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Impulsivelad, almost every Oni creator I can think of had their start with a lesser publisher (sometimes a greater one), or self-published. They made a name for themselves. Self-publishing doesn't necessarily mean investing alot of money. You can go the webcomic route or print up mini-comics. I have copies of zines I picked up about seven years ago by the current writer and artist team of Sidekicks, published by Oni. They kept plugging away, producing comics, getting into anthologies, until they got where they are. Do you have a full team already set up, or is this something you'll need more people for? Things to consider.
What both of you might want to try is sending copies of your comic to editors and professionals, not as submissions, but as gifts. Many cartoonists started out making mini-comics themselves and would probably be happy to take a look at your work, give a little quote, or even provide a guest artist sketch. The worst that can happen is they'll chuck it. In the case of promoting a webcomic, it's even better, because if someone likes your stuff they might link to it. Be polite, and don't send form letters.
I really think that providing regular content is a big deal for gathering a substantial audience. And if you can add things that are less time consuming for you to make(like Penny Arcade's reflections of the gaming industry, behind the scenes sketches, or a spot on a friend's message board/a board of your own), you'll get the viewer to linger a little longer and forgive longish breaks in production. Get your friend's to link to it in their blogs. And when posting notices on message boards, scope your territory first for proper etiquette and the correct place to post. The Comics Journal board welcomes announcements so long as they contain the word HYPE at the start of the title. Here on Barbelith, it's the opposite in that most people post their work asking for crits. To be honest, though, I can't imagine that posting on message boards is even close in importance to sticking to a schedule. How many times has Cat and Girl been plugged here without the artist ever showing up herself? Get a cult following. |
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