Topics

1

General Discussion / How and where to sell crafts online?

« on: June 18, 2018, 11:31:11 PM »

So... Etsy will be taking a higher percentage of sellers profits starting this July. My sister says she already barely makes a profit now and so she will be leaving etsy like many others.

I was planning to sell jewelry and prints through etsy, but now I'm not so sure. I've poked around a bit at some alternatives, but I'm not seeing many promising sites.

Common problems I'm finding:

• No international sales
• Higher percentage of profit taken
• Small userbase/unknown by consumers
• Monthly fees out-weighting what I expect to make
• Limited product listings

Does anyone have experience with this sort of thing/would be willing to offer some advice?

What I may end up doing as a temporary solution is to handle selling them similar to how I offer my commissions. I have my commission options displayed on my wix website with the (sample) images and product information displayed for each. Then I have a page where I have an email box that goes to my artist email where people interested in commissioning me can contact me to discuss details. The process would be similar for the crafts, just that the interested person would have to email me expressing their interest in buying the piece rather than the usual "add to cart" "check out". My concerns with this method are that I may look like a sketchy salesperson, more limited payment options, and that I won't have the added benefit of the traffic that goes through a well known site. Also sales tax. I don't understand that in the slightest...

Ugh, any help would be appreciated.

2

Manga Writers wanted / Partner Wanted for Novel Creation (Service Trade)

« on: March 28, 2018, 11:48:02 PM »

One of the things I'd like to do this summer is to make progress with one or two of my stories. The ones I'm wanting a partner for are my novel series, Lunar Legend and Melody Box.

Lunar Legend

Genres: Sci-fi, fantasy, action, adventure, drama, and tragedy.
Synopsis: In the midst of a massive stellar conflict, a colonized world has been isolated and immersed in their own civil war. Luna Edelman, a soldier who recently graduated from the academy with top scores, finds herself in the center of the world's power struggle after inadvertently becoming the guardian of a supposed "super weapon".
Additional Info: The story is from Luna's POV and will be a single novel. The story's base plot structure has been planned out, but I lack experience with the sci-fi genre so I'm stuck on the world-building phase.


Melody Box

Genres: Fantasy, steampunk, action, adventure, drama, and tragedy.
Synopsis:An unlikely alliance of pirates and dragons forms when their mutual enemy makes the fatal mistake of dragging two young airship mechanics into conflict with a reluctant dragon and her brother.
Additional Info: This story has switching POVs, 4 in total, and will span several books. Possible LGBTQ content. I have most of the first book planned out, but there is wiggle room for the direction the story can go.


What I am looking for in a partner for either of these stories is trustworthiness, patience, preferably a native English speaker, availability (for in depth conversations rather than a brief critique), and determination. I need help with proofreading my work as I progress, to improve my skills in writing prose, and someone to bounce ideas off of.

In return, I can offer my skills as an artist to create concept art or storyboards for your own works in proportion for the amount of aid I receive. I am most skilled in creature designs, however I am improving with humanoids. The following link contains some examples of my work. (Unfortunately most of my more recent pieces are still in progress due to my busy university schedule.)

http://forums.mangaraiders.com/index.php/topic,11730.msg195728.html#msg195728

If, later on, we decide that we a good team and you stick with the project till it's completion I would gladly name you my co-writer and split the revenue from the novel's publication.

Feel free to leave any inquiries or examples of your work if my offer has caught your attention.

3

General Manga writer discussions / Service Trades?

« on: March 25, 2018, 11:09:09 AM »

Alright, one of the things I'm considering for this summer is to look for somebody to proofread/give feedback in depth on my writing since it's too easy for me to get lost in perfecting something before moving on. However, this brings up the common problem of having little to no income to spend on hiring somebody. I know that everyone should receive some sort of compensation for their time and skills.

What I want your guys ideas/advice on is my idea for a service trade. In this case it would be me exchanging concept art for writing improvement. I know outside of this forum or other places where writers are specifically looking to do comics, concept art may not be too desirable. However having concept art of your characters, places, weapons, etc. is a major step before finding an artist to draw the pages. Most comic artists will give you an additional charge for each character they design for your story after all.

Pros / Cons? Anything to watch out for?

4

Suggestions And Feedback / Board Unsubscription?

« on: February 27, 2018, 06:53:15 AM »

Just a passing thought I had, but now I wonder if it's possible. Would there be a way to like keep new topics from certain boards from popping up as unread? (Would instantly click that option for the artist wanted section.)

Again, it's just an idea and I dunno how the coding would work for that.

5

Manga Writers wanted / Artist for Hire (Paid Jobs Only)

« on: February 14, 2018, 10:53:07 PM »

Hrm... First time posting one of these I think. I should probably introduce myself since I usually lurk and there's a bunch of new people I haven't talked to yet or that may join in the future. :p Anyways I'm Robin, a college student majoring in studio art (drawing, painting, and the like). I'm also an avid reader of novels and comics. Fantasy stories are my go-to genre, but I also have the occasional soft spot for sci-fi or post apocalyptic stories. I'm currently writing a few of my own stories, but I'm putting this out there since I need a job or two for the summer after my current semester ends in May.

I don't have any completed pages as of this moment and my work isn't jaw dropping good so there's going to be a bit to figure out as we go. On the flip side of this I'm also looking for a writer who's looking to test the waters with a short story or oneshot. Also I'm willing to work as part of an artist team if you draw or already have an artist who needs assistance.

As for my page rate (price per page)... It will really depend on how much of the work I'll be doing and the level of detail required. I'm open to negotiation here.

Err what else? I guess examples and what I'm willing/not willing to work on?

What I can/will draw:
Fantasy
Creatures and animals (especially dragons)
Anthros
Humans and humanoids
Storyboards
Backgrounds

What I can't/won't draw:
NSFW
Romance (unless it's not the primary focus)
Sci-fi/mecha
SFX
Historical
Hyper-realisim
Gore

There's probably more for both, but anyways. I can work from storyboards or text as long as they're detailed enough.

My MR art gallery is here: http://forums.mangaraiders.com/index.php/topic,11730.msg195728.html#msg195728
And my Deviant Art is here: https://robinryuu.deviantart.com/
I'm currently taking a printmaking class and working on a sequential story in there and I'm also taking a figure drawing class. I usually post photos of my work at the end of the semester, but I can upload them if requested.

Anything else? Um, I think I'll close this thread once May comes and goes. I may not have time to draw until then but I want to get things planned out so that I can start work by then. If I get multiple job offers I'll probably go with the story that interests me most, though higher payment would also be tempting.

If anyone has a question please feel free to comment here or PM me here or at DA. I usually check the sites a few times a day, but it might take a bit for me to respond if I'm busy or nervous.

6

General Manga writer discussions / Flow Charts

« on: February 07, 2018, 06:36:06 PM »

I'm in love with using flow charts with for my stories... I work from cause and effect so this is the best method I've found to piece everything together. They let me see everything at once and if there's any "loose ends/plot holes". I have separate charts for the main parts of the story (the different acts/arcs) and then down to the small details of how the different groups interact within the story. I might be the only one able to understand the mess of bubbles and arrows, but there's a method to my madness I assure you...

How about you guys? Ever try them? Like them or hate them? Have any tips or tricks to share?

Also would anyone be interested if I created a template or tutorial for my madness, I mean method?

7

MR Pub / Some News and a Question. (Relationship Stuff)

« on: November 11, 2017, 10:45:46 PM »

So... I started dating a couple weeks ago. Actually it's a poly-relationship with the 3 of us dating each other. Me, my boyfriend, and my girlfriend.

I'm excited about it, but I'm afraid that my parents won't be since it's a bit unorthodox... And I've never dated before so no help there. I'm tempted to avoid telling them at all, but I'm more afraid of them finding out some other way and so I can't really relax... Does anyone know any advice on how to tell them?

8

break Room / Crunchyroll Hacker Warning!!!

« on: November 05, 2017, 10:59:39 AM »

Last night Crunchyroll was hacked and is now infecting its users' computers with some nasty stuff. Don't use the site till it's fixed.

9

break Room / Name change? (Meandering Thoughts)

« on: August 18, 2017, 06:38:47 PM »

Eh... I may or may not be changing my username/persona characters in the future... Currently my username is Robin Ryuu short for "Robin Shadow Ryuu".

It's like... I'm starting to feel I've changed/matured a bit and so the context and meaning behind them don't seem to represent the current me so much...

Anyways I dunno what to change it to yet so I'll still go by Robin for now.

10

General Discussion / Protect Your Wrists! (Advice Thread for Artists, Writers, Gamers, and Others.)

« on: August 07, 2017, 03:08:24 AM »

Some of you guys may have seen me mention how my wrists have been swelling and becoming painful if I use my hands for extended periods of time (which then lasts for days). This topic is about my findings on risk prevention and non-surgical treatments for RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury/Carpel Tunnel Syndrome).

I am not a health care expert. Follow my advice at your own risk.

First off though for me this has been going on for a little less than a year. It started around midterms for me when I was trying to rush and finish my drawing assignments for two classes before the deadline. After that classes continued and I continued to push my wrist despite the pain. Since then if I draw, type, play videogames, or do anything else that requires repetitive movements of my fingers and wrists the pain comes back after a few hours.

First thing I tried was a wrist brace since my mom uses them for her wrists. Bad idea. Last week I slept with it on for two nights and it resulted in my wrist becoming much sorer and quite stiff when I woke up. I'm not sure if it has to do with the brand I used or not. I stopped using it 4 days ago and the pain finally went away.

The second thing I am currently trying are wrist stretches and strengthening exercises (these can be done to prevent problems as well). So far they cause a little pain, but that appears to be normal as long as it's not overdone. I've read that symptom relief can take anywhere from a couple days to several months depending on the severity of the injuries. I'm also going to be using one of those squishy stress balls to build strength when I find where I put mine. The stretches should be done before activities, every 30-60 minutes during the activity, and after you finish.

Here's a video I found showing how to do the stretches I've found on several medical sites.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUyMNyrOHJQ

Also something I will be doing is to make my work area more ergonomic friendly. This may entail purchasing a new desk, chair, and keyboard, you can't buy a new wrist so this will be better long term. Look up the "Ergonomics Guy" on YouTube for more information.

Another thing is to go easy on yourself and not over do your workload. Also get your recommended amount of sleep. Sleep is when your body heals.

And another note... I read that the pain can be worsened by stressing over your wrist heath since your brain will restrict the circulation to your hand; causing pain even after it's healed.

I hope this topic helps you guys and if anyone has something to add please do.

11

General Manga writer discussions / What do you do when your story wants to break apart?

« on: August 04, 2017, 04:58:35 PM »

My oldest story was originally 2 separate ideas that had similarities and ended up merging. Now that story is wanting break into separate parts again though not divided into the same ones as the originals. Characters that were created together are drifting apart and all the plot ideas I have for them don't smoothly fit together.

The pieces that are being affected the most are some of the oldest ones and it's hard to think of the story without them... They've been there for 5 years already. The thought of letting them go isn't an easy decision, but I know it may be necessary for the sake of making something better.

What do you do when you have parts of the story coming apart the more you polish the other ones? Do you try to salvage it and do your best to patch the plot holes? Do you let the story break into two and start again from scratch? Something else?

12

MR Pub / The End of Independent Web-Comics and Forums Like MR?

« on: June 30, 2017, 07:00:00 PM »

Sorry to be all "doomsday" here, but it's important.

http://danlev.deviantart.com/journal/Create-Art-to-Fight-for-Net-Neutrality-689661577

My brother in law talked about this about a month ago and it was scary for me... In general I don't want to be cut off from the world and the people I've gotten to know, but this would even effect the possibility of even trying to publish a comic on your own site unless you and your viewers have the money to do so.

What do your guys think? Will you do something or will you sit and wait?

13

Develop Your Story / Dragon's Curse (Short Series)

« on: June 28, 2017, 04:16:59 PM »

I started this story several years back when I was part of Team Paper Dragons here at MR so a few of you may remember it. This is also the story that I've been streaming art for the past couple days.

Dragon's Curse

Lore/Intro:

"In our world where feats of magic and god sightings are daily occurrences, a group of people sought out the dragon goddess, (Yin). They had devised a plan that by slaying (Yin), the embodiment of darkness and evil, they could rid the world of all misfortunes. And at dawn, her weakest time, they succeeded in killing the goddess. However the consequences of this were not as they had hoped. The night sky was shattered and the sun that was rising back fell to (Earth) along with the fragments of darkness. From that moment on the sky remained the dull red glow of dawn. The dragon god, (Yang), the embodiment of light and good, had disappeared along with (Yin). The remaining dark fragments seeped into the earth and the hearts of men and gods alike. These are the events known as the 'Dragon's Curse'.

Our story began (years) later when rumors of a stranger arrived at my village..."


More to come.

My other projects.

Lunar Legend (A Novel)

http://forums.mangaraiders.com/index.php/topic,17381.msg275754.html#msg275754

Melody Box (A Novel)

http://forums.mangaraiders.com/index.php/topic,15497.msg250391.html#msg250391

Grey: Home for Strays (A Comic)

http://forums.mangaraiders.com/index.php/topic,13239.msg224838.html#msg224838

Lyoko Recoded (A Fan-fic)

http://forums.mangaraiders.com/index.php/topic,15516.msg250652.html#msg250652

Robin's Sketchbook (My Art)

http://forums.mangaraiders.com/index.php/topic,11730.msg195728.html#msg195728

14

MR Pub / Happy Birthday WhiteCrow!

« on: June 18, 2017, 12:00:03 AM »

Hope your 30th is a good one, old man. 

15

Suggestions And Feedback / An opinion on and suggestion for the Artists/Writer Wanted Boards.

« on: February 26, 2017, 10:49:47 AM »

You know... I might be stepping out of line here, but I really have been questioning the usefulness of the Manga Artists/Writer Boards for a while now.

In theory they're a wonderful way to meet new friends or teammates to work towards your goal with... But in reality.... How many people even get a reply there that isn't to criticize the offer? I know I'm guilty of doing that too, but really... It's become a source of stress here when the site is supposed to be helpful and fun.

I know that completely removing the boards is probably out of the question, so I have another suggestion. I'm not sure of the inner works of this forum, but is there a way to set the permissions on those boards to be "topic post only" and "no replies"? This way they can still advertise their request and still receive offers through the PM system without the drama that currently resides there.

As for how they can keep their topic active without posting a new one frequently.... Wouldn't becoming more active in the other writing/drawing boards help with that? Especially if they were to put the link to their thread in their signature?

I don't mean to offend anyone and I'm not directing it at any specific person. Anyways, this may or may not be an unpopular opinion, but I had to at least bring it up.