This weekend, OMGcow will be spreading cow-print all over Long Beach Comic Expo 2012. If you’re a comic fan, you’re probably entrenched in the culture. You read comics and have walked into a comic book shop at least once. You’ve dressed up or cosplayed as your favorite character; and you’ve been to or at least heard of comic conventions. For those outside of the culture, conventions can seem pretty weird. A whole bunch of people dressed up in bright leotards carrying around oversized weapons, lining up for autographs from their favorite writers and artists. Even weirder is buying strange little comics from unknown creators.
Many times as I get copies of my mini-comics printed up, people ask how they can possibly sell. It sucks but truth is, perceived value has been placed on the commercially manufactured. The shiny plastic-wrapped booklets are placed on a higher shelf (literally!) than the oddball funky-shaped Indie Comics. There is a market for these handmade comics but its a small one. A few comic shops carry locally and nationally produced mini-comics. They are traded and collected at shows specifically centering around Indie Comics and zines.
I think the handmade and DIY philosophy is an intrinsic part of being an Indie Creator. From drawing and writing, to photocopying or printing pages, folding and stapling; your DNA is all over that comic. This is a short video on why DIY is awesome and how choosing to support indie and local creators can help make the world a better place.
_________________________________________________
Sheika Lugtu lives on the internet and draws comics just for you at OMGcow.com. Ask her stuff or just say hi via email.
Facebook
Twitter