Ever wondered if your creative passion can actually pay the bills—without leading to total burnout?

In this episode, host Joel Rodriguez is joined by master illustrator and creator Eranga Devasurendra (Metal Ninja Studios) to demystify the business side of art. While many creatives shy away from the "F-word" (Finance), Eranga breaks down a powerful framework borrowed from the manufacturing industry: The 4 Levers of Profit.

Whether you are a comic book artist, a writer, or a freelance letterer, understanding these four variables is the key to building a sustainable, long-term career.

• The Volume Lever: Why starting with high volume and low prices is a necessary (but temporary) stepping stone.

• The Price Lever: How to overcome the fear of raising your rates once you’ve built your "reputation bedrock."

• The Mix Lever: Strategies for diversifying your product offerings—from $25 sketch cards to $15,000 Concept to Comic™ packages.

• The Cost Lever: Practical ways to cut overhead, including bulk material buying and shipping hacks.

• The "Exposure" Trap: Why you should refuse "exposure bucks" and focus on partnerships instead.

"Volume is not a sustainable strategy for hand-drawn art. Eventually, you have to pull the price lever so you can make more money in the same amount of time—and actually have a balanced life." — Eranga Devasurendra

• Instagram: @eranga.d.art

Ready to level up your comic career? Join the Concept to Comic Academy for exclusive Q&As, mentorship, and full masterclass archives. 👉 [Join the Academy here]

Subscribe and follow for weekly insights into the business behind the panels.

In this episode of the Capital of Comics podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with my good friend Danny Martinez, the owner of Flashpoint Comics and Games. We delved into his journey from working at a comic book store to running his own, including the challenges of COVID-19 and balancing fatherhood. Danny shared his unique perspective on the importance of community in brick-and-mortar stores versus online retail, and how his love for the Flash inspired the name of his store.

👉 Join the Concept to Comic™ Academy for a video version of this episode, plus extended conversations, live Masterclasses, and direct access to industry professionals: Metalninjastudios.com/academy

Follow Flashpoint Comics and Games:

• Website: https://www.flashpointcomicsandgames.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashpointcomicsandgames

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Steve Colle, owner of Editor’s Eye View and THE Comics, for a deep dive into the often misunderstood world of comic book editing.

Joel and Steve break down the different types of editors across the industry, what each role actually does, and why strong editorial support can elevate a creator’s work far beyond the page. They also explore the growing need for accessible education in creative fields and how expanding editorial training can strengthen the entire ecosystem of comics, from indie creators to established publishers.

This episode is an insightful look at the craft behind the craft and the value of teaching creators the skills that help stories reach their full potential.

👉 Join the Concept to Comic™ Academy for a video version of this episode, plus extended conversations, live Masterclasses, and direct access to industry professionals: Metalninjastudios.com/academy

Join the Comic Book Editor's Alliance:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/comicbookeditorsalliance

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Michael Zapcic, Manager of Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash, for an inside look at how passion for a fandom can bring people together.

They dive into the history of Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, the behind-the-scenes experience of Comic Book Men, and the unexpected ways a love for comics can open doors, build communities, and connect people who might never have crossed paths otherwise. Joel and Michael reflect on how their own journeys were influenced by the medium, the culture, and the simple joy of geeking out over the stories they grew up with.

This episode is part nostalgia, part industry insight, and a celebration of how fandom can bring people together in ways no one could predict.

👉 Join the Concept to Comic™ Academy for a video version of this episode, plus extended conversations, live Masterclasses, and direct access to industry professionals: Metalninjastudios.com/academy

Connect with Michael Zapcic and Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash:

• Website (Secret Stash): https://www.thesecretstashonline.com/

• Instagram (Secret Stash): https://www.instagram.com/jayandsilentbobstash/

• Instagram (Michael): https://www.instagram.com/michaelzapcic/

In this special solo Christmas episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez reflects on seven years of building Metal Ninja Studios and the lessons learned along the way.

From creative breakthroughs to hard-earned business realities, Joel shares how his understanding of creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth has evolved. He talks candidly about adaptation, resilience, and why long-term thinking matters more than chasing quick wins, especially in the creative industries, which are constantly changing.

This episode is part reflection, part recalibration, and an honest look at what it takes to grow as both a creator and a business owner while staying aligned with your core values.

👉 Join the Concept to Comic™ Academy for a video version of this episode, plus extended conversations, live Masterclasses, and direct access to industry professionals: Metalninjastudios.com/academy

Connect with Joel Rodriguez and Metal Ninja Studios:

• Website (MNS): https://metalninjastudios.com/

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/metalninjastudios

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/metalninjastudios

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by James Lamb, owner of Hive Comics, for an inside look at the evolving world of online comic retail.

They break down how online retailers have changed the way comics are discovered and sold, what creators often misunderstand about working with retailers, and how strong relationships are built on trust, professionalism, and mutual value. James also shares practical advice for aspiring creators looking to land their first exclusive cover, including what retailers actually look for and how to avoid common missteps.

This conversation offers a valuable perspective for creators who want to better understand the retail side of the industry and position themselves for long-term success beyond just making the book.

👉 Join the Concept to Comic™ Academy for a video version of this episode, plus extended conversations, live Masterclasses, and direct access to industry professionals: Metalninjastudios.com/academy

Connect with James Lamb and Hive Comics:

• Website (Hive Comics): https://hive-comics.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hivecomics

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiveComics/

• Email: hivecomicsonline@gmail.com

• Ebay Live: https://www.ebay.com/ebaylive/sellers/_d959zkxtis

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Mark Florio, Director of Instructional Design of Metal Ninja Studios, for a deep dive on building an educational resource for comic creators and creative entrepreneurs.

Together, they unpack why skill-building and continued education are no longer optional for creators who want longevity. Mark and Joel walk through the real-world thinking behind the creation of the Concept to Comic™ Academy, from identifying gaps in traditional comic education to designing a system that prioritizes clarity, practical application, and long-term growth. They also share their broader vision for how comic book education needs to evolve to better serve modern creators and creative entrepreneurs.

👉 Join the Concept to Comic™ Academy for a video version of this episode, plus extended conversations, live Masterclasses, and direct access to industry professionals: Metalninjastudios.com/academy

Connect with Mark Florio and Metal Ninja Studios:

• Website (MNS): https://metalninjastudios.com

• X (Mark):https://x.com/markflorio178

• Instagram (Mark): https://www.instagram.com/floriomark

• Facebook (Mark): https://www.facebook.com/mark.florio/

• Whatnot (Mark): https://www.whatnot.com/user/flomark71

In this episode of Capital of Comics, Joel Rodriguez is joined by Dillon Mysliwiec, CTO of SeerNova Comics, and Brandon Bloxdorf, Brand and Community Director for Comix Wellspring, as they discuss Navigating Partnerships.

Together, they discuss the 2025 SNCC Virtual Expo, which brought them together as organizers. Joel, Dillon, and Brandon dive into how to find valuable partnerships, deliver value within them, and avoid the most common pitfalls for creatives and entrepreneurs.

👉 Join the Concept to Comic™ Academy for a video version of this episode, plus extended conversations, live Masterclasses, and direct access to industry professionals: Metalninjastudios.com/academy