[Blog] The Logistics Of Working On Steel Tribe

I've set up a collection plate on Ko-Fi to work on Steel Tribe next year, instead of picking up more contract work

This has inevitably come with a lot of feedback, so I'm going to address some things:

Why will it take you 6 months?Because I want it to be really, really good and I'm already committed to Swords and Stars continuing as well.Why is the price so high? Webcomics are normally free

I'm a professional artist

It's a third project being added to the mix

I want to do a really, really good job of it

I am wearing every hat on the project - the first issue of Watchmen or Sandman each had 7+ employees

It's the audience commissioning a project they keep asking for, instead of me taking on another corporate contract which would be time and energy directed towards something I don't own

$15,000 USD over 6 months is $26,000 NZD, before tax. My rent and utilities over that period is in the ballpark of $20,000 NZD

I live in New Zealand, it's expensive. I live in central Wellington, it's the most expensive.

Steel Tribe, if posted free online, would not generate a meaningful amount of ad revenue. In its entire lifetime, with 200+ episodes, Stars has generated $1k in ad revenue.

Patreon already covers your living costsLike I've expressed before - I really want Swords money to be for Swords. That's why I've been picking up short term contracts.Attempts at making Steel Tribe a stretch goal for Patreon earnings have been met with distrust and arguments that I shouldn't expect people to support Swords to get something else they want. I'd rather fortify Patreon and remove all the uncertainty from my art career, but it's a big ask.

Why not use Kickstarter?I'm still nailing down if a Cut The Deck expansion is going on Kickstarter and that will take priority. The artwork is all done. If Steel Tribe ends up on Kickstarter, it will be either after, or instead of, Cut The Deck.

Thank you for taking an interest in such an old project. I appreciate the passion people have for seeing more.