Studio Skye-Tiger Comics: Update
What's the plan and why Kickstarter?
The Tea!
Hey now, folks! Exciting times are here at Studio Skye-Tiger, as we officially launch production for March's Midnight Tiger: EVO Kickstarter! We’re thrilled to have 90 pre-notifications already, and we’d love to keep the momentum going.
In addition to our Kickstarter launch, we're also collaborating on a project with DC Comics, wrapping up an illustration promised for a good friend, and getting ready for Emerald City Comic Con. On top of all that, we’re promoting Shayla Height’s WTF Mama Kickstarter, currently at 66% funded, where we contributed the artwork. So, yes, it’s safe to say we’re keeping busy!
As you all know, I don’t mind being fairly transparent about my journey in the comics industry, and stepping into the world of indie publishing is no different. My goal is for Studio Skye-Tiger to become one of the prominent indie comic publishers on Kickstarter. When we launched Midnight Tiger back in 2012, Kickstarter was just beginning to make waves, and we were eager to discover its potential for independent creators. Fast forward sixteen years, and Kickstarter has truly transformed lives, providing indie creators a direct line to their readers.
REASONS WHY KICKSTARTER:
Fair Compensation Matters
With Midnight Tiger: EVO, fair wages for my talented team are a top priority. When I produced Midnight Tiger #1, it was a new platform, but a total mystery to most of us. A risk, if you will. However, it was a collective effort all around on that very first campaign where my friends, fellow artists, and my wife Shayla (MVP) came together. A far cry from now. Today, with over a decade of experience through working with other publishers, embracing who I am as a creator and wanting to help new talent better navigate the industry, I have a dedicated team of five emerging talents, and I believe they deserve fair pay for their incredible work. The comic book industry is notorious for taking advantage of creators, often offering meager pay or relying on backend compensation that rarely materializes.
That’s where Kickstarter shines. It allows the team to see in real-time not only where their compensation is coming from but also ensures that it will indeed be available if the campaign creator has budgeted properly. No mysteries or guesswork here—just clarity and transparency, which serve as a fantastic morale booster for everyone involved! So, together, we’re committed to creating engaging campaigns that will showcase our hard work and dedication.
Working For The ‘Man’ To Pay The Bills
As we’re still in our infancy as a new publisher, I’m continuing to take on freelance projects to help support the team while we work towards our Kickstarter launches. This is part of the process and the gigs we’ve taken on so far have been awesome. My team is passionate about what we’re building together. They understand that Studio Skye-Tiger Comics has great potential, and I’m committed to not letting them down!
I don’t take on enough freelance work to cover the entire compensation for studio books, as that would leave me with insufficient resources to focus on our own Studio Skye-Tiger projects. However, the freelance work I do take on allows me to make goodwill gestures with what we earn, and at the same time, my team gets the chance to assist with some of their favorite mainstream characters. It’s a win-win that helps keep the creative juices flowing while building our foundation for the future!
A Self-Sustaining System
Our ultimate goal is to focus primarily on Studio Skye-Tiger projects, aiming to produce six captivating books each year. Building a loyal fanbase is essential, and we want to deliver comics that truly resonate with everyone, featuring memorable characters and exciting adventures that keep readers coming back for more.
To make our launches even more rewarding, we’ll keep our rewards tight and engaging, offering variant covers by some of the comics industry’s most legendary and incredible superstars, alongside bookmarks, t-shirts, sketch covers, and even some fantastic figurines in select campaigns! We believe that every supporter should feel valued, and these rewards are our way of saying thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’re building something very special at Studio Skye-Tiger!
The MTU Awaits! (See what I did there?)
Midnight Tiger: EVO will serve as the exciting launchpad for our new comic universe. This year, our focus is on releasing four solid books that will help us establish a strong foundation and the deep worldbuilding that’s been laid. Just like Michael Keaton’s Batman famously said, "Tell all your friends about me!" Awareness is absolutely key, and we truly need your help to spread the word.
As a gesture of goodwill to YOU—our amazing supporters—I’m thrilled to share a sneak peek of some new characters co-created by our talented team member, TJ Bell, featured in the upcoming Midnight Tiger: EVO!
What’s A Castrel?!? Find Out In Six Weeks!
We can’t wait for you to meet them and join us on this remarkable journey into a universe teeming with possibilities! Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of our story!
-Your Friendly Neighborhood Comics Dad!