Marc S.
Weds, Sept. 19th/2007
Ms. Davidson
Soc, Blk. C
Questions to Ask Entrepreneur:
1. What sparked the idea to start this business?
I’ve loved comics since a very young age and I took the biggest chance in my life by investing in printing an issue. It was risky and silly but ultimately it was the passion and fun that drove me forward.
2. Approximately how much did you have to invest to begin this business venture; did you meet any hurdles that you had to overcome?
To get a single issue on stands was probably around $20k (Canadian) and the biggest hurdle was figuring out distribution and the barriers of technology…now, having said that without the Internet and technology, running my business would have been an impossibility. There were many skill sets I had to develop and even as Canada’s largest comic book publisher, it would not be feasible for me to operate how comic book companies ran prior to digitally transferring files. The FedEx charges alone would have sunk me.
3. Do you have a business model? What is it?
Simply put; break even on comics, develop the intellectual property and monetize this asset in various mediums and ancillary revenue models.
4. How do you administrate your business?
I’m a one man show so methods, procedures and templates are crucial. I have to go through a process and quickly find a faster, cheaper and easier way to do the same thing again.
5. How many hours weekly (on average) do you usually clock in?
Honestly; 100+. I’m continually thinking about comic books, movies and video games so it could even be higher. But I have to say I LOVE what I do and it would be impossible to keep this up if I didn’t.
6. What is your favourite thing about this business?
It’s a creative outlet and the culminating joy of creation.
7. How do you use virtual business, e-commerce &/or globalization to service your clients (comic buyers)?
I work with over 200 talented artists and less than 2% work within ten miles. I communicate with my co-workers via MSN, AOL, Skype and email. We transfer scanned files via FTP going back and forth. As far as consumers what we do is advertise, blog and promote our comics through websites and our email lists. As far as e-commerce, I used to offer the comics for sale on the store but I was unable to run an effective business with the $3 price point. Currently I will be selling books ($10+) on our website, but for a single comic book, I’ve actually stopped. I do hope to continue this and ideally, through the Internet, can find a partner to join forces with.
8. When if ever have you made use of downsizing/rightsizing technologies, and how has it helped your business?
Mostly I’ve used technologies to TRY to reduce the workload by providing static tools for new creators. I create a site where they can learn printing specifications so that I don’t have to tell them.
9. How do you utilize the creative ideas and energy produced by your staff?
We get inspired and make more comics. ?
10. What was a change you had to make from your original business plan?
I originally called the company ‘Arcana Studio’ and recently I developed a new arm called ‘Arcana Comics’. Arcana Studio is a work for hire studio that develops intellectual properties (for a price) and also holds onto the IP’s. Arcana Comics is the publishing arm of Arcana Studio…Arcana Comics spends money printing books and generates revenues from selling books, while Arcana Studio spends money developing new properties and generates revenues from taking on contracts from Disney, Upper Deck, Marvel, HBO and more.
11. What advice would you give to someone creating a similar business venture?
Make sure you love it and realize that overnight success takes seven years. ?
Recently was asked to respond to a questionnaire and it was fairly fun…it’s nice to try and reflect upon what has happened…sometimes it just feels like I’m pushing forward and don’t get to look back.