We were lucky to catch up with Mark Bernal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mark, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In the process of making my own comic book, I began helping other comic book creators get their work published. During that process, it became apparent that there are very few opportunities for aspiring comic book creators to find a supportive community to help them on their journey. So, as I built my publishing operation, I really focused on making a space where comic book creators feel welcome and where they can grow in their craft.

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.

Lesser Known Comics was founded in November of 2020. It had initially started as Mark Bernal (founder/writer) trying to make a graphic novel. In the process of finding illustrators, he decided that he wanted to work with multiple indie comic book creators and form a company that helps give aspiring comic book creators a place to launch their careers.
In the few years, Lesser Known Comics has worked over 65 illustrators, writers, graphic designers, and other team members. We have created over 50 comic books, and graphic novels to date and are currently working on dozens more books for 2025 and beyond.
This company has given creators a chance to learn, take risks, and grow in their craft all while supporting each other both professionally and as friends. We never expected this group to form such a close bond, especially while remotely working thousands of miles away from each other.
We are especially proud of how we’ve supported each other both in our successes and our setbacks. Lesser Known Comics has a diverse team that fosters a culture of respect and empathy above everything else. They have a rule not to ever encourage each other to place our work ahead of family, friends, or our mental health.
We’re excited to work together on this project and many others in the future all while building our friendships across the wider indie comic book community.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I think “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” was hugely formative for my leadership philosophy. It really helped me realize that the problems I encountered could be solved from the inside out. It also taught me that proactiveness is a bigger factor for success than talent. It’s changed how we’ve approached recruiting and has help us established a foundation for long-term growth.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think one of the things that non-creatives might have a hard time with is operating with so much uncertainty. People cannot predict when inspiration will strike and creative blocks are real. Building a system that doesn’t rely on hard deadlines was key for us. We’ve developed a system where we can flex release dates. We’ve found that, although may hurt the bottom-line in the short-term to allow for this flexibility, it pays long-term dividends when building a sustainable workplace culture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lesserknowncomics.com
• Instagram: @lesserknowncomics
• Facebook: /lesserknowncomics
• Twitter: @lesserkcomics
• Other: Tiktok: @lesserknowncomics

Image Credits

N/A