Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lucas Scheffel, Founder of Angry Fred Comics, located in Brisbane, QLD, AU.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Angry Fred Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher dedicated to creating high-end action-driven stories. Our comic books suit various audiences, including the young at heart, kids, and adults.
Tell us about yourself
My business started as an ode to my late father, Fred. My background started in filmmaking, and my Dad was always there, supporting me in my creative endeavors. The name of my business and the first character to appear in my first comic book was Angry Fred, a character based on a reoccurring role my Dad played in many of my films.
It was this therapy-like moment that turned my passion into a business. I'm a dad to one kid and a family, and telling stories is my biggest passion.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Selling over 300 copies of my books was a highlight!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I'm a one-person show where I contract artists and creatives to help bring my comic book visions to life. It can be difficult to communicate my ideas and concepts to other creatives because not everyone will understand what you are attempting to create. I like finding the right people to work with the same sensibilities and who don't shy away from paying attention to detail.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Stay scrappy. I don't recommend cutting corners, but if you can pull together tasks and find processes, you can easily do yourself without hiring a large team and paying an initial outlay in the beginning, then embrace it. You'd be surprised how quickly you can move and accomplish tasks when you tackle things swiftly and outside the box.
- Learn from other people's mistakes. Failing is a part of life, including your business. The internet, books, and other business owners in your space will have a plethora of insightful advice for you to lean into and learn from. So don't be afraid, be honest, and ask your colleagues questions we can all find value in one another's journeys.
- Start now. Don't dwell on the what-ifs. Launching a product or idea only when you think it's perfect could take you a lifetime. Instead, get it out to an audience and see how they respond; if there's room for improvement, you can always pivot and move in a direction that better suits your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.angryfredcomics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryfredcomics
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angryfredcomics/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LucasScheffilm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasscheffel/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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