Taking risks like moving abroad can instill confidence necessary for pursuing entrepreneurial passions like cartooning full-time.
Building a strong personal brand and diversifying revenue streams are essential strategies to thrive amidst competition and evolving technology.
Deep dives
Taking Risks and Embracing Change
Taking the leap into entrepreneurship can be daunting, particularly when transitioning from a stable job to a passion project like cartooning. The decision to move to the Czech Republic at the age of 22 exemplifies the kind of risk-taking that can lay a foundation for future ventures. This experience provided essential confidence for Tom Fishburne when he later decided to leave a secure marketing position to pursue his cartooning career full-time. Such risks remind individuals that while the fear of failure seems permanent, embracing opportunities can lead to transformative and rewarding new paths.
Finding Financial Success in Cartooning
Tom Fishburne's journey into cartooning was initially perceived as a hobby, but quickly transformed into a viable business, highlighted by significant breakthroughs like a commission from the Wall Street Journal. This shift in perspective came with the realization that pricing should reflect the value offered to clients rather than being constrained by industry standards. Despite experiencing feelings of imposter syndrome, Tom's ability to identify the worth of his work allowed him to build a robust business model. This includes diversifying revenue streams through brand deals, consulting, and licensing, ultimately leading to revenues that have exceeded his prior salary.
Navigating Competition and Staying True to the Vision
In a landscape filled with competitors and evolving technology, Tom Fishburne emphasizes the importance of building a strong personal brand to differentiate himself from others in his field. He cultivates a unique perspective by integrating lessons from business school and a marketing background into his cartoon work, which sets him apart from other cartoonists. With the rise of AI and other content creators, Tom sees opportunity in leveraging humor to navigate societal changes rather than viewing it as a threat. By staying true to his vision and allowing his individuality to shine through, he continues to find relevance and growth in his ventures.
Tom Fishburne is the founder of Marketoonist, a bootstrapped marketing cartoon business he started in 2010. He started drawing and sharing cartoons in 2002, and it took him 8 years to make the leap, despite having a successful career in marketing. 15 years later, Tom is still going strong, with the business making money from cartoon licensing, speaking gigs, brand deals, his book and more.
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