Webcomic Question

[Cyber Burn]

Do the creators of the various webcomics make any sort of profit from their sites? Either through advertising, or merchandising?

I'm just curious, is this something that someone can make a career or living on, or would these be considered more of a side project that someone would do just for the entertainment factor? Thanks.

[bearded]

colleen doran:
http://colleendoran.com/
is a big name in the indie comics, has been working for decades with a cult classic comic, and she gets ad space and donations thru paypal. she says she makes enough to buy a starbucks on a daily basis, i think i'm quoting her right. anyway, in her blog she talks about it a bit.

[Cyber Burn]

Thanks bearded. This is helpful.

[Trelau]

Questionable Content also evolve from a past-time for a guy between jobs he hated (the first ever comic is actually the "hero" complaining that he hates his job) to a full time career. I still remember the blog post when he finally quitted his "other" job. He mainly make money through merchandise, t shirts for the most part. He gives one of his character a new design for a t-shirt, and if there's enough request he makes it into real merchandise. The other top selling item is the printed hardcover version of the comic (more and more webcomics are doing this)

http://questionablecontent.net/ for the comic, and
http://www.topatoco.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=TO&Category_Code=QC for the merchandise.

[Cyber Burn]

That's actually about where I am now. I'm about this close to just up and walking away from pretty much everything, and I have a strong desire to start over. I have all these ideas in my head, but now I just need to figure out what to do with them. Thanks.

[BlueBard]

Just a cautionary note...

Don't jump out of the lifeboat until you've checked for sharks first.  Or, in other words, proceed with caution.

A lot of successful creative-type people started out by 'dipping their toes in the water' before giving up their day jobs.  Or maybe keeping their day jobs and pursuing their dream at every opportunity.  Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, comes to mind as an example.  Our very own Zapow comes to mind as another and he might have some helpful insight if he's available to ask.

[daglob]

Yeah, what he said.

[Cyber Burn]

I don't know where life will take me, but for my kids' sake, I'll always play it safe.

[Ajax]

If you are thinking about webcomics or going indie as a new career, try making a comic first and putting it online. See if it is popular before you get rid of your guaranteed income. Especially considering how hard it is to get a job nowadays. Alot of webcomics that are popular make money off of banner ads and merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, etc). A few do collected editions, but I'm not sure how well those sell.

[daglob]

Kaja Foglio (Girl Genius, as if you needed to know) has commented that she wishes they had gone the internet route a long time ago.