The closest I’ve been (so far) to drawing a cartoon for the New Yorker,
… will be drawing ‘next to’ someone who actually draws comics for the New Yorker. PLUS: Some questions I won’t be answering in the ‘Starting a Bestselling Substack’ Creative Breakthrough Session
Jason wrote a guest post here in 2022 about how to submit cartoons to the New Yorker … the closest I ever got was a cartoon drawing myself as a comedian and put it on instagram for about a year, that helped me get my first book gig.
Next…
Here are some questions I won’t be answering in the upcoming - ‘Starting a Bestselling Substack’ Creative Breakthrough session
One reader asked me for advice around using Substack to help in their search for an agent and publishing deals.
And I pointed out that while I think Substack is a great complement to an illustration practice, I’ve seen little evidence of it being an effective promotional or marketing tool, in fact, I believe it actually dilutes self promotional efforts, because your Substack needs to be promoted too.
So I’ll answer a few questions about promoting yourself as an artist on Substack here, and the breakthrough session will focus on creating and selling valuable paid subscriptions through acts of service.
But for now, here are some of your questions answered…
How can I showcase my illustration portfolio effectively on Substack ?
. He focuses on posting illustrations on Notes, with a monthly recap in the form of newsletter.
I think that is a smart way to do it. A monthly showcase of work is interesting to publishing professionals. Jules adds an interesting added dimension by committing to a theme, the theme being
. This extra dimension creates interests around a broader topic that is unique.
It’s also an additional area that is of interest to publishing professionals.
By posting on notes, he leverages Substack’s distribution to build an audience.
Should I create separate content streams for industry professionals versus fans and parents?
I would suggest pick one and approach topics from that perspective. Any idea could be tailored to either group. And while someone might be a fan and a parent and an industry professional, it’s the responsibility of the publication to set the tone of engagement.
Decide who the newsletter is for.
This will help readers understand how to relate to you and each other.
And it will help you write more consistently.
How can I use my Substack to build community around my illustration style or characters?
Award Winning, New York Times best selling illustrator
She’s so fun and funny. As are her characters. She also has an interesting journey and so much to share. She goes deep in her drawing live drawing sessions and just invites you into her world, and the world of her characters.
How can I leverage my Substack to support book launches and school visit bookings?
If you think of your newsletter as an act of service and build an audience around that service, then I believe it does position you to bring that service to a live audience in the form of a book launch or a school visit.
As you give service you can also invite people to purchase your own books as a way to support the work you’re doing.
Thanks so much, Adam! Really appreciate the shout-out and kind words.
Thanks Adam! I’m humbled by your words 😍