Is it necessary to be over 18 to create a Tapas Original Series if I don't want to be paid?

comics.resTart 2019-06-17 13:21:18 UTC #1

So.... Yes. I thought about making a tapas original series, and after talking to some people I came to know that in order to do so, I must be over 18 because of the US labor laws. BUT as a matter of fact, i'm making comics only for fun right now. I don't want to be paid. Is it still necessary for me to be over 18?

punkarsenic 2019-06-17 13:29:59 UTC #2

you can publish a comic to tapas as a minor, you just cant enable tipping or ad rev. if you dont mind that, then go ahead!!

but if you wanna make a premium series, yes you have to be 18+, but if youre only doing comics for fun right now then premium isnt what youre going for

hope this helps

amberberry 2019-06-17 13:33:12 UTC #3

I'm pretty sure you have to be. Even if you wouldn't want to be paid (which in my opinion would be silly if you make a big project like Tapas Original), it's still a publishing contract. and under 18 year olds can't make a legal contracts.

I'd just focus on making comics and improving your skills even more so that once you are 18 you can confidently pitch for the Original

comics.resTart 2019-06-17 14:19:16 UTC #4

@punkarsenic @amberberry thanks! That helped a lot. Just wanted to understand the reason.

kiplothedungeoneer 2019-06-17 14:24:10 UTC #5

So, technically, could you get parent to sign for you? I’m just making it for fun too, just curious!

Likri 2019-06-17 15:15:54 UTC #6

Technically, but this is a big commitment with legal consequences - if you're currently doing it "just for fun" it/s better to hold ff, since you might not be accustomed to the deadlines and working in a team without being overprotective about your work (i.e. working with an editor).

Drewbie 2019-06-17 20:01:21 UTC #7

Do you know if you have to just be 18 to go premium or if you have to be out of HS

joannekwan 2019-06-17 20:04:37 UTC #8

18
per U.S labor laws

punkarsenic 2019-06-17 20:40:58 UTC #9

@joannekwan 's got it.

at this point id just advise you to ignore premium as an option - if youre still in highschool and starting out, youre not ready for premium and should focus on developing your practice and having fun.

anything that involves paying you, tapas will require you to be 18+, but you can release any comic you like for free as a minor