10 Practical Tips for Indie Creators Tabling at Conventions

What if history class felt less like memorizing dates and more like stepping into an adventure? In this episode, Ryan speaks with Paul Hebert, founder and creator of Time Enforcers, an educational entertainment project that combines comics, video games, puzzles, tabletop role-playing, and historical research. Paul shares how the idea began during the shift to virtual learning, when he saw students and educators struggling with tools that were not designed to make learning engaging. Drawing on his background in art, graphic design, marketing, gaming, and a lifelong love of comics, he began building a new way for students to interact with history. The conversation explores Paul’s journey from comic-book fan to independent creator, including how he taught himself programming, built the original Time Enforcers game, developed a graphic novel, and expanded the project into tabletop gaming. Ryan and Paul also discuss Universal Design for Learning, student choice, creative persistence, historical accuracy, marketing an independent project, and the challenge of building something ambitious while working full time and raising a family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comic creator and writer Trevor Fernandes-Lenkiewicz joins the show to talk about breaking into comics, building an indie publishing career, and turning personal emotions into powerful storytelling. Trevor shares the story of almost landing a role at Marvel right before the COVID shutdowns changed everything — and how that experience pushed him to create his own comics instead of waiting for permission. The conversation dives deep into comic writing, collaborating with artists, scripting visually, Kickstarter strategy, creator ownership, masculinity in storytelling, and the evolution of his books Rise and Heavy. We also get into: Why comics are “the jazz of literature” The balance between emotion and analysis in storytelling Writing scripts as blueprints for artists Building a sustainable indie comics career Kickstarter as both funding and audience-building The importance of owning your intellectual property How Trevor approaches visual storytelling and collaboration If you’re into comics, writing, indie publishing, or creative process conversations, this episode is packed with insight. Rise 1-5 Kickstarter Pocketwatch Press Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this in-depth interview, Tom Hutchison shares his journey from art lover to successful comic creator, discussing the challenges of breaking into the industry, the importance of storytelling and visual design, and strategies for building an audience through traditional and modern platforms like Kickstarter. Follow the Legend of Oz Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tomhutchison/bd16-ozthology-annual-event-featuring-the-legend-of-oz Big Dog Inc. Patreon Legend of Oz Series Follow Portable Hole Publishing Instagram TikTok Email: [email protected] Newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most indie creators underestimate the power of small conventions and they often kill their success at the start. In this episode, I reveal the overlooked strategies I used to turn my first comic tables into real wins, even in a crowded market. If you're new to self-publishing or just stepping into the convention world, these practical tips could be the game-changer you need. 00:00 Introduction to Tabling at Comic Conventions 01:05 Starting Small: The Importance of Local Conventions 02:52 Presentation Matters: Making Your Table Stand Out 05:14 Engaging with Conversation Starters 07:38 Defining Success: Knowing Your Goals 08:35 Crafting Your Pitch: Staying On Message 11:00 Building Connections: The Art of Soft Selling 14:15 Practical Tips: Cash and Survival Kits 16:20 Networking: Building Relationships with Neighbors 17:48 Learning from Experience: Taking Notes for Improvement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Braxton Cosby shares his journey as a creator, from his unexpected calling to write in 2011 to establishing his own publishing company, Cosmeteor Productions. He discusses the transition from traditional publishing to indie publishing, emphasizing the importance of self-marketing and creative control. Braxton delves into the intricacies of storytelling, character development, and the unique challenges of adapting prose into comic format. He also highlights his latest work, 'Broken,' a dystopian narrative, and offers valuable advice for new creators navigating the convention circuit. Join the Portable Perspectives Newsletter Here Follow Portable Hole Publishing on Social Media Youtube @PortableHolePublishing Tiktok @Portable_Hole Instagram @Portable_Hole Emaul us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we dive into the creative world of TC Robinson, a comic book creator known for blending horror with humor. In this episode, TC shares his journey from aspiring prop maker to indie comic artist, discussing his inspirations, creative process, and the unique challenges of crafting horror stories with a twist. Back Furryphobia on Kickstarter Website: tcrobin.com Instagram: @tcrobin.comics Join the Portable Perspectives Newsletter Here Follow Portable Hole Publishing on Social Media Youtube @PortableHolePublishing Tiktok @Portable_Hole Instagram @Portable_Hole Emaul us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comic creator Tony James joins me to talk about Moonshine, his new sci-fi western on Kickstarter. We cover lunar outlaws, alien threats, western grit, and the science behind Helium-3. Plus, Tony shares his Kickstarter tips, world-building secrets, and favorite old-school idioms. Back Moonshine on Kickstarter: Moonshine Follow Tony James in Instagram: @bananabat Join the Portable Perspectives Newsletter Here Follow Portable Hole Publishing on Social Media Youtube @PortableHolePublishing Tiktok @Portable_Hole Instagram @Portable_Hole Emaul us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Nathan Luth discusses his journey as a creative, focusing on his anthology project and the selection process for submissions. He shares insights into the challenges of self-publishing, the importance of building an audience, and the balance between creativity and business. The discussion also covers the significance of collaboration in anthologies, creative influences, and lessons learned from previous projects, as well as future goals for his work. Follow the Concrete Arcanum Anthology on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nathanlueth/concrete-arcanum-living-with-monsters?ref=cgak10 Keep up with Nathan and his work: https://www.nathanluethillustration.com/ http://canonofvangel.com/ Join the Portable Perspectives Newsletter Here Follow Portable Hole Publishing on Social Media Youtube @PortableHolePublishing Tiktok @Portable_Hole Instagram @Portable_Hole Emaul us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Ryan George interviews author Kaylin Applewhite about her creative journey, the influence of Dungeons & Dragons on her writing, her writing process, and her experiences with Kickstarter campaigns for her books. Kaylin shares insights into her paranormal mystery series, the White Crow series, set in Edwardian New York City, and discusses the importance of research and understanding historical context in her writing. She also provides valuable tips for aspiring writers and reflects on the challenges and successes of her Kickstarter campaigns. In this conversation, Kalynn Applewhite shares her insights on running successful Kickstarter campaigns for authors, the advantages of indie publishing over traditional routes, and effective strategies for engaging with readers. She emphasizes the importance of early bird specials, maintaining communication with backers, and the value of personal connections at events. Kalynn also discusses her approach to post-Kickstarter marketing and the significance of securing early reviews to boost book visibility. You can follow Kalynn here https://linktr.ee/kalynnapplewhite And click here to back the most recent campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/applewhitegames/the-widows-tear-paranormal-fiction-novel Join the Portable Perspectives Newsletter Here Follow Portable Hole Publishing on Social Media Youtube @PortableHolePublishing Tiktok @Portable_Hole Instagram @Portable_Hole Emaul us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, comedian and writer Dece Casillas shares his journey into the world of comics, discussing his lifelong passion for the medium, the challenges of writing and publishing his comic 'Kill Stan', and the importance of maintaining artistic integrity. He reflects on the validation he received from industry professionals, the process of finding the right artist, and the financial aspects of crowdfunding through Kickstarter. Dece also delves into the themes of his comic, including loss, trauma, and dark humor, while outlining his plans for future issues. In this conversation, Deece also shares his journey as a comic creator and comedian, discussing the meticulous process of comic creation, the nuances of writing comic scripts, and the challenges of marketing indie comics. You can back the kickstarter for Kill Stan #2 Here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices