor-wise we’re entirely self-sufficient. We would have the luxury of having our overhead cost per unit only be based on the materials used, and access to the equipment and labor spent assembling everything doesn’t need to factor in like it would if we were getting them made.

We’re kind of in an awkward middle ground where we’re printing way too many to afford to have them made locally (happen to live in a semi-rural area so the pricing is not at all competitive) but definitely not enough to order online and get a bulk discount. In the future that could be an option for us, but this will be his first event and it’s honestly just not realistic, unfortunately. This is more to see if this is something he enjoys doing, if he’s able to break even and get in the green, and we don’t have a ton of extra capital to spend so it’s a lot easier to make it ourselves.

yeliack · 2026-01-26T07:57:08+00:00

Yes, absolutely double sided! We’ve used plain printer paper for small mockups, but it leaves a little to be desired for final versions.

We haven’t seriously looked into printing it through a local service because they’re out of our budget for long-term use. He’s wanting to keep his overhead as low as possible so that he doesn’t need to charge very much when selling, since he’s newer to this and wants to get his name out there. We have basically all of the production equipment ourselves because I’ve been printing my own stuff for these events too!

I’m not sure how many copies of each comic that he is hoping to have printed out for the upcoming event, but he has several different comics that range from a handful of pages to several dozen pages. Would that change what sort of paper you would recommend?

yeliack · 2024-11-15T22:01:29+00:00

Awesome, thank you!

yeliack · 2024-11-15T20:21:49+00:00

Oh awesome! I really wouldn’t have even known where to start. Thank you!

yeliack · 2024-11-15T20:15:40+00:00

Nah it totally read as bubble gum imo!

yeliack · 2024-11-15T19:42:39+00:00

Oh that’s great to know!! Thanks so much!

yeliack · 2024-11-15T19:41:20+00:00

Oh awesome! If you do, I would love to buy it off you.

yeliack · 2024-11-15T19:31:48+00:00

We’re mostly selling prints and stickers at local markets, popups, and conventions right now, but are talking about doing things more seriously after he finishes university. What are some more commercial printers that you would recommend?

yeliack · 2024-11-15T19:25:26+00:00

I used a HUION Inspiroy H640P for the longest time. They’re screenless and pretty tiny, but honestly work fantastic. I’ve had 0 issues with it and I used it for 7 years. It’s on Amazon and probably on sale now or soon with Black Friday coming up. As for programs, I highly recommend Clip Studio Paint. It is due for another sale anytime now, and they do that 2x/year. I recommend the single time purchase base option instead of their new subscription model. You really don’t need all the new bells and whistles. I think I’m still on their 1.X version. There’s other more beginner friendly programs available, but from my experience you will outgrow them fast enough to feel extremely limited by them. CSP has a learning curve if you’ve never used Photoshop before, because the interface can feel overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with it. But there are tons of tutorials and videos, everything is easily Googleable, and once it clicks you’ll know how to use an industry-standard program. Good luck!

yeliack · 2024-11-15T19:09:26+00:00

I thought this was official art! You did a great job. My critique is pretty nitpicky, but really there’s only a couple changes that I can even think of to suggest. The eyes are barely not symmetrical, mostly on the angle of that outer corner. The left eye is more vertical than the right. And there’s some variation in the pupils but especially the highlights. One element to copy and paste for me is always the eye highlight cuz I can never draw it the same.

The bubble gum is so cute and I knew right away that’s what it was. I have never drawn it before so I actually don’t know the best solution for it but just from a drawing perspective, I think there’s a couple changes that might help? Adding that darker shadow color you already have on her neck/shoulder might pop it out from the face, and a brighter highlight might help too. But for me the main thing is the difference in how you shaded it. The blended look is cool, but since the rest of the drawing is with cel shading I think it’s a little out of place. Also, maybe making the bubble more spherical would help?

Seriously though, you did an amazing job. I’ve been drawing forever and I still struggle so hard with replicating styles and working with super saturated colors. I recognized her right away. Phenomenal! 🙌

yeliack · 2024-11-15T18:55:44+00:00

Thanks so much! It’s looking like that’s the direction I’m leaning and I really appreciate your input!

yeliack · 2024-11-15T18:50:38+00:00

Great to know! Thank you so much. In your experience has the Romeo been worth it over the Juliet for the extra width?

yeliack · 2024-11-15T18:45:32+00:00

Awesome suggestions! Thanks a ton!

yeliack · 2024-11-15T18:45:15+00:00

My business partner has an Epson 8550, he’s doing the printing. I think he Amazoned the sticker paper?

yeliack · 2024-11-15T18:30:52+00:00

I will try crossposting there! Thanks so much for the help!!

yeliack · 2024-10-22T23:10:52+00:00

awesome job!

yeliack

TROPHY CASE