Tapas Creator Incubator Announcement: UPDATE: THANK YOU!

[gabbyluu]

Ah, sorry for the confusion!

As @bilvyy mentioned, we will work with creators to come up with realistic deadlines within the time frame during contract and schedule negotiations. Once these are set, we would need to consider them fairly "strict," otherwise nothing would get done!

[norajousama]

Heck yeah, this sounds great.
This is the kind of job offers that I want to see. Even though I'm a child and I'm not getting a job nor moving to California any time soon, just seeing posts that offer such jobs is so inspirational. It motivates me to work even harder with my comics!

[maidarb]

if I can't draw but I like to write can I apply?

[gabbyluu]

Sorry, we're mostly looking for artists/comic creators right now! However, if you can team up with an artist to send an original story pitch together, we may consider it.

[starbeams]

I asked it a little higher up, but I didn't get an answer so I'll try again - can we submit something that is potentially many seasons?

[Carol_Days]

Story pitch with synopsis (in 2-3 paragraphs)

I'm sorry if I'm being dumb. But do you want the story pitch and synopsis to be each 2-3 paragraphs, or do you want EVERYTHING to be in all 2-3 paragraphs?

[gabbyluu]

There is no rule on seasons -- You may pitch a longer story, with the understanding that if it is accepted, the program only covers the first season (unless you're really really fast at drawing and can create multiple seasons over the span of several months!)

Once the program is complete, if your comic proves popular, we would revisit the agreement or draft an entirely new one with you for the next season(s).

P.S. sorry for missing your question!

[gabbyluu]

The story pitch should include the synopsis. The entire thing should be 2-3 paragraphs (try to be as succinct as possible!)

[starbeams]

Oh no need to apologize. Thank you so much for answering! That was extremely helpful. Cheers!

[Carol_Days]

Oh, okay! Thank you for responding!

[kimkinkarigma]

Oh boy this sounds A M A Z I N G

But alas

I'm 15.

[kimkinkarigma]

And also....

I have a story/comic idea but I'm not the best artist I can be at the moment....

Can I help write/create a plot for a story/comic instead of actually drawing...?

[bilvyy]

I'm not Tapas staff by any means but this is a specific program which will only apply to and benefit a select amount of creators. Not everybody has to be involved somehow. You should absolutely keep working on your art in your own time and write your own content in the meantime ! and then by the next time this program rolls around you might be better suited to apply and get involved - they might even have positions for independent writers

[isaacfriedman]

I applied, but I actually won't be available until the start of 2018, so I think there's a good to fair chance they won't accept me... not just for that reason, I'm also a bit of an amateur.

[Masterman]

@STAFF

One point of confusion I have: In some places, you mention developing properties in collaboration with Tapas staff, leading to a shared ownership. In another place, you invite creators to submit pitches for new projects. If a creator develops their own property and pitches it successfully, will that creator still be expected to share ownership? Will there be an option for creators who create independently to participate with a property fully owned by them?

[gabbyluu]

Hi Masterman,

We understand that a lot of work goes into making a story pitch into an actual, cohesive story. That's why we're providing the finances and editorial feedback throughout to help you do this, in a team effort, and also why we request shared ownership. We understand that this program may not be right for everyone, but we are not just looking to fund a project. We're looking to work together during the process.

However, if you've already created and completed a property independently (or if you create one in the future), you are free to pitch this story separately to us to sell on Premium.

[Masterman]

Thank you, that's exactly what I was confused about.

[ahkwardkat]

Mobile-Optimized Vertical Format

Your project must fit our preferred format: full-color, mobile friendly (also known as “vertical scroll” or “infinite canvas”), and be long-form narratives. A single season will consist of 20+ episodes, with each episode being roughly 30 panels.

I was interested until this. I understand Tapas is a mobile based site, but since it has a companion desktop version I find this requirement ridiculous.

Thanks but no thanks. Good luck to those who apply.

[GoldenPlume]

I understand Tapas is a mobile based site, but since it has a companion desktop version

Internet desktop users continue to decline, with no sign of that trend changing. Mobile is the future as tablets become faster, better, and less expensive. Tapas has the foresight to see this, which is why its putting far more eggs into its mobile basket than its desktop basket. Creators should not ignore the mobile experience. That said, if you are going to be doing print like us, then you have to choose either the mobile or the print format because doing both can become very resource intensive.

July 2017
Mobile
54.08%
Desktop
41.12%
Tablet
4.8%

[ahkwardkat]

I do print and sell mine. I work 80+ hours a week via two jobs, and do commissions to pay my bills. I have to find time to do my weekly comic pages (and I do have a buffer). However I do not have time to make 2 versions of the comic.

I perfectly understand their reasons, I am not ignorant to the fact that desktop is dying. However it is still upsetting to be excluded from even the CHANCE it could succeed. There are plenty of great series here on Tapas that are print format pages (that I feel deserve to be paid) and it sucks to hear they will be excluded from the program.