Controlling al the stages of production: crowdfunding and the cartoonist/businessman

Abstract

In the comic book production process via crowdfunding, comics artists are required to perform all the functions of the comic book production process: from the artistic (such as script and drawing) to the technical (diagraming, printing and logistics) aspects. This incorporation of all functions by the artist clearly and directly reflects a “desired” profile to comics artists in Brazil: businessmen of oneself, and not just artists detached from the bureaucratic processes surrounding their comics. This professionalization reflects both the demanding and competitive Brazilian comics market, as well as the logic that prevails in the comics environment, determining that the artist's success or failure is solely and exclusively the result of his artistic and entrepreneurial skills – the logic of meritocracy.