Brian Wyrick: Henchmen Comics
Background
Henchmen Comics is a comic book series published by Robot Paper, a creative company founded by Brian Wyrick in Indianapolis, Indiana. Brian, a former graphic designer turned entrepreneur, partnered with his high school friend Jamison Raymond to bring Jamison's unique idea for a comic about henchmen to life. While maintaining his day job at an interactive agency, Brian took on the role of editor and publisher for Robot Paper, managing the business side of the comic book venture.
“I think the secret to doing the things I've done really comes down to just doing them. I learned early on that you don't have to do it all and knowing when to ask for help and when to just get it done is important.”
Brian Wyrick
Editor and Publisher, Robot Paper
Problem
As a small creative startup in the competitive comic book industry, Robot Paper faced several challenges. Brian needed to map out the project, secure funding, manage finances, and make strategic decisions about production and sales. He also had to balance his time between his day job and the comic book business, which required careful planning and efficient use of resources. Additionally, Brian needed a way to test the financial viability of his ideas and determine the capital needs for the project.
Solution
Brian turned to LivePlan to map out the Henchmen Comics project and manage its finances. He used the software to create a business plan, which helped him launch a successful Kickstarter campaign. LivePlan's financial tools allowed Brian to jump right into creating financial projections, testing assumptions, and figuring out the capital needs for the project. The software's flexibility enabled him to adjust scenarios and maintain a conservative yet success-oriented approach to business planning.
Outcome
Using LivePlan, Brian successfully launched Henchmen Comics, with the first of a six-issue mini-series hitting stores just two years after the initial planning phase. The project attracted renowned fantasy illustrator Dave Dorman to create the cover for their first issue, adding credibility to the new comic. Brian credits LivePlan with helping him stay focused on the financial realities of the business, enabling him to make informed decisions about production, sales, and future funding needs. The success of Henchmen Comics has led to the publication of a collected edition, and Brian now uses LivePlan to create business plans for fun, testing new ideas for their financial viability. He considers LivePlan an essential tool for entrepreneurs, complementing other software like QuickBooks Online, and recommends it for anyone looking to fund a business or creative project.
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