How to Make Money from Comic Strips

Writing and illustrating your own comic strip can be a great way to express yourself artistically. You can transform your creative comic strip designs from a fun hobby to a lucrative side hustle with some hard work and perseverance.

There are several ways to monetize your comics; here are some directions you might take to get started.

Build a Comic Website

Many comic strip enthusiasts are content to read comics online. You can publish a digital webcomic series using a WordPress domain or a comic hosting site. Monetize your work by creating a subscription service that unlocks your new work for paying customers.

Comix Well Spring can take the stress out of selling your comics online. Instead of creating your own website, use the CWS Bookstore. Order and print your comics through Comix Well Spring, then once your comics are fully stocked at our warehouse, create a page or a profile on the CWS Bookstore site.

CMS Bookstore allows you to track orders and sales, generate sales reports, monitor page views, collect reviews, and create coupons. Promote your CMS Bookstore page on your social media accounts to drive traffic to your profile.

Draw Comics for Newspapers

Many local and regional newspapers accept comic submissions from up-and-coming artists. Drawing for newspapers can help you earn quick cash while growing a fan base from the existing readership.

Ensure that your comix strips are professionally drawn and formatted. Consider investing in comic strip creator software like Adobe. Or create and publish digital comics on-the-go with mobile compatible design apps like Comic Strip Pro for Android.

Curate Comics for Customers

Consider banding together with similar comic artists to provide a curated package of comics in a subscription service. Working as a collective can benefit each member by increasing the span of your target demographic and using each others’ network connections to gain access to a broader range of digital and paper publishers.

If you prefer to stay solo, consider making a comic review website. Comic enthusiasts can appreciate recommendations for new reading material, and you can direct some of your readers to your own strips.

You can also create custom comics for fans. Transform fans’ fairytale book favorites or beloved chapter books into modern retellings through comic strip art. Market your services to small businesses as advertising copy; comic strips are a unique way for companies to advertise their products and services.

Leverage Social Media

You can use Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter accounts to build a following and alert your fans about where and when you publish your work. Consider posting short excerpts of your work or making short comic strips on relevant social topics to generate interest on your social accounts. Tag other comic strip creators in your niche to broaden your reach.

You can also expand your social media posts beyond posting your comic strips. You can upload content on how to write a successful comic strip, how to draw characters or other engaging content about the comics industry.

If you write for newspapers or other publications, ask that your social media handle is used to credit your work.

Capitalize on Related Streams of Income

You can boost your revenue by capitalizing on the success of your comic strip sales. Consider making graphic posters, screenprints, or T-shirts from your most popular strips. You can also sell collectors’ items and hand-inked comic book strips to your most loyal fans.

Cash in on Your Craft

Making money off your comic strips requires skill and perseverance. Practice and remain open to criticism to perfect your art form and keep your website and social media accounts updated for your best chance at a viable side hustle. Comix Well Spring (a division of Greko Printing) can bring your comic strips to life with high-quality comic books. Call us today at (734) 927-0044 to learn more about publishing your own comics.