We’ve been spotlighting the Dreamer Comics Podcast, hosted by Omar Spahi, on Comicon.com lately, and it’s an enterprise that takes several formats. You can experience it in full audio, short audio clips, full video on Youtube, or short video clips, also on Youtube. It’s built for customization in that way, depending on your preferred delivery method for insights into the craft of making comics from industry professionals.
Today, we’re talking to Omar for a second time, delving a little further into why he launched the podcast, how to build a brand, and what tools he recommends for creating shows online.
Hannah Means-Shannon: We’ve spoken before about some of the drives behind creating the podcast for you, but was there a specific moment where the idea occurred to you not just to be a creator of comics but to have a show?
Omar Spahi: Yeah, I think watching people do shows like Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien and so many great talk show hosts inspired me. I figured this was missing for comics. The talk shows are a great way for people to learn about movies, and comics doesn’t have anything like that, so I decided to create it.
HMS: You’ve mentioned in the past that your own personal experiences making comics did partly drive creating the Podcast, and I’m guessing it hasn’t been an easy road. Is there anything you feel comfortable sharing about some of the challenging experiences you had that led directly to wanting to share helpful info with others?
OS: I think I went into the industry a little wide-eyed and thought all my projects would find a life and fan base, but the truth is, it’s hard to complete with already existing franchises. People go with what they know. The Batmans and Spidermans dominate the space, so I wanted to figure out how others do it and what makes them successful.
HMS: I know that the Podcast makes comics both very personal and professionally relevant to audience members. Do you have any advice about what personal brand means for comic creators and how they can approach building one for themselves?
OS: The best way to build your personal brand is to build a circle for comic book professionals around you. People who are at similar places as far as creating goes. Reach out to your heroes and people you look up to in comics with no expectations. If you’re able to build a friendship, great, if not, no worries, just be polite and kind.
Secondly, reach out to people outside your comfort zone, add friends on social media platforms, and begin to build a list of professional contacts. Let them know you’re around and that you’re working.
Lastly, I would say, post stuff on social media. The more you post your work on social media, the more you build your brand, being known for what you want to be known for.
HMS: As a business person, how did you choose the platforms to release the shows on, and why did you decide to have multiple format release rather than just picking one to start with?
OS: The easiest answer is that different people are on different platforms. I wanted to reach the broadest audience possible, so we use iTunes, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, you name it. The goal is to teach others about how comics are made and introduce them to some of the great creators on our books.
HMS: What kind of tools have you used to build the show, if you don’t mind us asking, and what tools might you recommend for people who want to start releasing audio or video about comics?
OS: I’m all about tools. I use many tools to build the show and get the show out there. The most important thing is my crew: Juan Vazquez, Michael Flotron, Christina Barsi, Jennifer Thomason and Alex Wilson make the show happen behind the scenes. Without them there would be no show.
When it comes to actual tools, I’m a big proponent of Mailchimp to get the word out, Fiverr for asset creation and distribution, and social media for getting the word out about the shows. It’s a long complicated process to continue to grow the show, but one we’re improving on each and every day.
Thanks for sharing with us, Omar!
You can check out the Dreamer Comics Podcast on the following platforms and support them in the following ways:
Help us make the show happen! We need your help: https://www.patreon.com/dreamercomicspodcast
Sign Up for Emails Here: http://dreamercomicspodcast.com/
Listen to the Audio Show: https://dreamercomicspodcast.com/
Youtube Highlights Channel: https://www.youtube.com/dreamercomicshighlights
Youtube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCey_PVCRlTx4sDZzE33p5uw
from Comics – COMICON http://bit.ly/2CVK8Iq
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