The following is an interview with Eisner Award-nominated creator Ryan Claytor regarding his recent return to Kickstarter for the Elephant Eater Comics Annual Dispatch. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Claytor about his experience in documenting his own creative process, the incredible backer rewards available through the campaign, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Following your Eisner Award-nominated art book, One Bite at a Time, you recently returned to Kickstarter to peel back the curtain on your creative process with the Elephant Eater Comics Annual Dispatch. What might potential backers anticipate with this new project?
Ryan Claytor: The Elephant Eater Comics Annual Dispatch (which can be found at www.AnnualDispatch.com) is similar to my art book, in that it features a variety of artwork I’ve produced with a focus on process information detailing how each piece came to be. However, it’s unlike my art book in that it spotlights one year (rather than 20) and will be printed in a LARGER NEWSPAPER FORMAT! I’ve actually got a proof in my hands. I’m thrilled with how it turned out and I can’t wait to share it with folks.
BD: In compiling this book, was there anything unique that stood out to you about documenting your own creative process, and do you find that the experience is comparable to your lesson plan preparation for your work in the classroom?
RC: Yeah, that’s a great comparison, actually. Although, I’d say my work as a professor tends to be a little more thorough and granular. With this project it’s more of a higher-level overview of the process rather than methodically listing step-by-step information in a granular way. I wanted something that could be appreciated by a wide cross-section of readers and serve as inspiration for making their own projects.
BD: You are no stranger to crowdfunding, having successfully run several campaigns for various projects. Why do you feel that crowdfunding has been such a valuable resource to ensuring the success of today’s comic book creators?
RC: Thank you for this question, as I have a lot of feelings on the matter. Ha-ha! To start, I began producing my own comics over 20 years ago. When I did that, I was literally walking my books around to comic book stores in hopes of a retailer picking up a copy or two. But even before that, I’d have no idea how many I should print. However, with the crowdfunding pre-order model, I have a far better understanding of project demand and can make more informed decisions about order numbers. On top of that, there’s this incredible comics ecosystem that has developed on Kickstarter. When you see someone launch a project, they’re typically not just coming there for a quick ask, but rather creators’ backer status is usually quite robust! They’re on the platform to support others, as well. All this to say, I’m excited to be a part of this healthy creative environment.
BD: In light of the crowdfunding campaign, are there any particular backer rewards that you are most excited to share?
RC: Oh, boy…where to start. Well, first and foremost, the new publication is available and because it achieved first-day funding, we’re in stretch goal territory, where we’re continuing to build out the number of pages. This is all happening at no extra cost to any of the existing or future backers. The publication will simply keep getting better the more people back the project. So, I’m over the moon to have a book produced on NEWSPRINT…and that it has the opportunity to keep growing throughout the campaign.
However, I also created these lapel pins that turned out GORGEOUS! They’re struck in a copper-plated metal, showcase the masthead cockatiel with the publication’s mantra in Latin, “Unum morsum uno tempore,” which means, “One bite at a time.” It even has an Elephant Eater Comics logo in relief on the back and comes with two deluxe locking clutches to maintain orientation and security. Anyhow, it’s my first soft enamel pin I’ve created and they look incredible.
There’s also a tier above that which includes an invitation-only book club presentation by me. I love doing those because it gives me the chance to share more behind-the-scenes information about the creation of the book and connect with readers in a more private setting. I’ve done these on campaigns in the past, it’s always really enjoyable, and there’s typically some great questions, discussion and chance meetings, too!
BD: Are there any other projects – past or current – that you would like to highlight for our readers?
RC: Yes, yes, yes!!! I feel like the planets aligned with this particular launch because SO MANY of my creator buddies have campaigns running right now.
Let me start with MJ Massey. Her Alchemist of Aurillia hardback book collects her fantasy adventure comic series with art historical influences based on Byzantine and Ottoman empires. This is one of those projects that has been YEARS in the making, and it’s all coming to fruition in this campaign.
Also, my talented pal, Bob Thibeault, who has been designing and illustrating work for folks at Scholastic and Houghton Mifflin for many years, has now produced the first big chunk of his own story, Luny Lily, a sci-fi middle-grade graphic novel about family, friendship, and finding your power. I’ve been watching this come together for quite a while, Bob’s work is next-level fantastic, and you’d make his day if you backed his FIRST EVER CROWD-FUNDING CAMPAIGN.
Finally, my friend and fellow comics educator, Alec Longstreth, is also currently on Kickstarter with his third hardback book for his award-winning, Eisner-nominated, all-ages fantasy comic, Isle of Elsi. I’ve been reading this with my son for the past nine years, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The stories are full of adventure, wordplay, world building, and heart. Not to mention, if you’re new to the series, Alec has an unheard of $10 deal on the first 144-page hardcover book so you can get up to speed on the cheap, right here.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find out more about the Elephant Eater Comics Annual Dispatch Kickstarter campaign and your other work?
RC: Just point this browser to www.AnnualDispatch.com!
