Brian Canini Reflects on 25 Years of Self-Publishing Ahead of SPACE Expo Appearance
Brian Canini, a Columbus, Ohio-based cartoonist, is preparing to share insights from his 25-year journey in self-publishing at the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo (SPACE) this weekend. The expo will take place at the Makoy in Hilliard on Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29.1
From High School Comics to a Quarter-Century of Creation
Canini began creating and self-publishing comics in high school and has continued consistently ever since.1 He has produced over 100 comics throughout his career.1 His talk, scheduled for 1 p.m. On Saturday, aims to help aspiring creators avoid common pitfalls.1
Early Lessons in Overzealous Printing
Canini recounted a lesson learned early in his career: the decision to self-fund the printing of 3,000 copies of the first issue of his comic, Ruffians. He described the decision as “overzealous” in retrospect.1 While living in San Diego at the time, he anticipated quickly selling through the print run and using the profits for subsequent issues and rent.1 He still has unsold copies stored in his attic.1
Navigating Creative Stagnation and Finding a New Approach
Canini continued printing Ruffians for seven issues until his funds were depleted.1 He then attempted to redraw the first issue, leading to five years of work on only 28 pages and a period of creative stagnation.1
To overcome this, Canini shifted to creating daily diary comics, a departure from the “Care Bears movie directed by Quentin Tarantino” style of Ruffians.1 This change allowed him to embrace imperfection and rediscover his artistic voice.1 He has revisited the diary format during significant life transitions, including a long-distance relationship and a period encompassing marriage, homeownership, and the birth of a child.1
A Lifelong Passion for Comics
Canini’s passion for comics dates back to his childhood, discovering Archie Comics’ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at age six.1 He and his friends even played a game called “comics company,” creating their own panels.1 He first participated in SPACE in 2001 after discovering a flier at the Laughing Ogre.1
Canini’s work has evolved from superhero parodies to more personal stories, focusing on self-discovery while maintaining a sense of humor.1
Recent and Past Work
Brian Canini is a cartoonist from Columbus, Ohio, who lives with his wife, Amy, and their three children.2 He is also an editor/creator of the Eisner-nominated free comics newspaper, the Columbus Scribbler.2 He will be premiering two new comics at SPACE: Random Short Stories by a Future Bestseller Vol. 2 and Brian Canini’s Secret Project.3 His work Random Short Stories by a Future Bestseller won 2nd place in the General Category at the 2024 SPACE Prize.4 He also won 1st place in the General Category for Airbag #2 in 2024.4
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