So You Want to Form a Local Comics Group?:
Some Practical Advice
by Wendy All, NCCC member
BACKGROUND
The NCCC is a collection of dedicated creators in San Diego's North County who have comics and other related arts in common. We have monthly meetings, share work and ideas, go on field trips, have guest speakers, share our knowledge on panels at Comic-Con and WonderCon, and twice yearly publish the comics anthology/’zine Jollies. Our group was started by three people with an idea that slowly grew into a reality; forming this kind of community club and publishing a ‘zine doesn’t come out of a box fully formed. There’s some assembly required.
One thing to keep in mind is that every club or tribe or clan needs a multitude of talents and ages linked together by a common purpose. This is helpful to consider while building your club and community. Include both oldsters and youngsters of more than one art talent and skill level; the biggest buzz is learning from each other. Include a variety of backgrounds with skills and goals that overlap. Our group includes filmmakers, actors, professional artists and cartoonists, editors, a college literature professor, a car designer, musicians, a toy designer, published authors, website designers, computer savvy members, and other makers.
If you think you’re too young to form this kind of group, find a more seasoned compatriot. Perhaps there is a “cool” teacher (arts teacher, lit teacher, science teacher) you can partner with. Or someone at a local comic book store/gaming store etc. Or workers at a local museum or Makers Space who might help or know of someone who can help lead and organize you. Don’t depend on these people to do everything, but they can offer some guidance.
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
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Keep the group small enough to fit around a dining room table, otherwise you need to find a large, dependable place to meet. Larger groups are harder to focus, and you want to get to know everyone well and give everyone a chance to contribute.
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Consider inviting potential members instead of putting out a free-for-all call for membership.
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Look among “common interest” communities for members and guest speakers—comic book/gaming stores, local fan conventions, art museums, schools, art stores, etc.
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Keep it local! People will show up if they don't have a long commute and can meet in person, not by Zoom.
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Meet in person regularly for several hours. We meet once a month for three hours.
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Rotate your meeting place among members who are able to host.
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Bring your art and/or art that you admire to share with the group.
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Snacks, snacks, snacks (always a plus!) Maybe the host can provide, or maybe have a potluck.
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Encourage collaborations or jams between members, but don't demand them.
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Aim to do something as a group; that is, develop some purpose or goals together. We publish Jollies twice a year, go on field trips, invite guest speakers, show up to support the local comic book stores and their events, and present panels about why we enjoy doing this.
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If you choose to do a ‘zine, discuss how you plan to finance it.
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Bring in interesting guest speakers when possible.
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Create a website to display news, promote your accomplishments, your merch and published articles or other publicity about your group.
BENEFITS
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Social Connections & Belonging: Clubs create a welcoming environment to meet people (sense of community) with shared interests, goals, and values, often leading to lifelong friendships. Communities are good!
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Skill Development & Leadership: Participants gain practical experience in leadership, event organization, budgeting, and public speaking—skills often sought by employers. You’ll learn more about yourself, your goals and strengths, find out what you’re good at, work with a team.
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Career Skills Development & Networking: meeting new people, polishing skills to give you more confidence on a job.
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Resume Enhancement: Active involvement in a club demonstrates to potential employers and colleagues that a person is a self-starter, motivated, well-rounded, and dedicated.
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Portfolio Building: Published images give you credibility, and you can share on your social media.
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Personal Growth & Exploration: They offer a space to explore passions, pursue hobbies, and step out of comfort zones to try new things.
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Support & Community Service: Clubs provide a support system, fostering a sense of community and providing avenues for giving back through service projects. You can have a voice!
ADVICE ON PUBLISHING A ‘ZINE
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What size? Start at a comfortable size for you and your group. Consider using 8 ½” x 11” paper folded in half because it won’t need any special cutting.
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Will you photocopy it yourself, use a home printer, or find a professional printer?
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If you use a professional printer, do your best to educate yourself about how to set things up for them (there are programs, like InDesign, that are useful to know).
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Figure out your page template for layouts (aspect ratio for your comic or art)
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How many pages? Example number of pieces of paper and page yield (not including cover) for your ‘zine:
4 pieces of paper folds into 16 pages
6 pieces of paper folds into 24 pages
8 pieces of paper folds into 32 pages
10 pieces of paper folds into 40 pages
12 pieces of paper folds into 48 pages
It’s difficult if you get much larger than that with 24lb. paper.
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Is there a theme or does everyone do their own thing?
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How often might you want to publish?
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Be clear about deadlines/lead times
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Printing costs: How much money might each person want to contribute toward publication? Do you want have each member buy space or buy pages? Might you get a sponsor or advertiser?
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How many copies?
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Who will do the layout?
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Will you sell your ‘zine at first or give it out as self-promotional piece?
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Is there a local Comic Book Store that might carry your ‘Zine?
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Are there ‘Zine meet-ups or conventions in your area? Look into your local colleges.
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The first one is always the hardest.
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HAVE FUN WITH IT!