Time to get serious! (Patreon)

I've got three commissions I need to focus on in the near future but the time has come to spend a portion of each day working on my Kickstarter campaign for "In a Word Trans." I have been negligent, but that changes. Patreon is going to be Kicktstarter Update Central until of course the campaign itself begins. 

I got a handy little workbook at SPX that has some handy questions that I'll be answering here. No need to read unless you want to.

Who are you?

Justin Hubbell, Transgender NonBinary artist from upstate New York!

What am I creating?

A book/collection of my comics, to include my most popular works and narration through out describing my process/transition!

Where did the idea come from?

I am working to create a small press company and I wanted the experience of putting out books. A collection of my comics makes sense and while my work may be well read it has never been gathered in one place, or in print before!

Why is it important to me?

This is essentially my life's work so there's that. But also I've already begun to work on my 2nd book, and if this campaign is successful it'll blow more air into my sails. Having books of my own is crucial for conventions, workshops etc.

Are you working with a team?

My editor and Patron is Allie Kirkham who is not only cartoonist herself but also a rock star. She has helped me to put the book together!

Step Two: Rewards

What is the thing you're making (primary reward tier)

The book itself will the main reward. It's essentially the same as pre-ordering the book. I will also offer as rewards: signed books with drawings in them, books to be shipped with buttons, tarot readings, and NBNerdyFeel style avatars!

What part of your creative process could you share with your backers?

I can certainly provide photos of my workspace and "behind the scenes" type shots. I can also show off the sketches used for the book and process shots. Might even use the platform as means of shouting out artists I like and would love to work with the in future.

Step three: Plan your promotion.

What are the most exciting parts of your project?

The most exciting thing is that the heavy lifting is basically done. Once the project is financed we only need wait for the print and shipping process - which granted will be an undertaking - but no extra bits and pieces will be needed.

Who's your audience and why you think they'll enjoy your project?

My audience are Trans folk and their allies, primarily young adult 15+ but the book would work well with educators or folks looking into "the whole trans thing" for the first time. The folk who know and read my work have stated they are excited to own a book, furthermore it has exclusive material within!

How and where do you think you can connect with your audiences?

By any/every means necessary. Facebook, Tumbler, Twitter, Instagram and email will be my primary methods of spreading the word. In real life? I'll probably let my librarian friends know about it. I have ties with the local LGBT+ community and figureheads so...fingers crossed. Online marketing will likely be the most potent tool here.

Write down three tools that can help you promote your project and describe how you will use them

1. Social media: will create graphic of thermometer to post so there is a visual of the progress being made. Will make it cute. In this way I can quickly update everyone without typing too much additional text.

2. Video: video updates will be a good way to make things personal/grounded. I've seen other creators do this. It'll be important to keep the tone positive, straightforward, and address folks as team members rather than donors/charity.

3. Mailing list/newsletter: For folks wanting more updates and details a newsletter will be a decent source of information that gives a bit more insight into the process/progress and will have a bit more emotional/personal sincerity involved...if that makes sense?