We were lucky to catch up with Donell Nelson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Donell, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
I am a creative writer so I write often. I started with a simple story that evolved into this superhero origin story. I instantly fell in love with where the story could go and knew I had to figure out a path that allowed me to steer it to its destination. I was guided to the world of comic books and graphic novels through contemplation and casual mentoring. This was a process, for me, that took years. I don’t believe it had to take years but I was initially very intimidated by the process. I was pushed by some strong people to forge ahead and sometimes I believe thats what gets you over the edge. I have had to rely on other peoples strength and belief in what I could do at times because it was so easy for me to talk myself out of moving forward. Where you are from and what you have or have not been exposed to can strengthen you or handicap you. My experience was the latter, but thank God for positive people in your life. After I felt very solid about the story I started by initially getting the three main characters drawn to my specifications. This is an important point because the right collaborators can make or break your vision.
I was pushed by my publicist to rent a booth at Los Angeles Comic-con where my daughter and I sold T-shirts, Hoodies, Keychains, Buttons, Puzzles, and Posters of the characters. The graphic novel is still in development at this point. As far as the merchandise we were selling you have to source manufactures for products and this process can involve going through a few different vendors until you find the right fit. The initial characters and how they were received gave me the confidence to trust myself and complete the designs of other characters that make up the Backpack Comics universe. I had a website that was more of a placeholder than anything initially so my next step was to do a full redesign so the website represented the vision. I believe I have that now. backpackcomics.com Also putting yourself out there can yield some unexpected benefits. I was contacted by a lawyer who focuses on the comic book industry. I started working with him and his consult has already helped me and my business.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
BACKPACK COMICS WAS STARTED TO GIVE A VOICE TO THE CREATIVE MINORITY COMMUNITY. COMICS AND MANGA’S ARE CONSUMED DAILY BY MILLIONS OF MINORITIES BUT THE AMOUNT OF CONTENT AVAILABLE THAT TELLS THEIR STORIES AND THAT REPRESENTS THEM IN THE WORLD ARE MINIMAL. ALSO, TOO MANY COMICS ARE OVERTLY SEXUALIZED AND TOO MATURE FOR THOSE CONSUMING THEM. WE WANT TO CREATE STORIES THAT CAPTURE THE IMAGINATION AND DREAMS OF TWEENS & TEENS WITHOUT COMPROMISING THEIR INNOCENCE. BY SUPPORTING US YOU GIVE COMICS, FOCUSED ON TWEENS AND TEENS, WITH A MORAL BACKBONE A VOICE IN THE MARKET PLACE. NOT BORING JUST NOT ADULT.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn the idea that success in this business and the potential success is not just for other people, certain kinds of people. There is a difference between thinking something is possible and believing something is possible for you. I grew up in an impoverished and depressed city. The opportunities for the majority was minimal and even well intentioned individuals thought it better to prepare you for disappointed rather than inspire you to dream of the impossible. I have fought that battle internally my whole life but only recently allowed myself to believe great things can actually happen in my life. Believing causes actions not dreaming.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Backpack Comics is my pivot. I have worked in entertainment in various capacities for years. I saw some minor success and walked away from some major possibilities. Some were of my own doing and some were because things that I value in this life. I pivoted to Backpack Comics to see my vision for a very personal; story come to life without the corruption of other peoples vision or agendas. It represents me trusting myself and what I am capable of.
Contact Info:
- Website: backpackcomics.com
- Instagram: @backpackcomics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076268796737
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/backpack-comics-706370261/
- Twitter: @backpackcomics
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@backpackcomicsllc/videos
- Other: TIKTOK : @backpackcomics https://www.tiktok.com/@backpackcomics