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Transcript

Balancing Creativity and Business: A Comic Writer's Rapid Launch Strategy

Talking with comic writer Caleb Palmquist

In this video, I talk with Caleb Palmquist about how he transformed his Kickstarter strategy from launching once a year to every 5-6 weeks. Discover the motivations, challenges, and insights behind this impressive shift, as we explore topics like balancing business with creativity, adapting to the evolving Kickstarter culture, and managing quality while increasing quantity.

Topics & Timestamps

  • 0:00 — Introduction.

  • 2:25 — On launching 32 Kickstarter campaigns...

  • 3:55 — On launching before you’re ready...

  • 6:08 — What drove you to launch before you were ready?

  • 8:28 — When business trumps creativity in determining the next project...

  • 10:32 — How the Kickstarter culture has shifted to urge faster production...

  • 14:25 — What factors did you consider when planning to launch more frequently?

  • 18:10 — Have your backers shifted from supporters to pure readers?

  • 19:52 — How do reader expectations shift your decision on what to create next? How do you deal with giving your audience what they want vs. what you want to make as a creator?

  • 24:10 — Do you have a process for deciding to focus on something new vs. a passion project vs. the one that already makes money?

  • 29:13 — The importance of understanding what art style people respond to.

  • 31:34 — How are you managing quality with the quantity?

About Caleb Palmquist

Caleb Palmquist is a comic writer from Spokane, WA. He has launched over 30 successful Kickstarter campaigns.

His most recent comic, Unicorn: Vampire Hunter, is live on Kickstarter until May 9, 2025. It’s already surpassed its funding goal by a large margin.

Check out the Campaign!

You can read the first issue of Unicorn: Vampire Hunter by clicking the button below:

Download Issue One

Caleb also writes for Ink to Table, a monthly comics podcast and online magazine, with comic writer Curtis Clow.


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