If you’ve already broken your resolution for the year, it doesn’t mean you have to give up. It just means you had a misstep. You can start over. You can keep trying. Just show up tomorrow.

Focus on systems, not results. The whole point of implementing a system is that you eventually reach your goal simply by keeping the machine running. You can’t control the tariffs or getting packages over the border, but you can control your system.

I had to ask myself: Am I doing this because I want to be a YouTuber, or so people can actually read the comics I put out there? If that’s the goal, I have to focus on the things that get books into readers' hands.

I have a long-term plan for my historical thriller series: 'Backlot Babylon'. The goal? A long-running saga where the characters age with one year with each release. Book 1 drops Fall 2026. See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-129

We’re solving the US shipping problem. For 2026, we’re moving to US-based fulfillment to speed up delivery and lower costs for backers. No more waiting for boxes to cross the border. See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-129

Mars Westerns, Mafia Thrillers, and Kaiju action. The 2026 slate includes 'Crimson Frontier', 'Prime Cut', and the return of 'Naked Kaiju Woman'. See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-129

SNIP #1 and #2 By @pestocomics.bsky.social, Riccardo Faccini and I! Hitting Kickstarter this month! www.kickstarter.com/projects/pes...

I’m scaling back on conventions in 2026. Less time tabling means more time writing and ensuring these books actually come out on time. The focus is production, not promotion. See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-129

We are running a 23-day Kickstarter campaign cycle this year. Launch, fund, 5-day break, repeat. It’s going to be fast and furious, starting with SNIP #1-2 in January. See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-129

2026 Strategy: We’re doubling down. Double the comics, double the campaigns. We’re moving to a monthly Kickstarter cadence with double-shipped comics to get more stories into your hands faster. See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-129

My goal is to keep finding amazing artists and to make as many cool stories as I possibly can. 2025 was a success thanks to the supporters and artists who helped make great comics! More to come in 2026! See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-128

The theme “All or Nothing” may have been a bit of a misnomer... ...I didn't do most of [what I planned]. I only got a couple series out there, and yet if you asked most reasonable people, that's a huge success. See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-128

I launched six campaigns [in 2025], which was double what I had done the year before... ...it set me up to do even more comics in 2026. I'm building systems to handle this creative business better than ever.

The lesson I take from [From Parts Unknown #3] isn't not to launch so frequently... ...but if you're crowdfunding a series, make sure people can get it in their hands before you're expecting them to support the next issue. See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-128

I have more stories written and planned than I'll ever be able to get out there. 2025 was busy, but 2026 is going to be even bigger for Pesto Comics. See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-128

Naked Kaiju Woman was the first time I felt like this could be a sustainable. We broke records for backers and funding on Kickstarter this year, changing the game for Pesto Comics in 2025. See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-128

When 2025 started, I went with the theme “All or Nothing." Did I live up to that? Kind of. I put everything I could into making our indie comics as real and sustainable as possible. See the whole post at bit.ly/pestostack-128

Experimenting is scary, but necessary. In 2026, I'm leaning into Substack Notes and bespoke video Shorts. Always keep testing new ways to reach your readers.

We’ve grown from half a dozen subscribers to over 3,000. It’s a big deal, and it proves that even in a fractured social media landscape: email is king.

Shorts are great for discovery, but the goal is always to bring people back to the email list. Diversify your platforms, but own your audience.

I’m ending my paid [Substack] subscription experiment. Why? Because the paywall locks everyone out of the comments, and honestly, the comments are half the fun. Community comes first.

Format matters. Audio and video have built stronger relationships [for me] than text alone ever did.

The only thing you own is your mailing list. If a platform shuts down tomorrow, that list is the only connection you can take with you. That's why I prioritize my Substack.

Consistency is key, but frequency isn't everything. Quality and sustainability are what matter most. If you can't do it without burning out, it's not worth doing.

Coming into the last 24 hours to back Big Smoke Pulp V.2 ... and with it, my short story, "A Finger For Frodo." What the hell is THAT all about? Only one way to find out. @pestocomics.bsky.social www.kickstarter.com/projects/pes...

If you want to sell something you've created, having an email list is absolutely pivotal. I'm on every social platform, yet the most engagement I get is through my newsletter.

I don’t think there’s such thing as the “right day” to launch your campaign - nor the “right season”. I do believe that there are harder paths to success though… youtu.be/QGtCnkt9gGE...

It feels too early to call it on this year, but I find myself reflecting on 2025 more often these days. There’s a lot of negativity online and it’s very easy to feel like it’s gone down the tubes, but I’m very happy with how many connections I’ve made with wonderful people from all over the world.

It may seem silly, but I’m really enjoying putting together weekly videos. I’ve been doing audio versions for a really long time, which were always fun, but there’s something about the videos that just make it a little more exciting.

We're doing well on Spotify. Thanks to everyone who listened and watched! Here's to a great 2026!

Been sitting on this one for so long the art and designs are so, so dated but!!! Im committed to making it next year and itll be the greatest saddest gayest thing you will read in 5-7 years 😤♥️

A new episode of the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast is live!: Dream Catcher Surprise | Part 1 of 2 | Anitha Krishnan - Episode 071

My new short story, "A Finger For Frodo," begins with the gift of a severed finger ... and then it gets weird. It's part of Big Smoke Vol. 2, now on Kickstarter. Pledge early, and pledge often! @pestocomics.bsky.social www.kickstarter.com/projects/pes...

Before I even got the chance to spread the word, Big Smoke Pulp Vol. 2 funded! Join the party on Kickstarter today: bit.ly/bspv2

A new episode of the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast is live!: Sound of Thunder, Secret Whisper | Part 2 of 2 | Colton Hensley - Episode 070

Find READERS, not collectors!

Normalize people reading comics!

Make it easy to find - and read - comics!

People reading comics -- IN PUBLIC?!

Manga is EVERYWHERE!

​Comics on a newsstand?!

I'm so used to software and tech going in the direction of getting worse. It's nice to see something offering MORE! I migrated to the Affinity suite a while ago. Glad to see it'll be more accessible to people than ever before.

A new episode of the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast is live!: Sound of Thunder, Secret Whisper | Part 1 of 2 | Colton Hensley - Episode 069

A new episode of the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast is live!: Beautiful Sunset, Coming Dread | Part 2 of 2 | Mark Romeo - Episode 068

A new episode of the Instant Ink Comic Book Podcast is live!: Beautiful Sunset, Coming Dread | Part 1 of 2 | Mark Romeo - Episode 067

Moments after finding out my flight home was cancelled.

Cool stuff coming announced at #NYCC

Magic hour shrimp! 🍤 #caturday

Soon... #NYCC