With the increasing popularity of Kickstarter, it seems like everyone with an idea for a comic is turning to crowdfunding in order to make their dream a reality, to the point that you almost can’t go a day without seeing a tweet, Facebook post, or other social media plug for some project or another. While, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s a prevalent way for unknown, or largely unknown, creators to make comics.
There are many success stories on Kickstarter, stories of books going on to raise thousands of dollars and getting picked up by various publishers. But, what of the projects that don’t meet their goals within the allotted time? What happens to these projects and their creators as the days count down and it becomes obvious that the money just isn’t going to come? With this in mind, I began asking the people behind various unfunded Kickstarters what they were up to now and what became of the books they sought to crowdfund. It’s a look at both what becomes of a unsuccessful project and a look at what the creators would’ve done differently.
The first to discuss his ultimately unsuccessful Kickstarter is Lee Milewski, freelance artist and creator of With the Earth Above Us, which he sought funding for in late 2012.
With The Earth Above Us
Leo Johnson: First, tell us a bit about yourself, if you would.
Lee Milewski: Well, I am a freelance illustrator currently working out of Naples, FL (where I live with my awesome wife Kathleen). I’ve been professionally working for about four months, though have been heavily involved in comics/illustration work for nearly two years. I love to keep myself busy with more projects than I can actually handle, which really helps push the artwork and strengthen my abilities.
Tangled Weeds #1 Cover
LJ: You went to Kickstarter with your project With The Earth Above Us. What that story about?
LM: With The Earth Above Us was a somewhat unique project for me, as it was the first comic project that I had really done myself. I did have a great letterer on board, though the artwork and writing were all me. It was about two astronauts in space, essentially trying to fight their way against a rogue AI aboard their ship… It was a fun concept, at the time.
LJ: What made Kickstarter an attractive method for getting WTEAU published?
LM: Kickstarter has really become the “go-to” source for independent comic projects… It allows for the creator to directly connect with their audience, something that is extremely invaluable when publishing something… Anything, really. So it was the natural choice for a one person team.
LJ: Ultimately, WTEAU didn’t make it’s funding goal. Was there anything that you would’ve done differently or anything that you learned from the Kickstarter?
LM: I think the biggest obstacle involved with these campaigns is reaching those who WILL want to fund/spread the word. There are a lot of people who are willing to hear you out, though I would say only 1/20 will actually want to impact the campaign. Of course this changes if you have a solid base before launch, which WTEAU did not have. That would be something that I would change going forward, to make sure that MORE than enough people knew about the work… and even then, allow that to grow to where you’re comfortable in your success.
Tangled Weeds #1
LJ: With the project unfunded, what became of WTEAU and is there a chance of seeing it completed one day?
LM: Once I realized that funding was not going to happen, I pretty much put WTEAU on hold… permanently. I do think that the concept has potential, though the pages/layouts/writing were certainly a “beginners” attempt. I currently have no plans on resurrection the project, and more than likely never will. On to greener pastures, I guess.
LJ: Since the Kickstarter, you’ve been part of other projects. What have those been?
LM: I’ve been involved in several projects since the campaign ended. I am actively involved in a Robin Hood graphic novel adaptation, have done several series for independent writers, and have a passion project of my own. It’s called Tangled Weeds and I am the writer/illustrator for it. It is a cosmic horror story, set to be three issues long. The first issue is actually up for free online, here.
The second will probably release in about a months time, the third about two months after that. I’m hoping to raise a Kickstarter for a collection, so we’ll see how people enjoy the series up until that point!
LJ: Finally, where can people view your work and keep up with you online?
LM: Thanks for asking! I am available on several online outlets, though the two important ones are definitely my Facebook and online store.
