Comic Coverage

Secret Identity

Some of you may have already noticed the rather large ad in the sidebar for Secret Identity: Geek Gear and Gifts, my Cafepress store. I started it in the summer of 2005, and have really enjoyed creating and marketing designs to fellow comic book and sci-fi fanboys (and fangirls and, surprisingly, fan babies).

Entering the world of Cafepress was a little overwhelming at first, but with the advice and guidance of a coworker, it all started coming together. After a few attempts at some generic designs to appeal to various hobbies, I decided to tackle the hobby I actually participated in and knew something about: comic books. My initial take was to create designs that had a more classic, retro feel to them, using imagery that evoked the more primitive printing techniques of the time, or the more bombastic style of storytelling popular in the comics of my youth.

Later on, I added designs that might appeal to a wider audience (such as the girlfriends, wives and children of my fellow geeks), and have actually been quite surprised to see that women are my largest customer base. Since comic book collecting is so overwhelmingly (and depressingly) male, I assumed my customer base would be as well. Wrong!

That's just one example of the learning process that's characterized my first year selling on Cafepress. It's exciting being part of the new 21st century way of marketing a product, and I'm always looking to learn more about it.

As my readers, and (possibly) customers of Secret Identity, I welcome any feedback and suggestions for what you'd like to see in comics-oriented t-shirts and gifts.

Whether shopping in my store, or reading the blog, I hope you enjoy what you see.

Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Okay. Shameless plug time.

Something that's really become clear to me while I've been running the Secret Identity shop is that the most successful designs are often the most simple designs.

Case in point: The Super Powers design.

I've always been amused by the sheer number of Space Age superheroes (particularly Marvel superheroes) who gained their powers though accidental radiation exposure. In fact, most of Marvel's "freshman class" of characters gained their powers from deadly radiation. The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, the Hulk and (later) Daredevil....along with a host of radiation-charged supervillains. It's the comic fan's recognition of this factor that I think plays the biggest part in the design's success....though the safety sign "stick figures" probably have something to do with it, too. My son had a t-shirt with a similar stick-figure that read "I do my own stunts". It was such a stark, funny design I wanted to see if that sort of thing could apply to comics as well.

Judging from the popularity of the design, I guess it could....which continues to remind me that good designs aren't necessarily gigantic productions with billions of tiny details. In other words, "keep it simple, stupid!"

Don't Be a Robot! (Shameless Plug)

Though I typically don't hype my Secret Identity shop here on Comic Coverage (other than the conspicuous sidebar ad), what's one more sales pitch on National Shopping Frenzy Day (a.k.a. The Day After Thanksgiving)?

Here's the pitch:  Forget the robotic trudge through your local mall.  If you're looking for some fun comic book or sci-fi themed gifts, give Secret Identity a shot.  With over forty designs on a cornucopia of products (clothing, mugs, computer accessories, magnets, stickers, etc.), you're bound to find something for the geek in your life.

So, fight past your post-turkey tryptophanic haze, park your bloated belly in front of your computer, and start shoppin'!

As if you needed any more incentive, here's an e-coupon:

What's YOUR Secret Identity? (shameless plug)

Too tired from that mega-dose of turkey L-tryptophan to go shopping? You want to buy great comic-themed gifts for you and your fellow geeks but the thought of crowded malls and parking lots sends you collapsing into the fetal position? 

Relax...and shop from home by visiting Secret Identity, my Cafepress shop specializing in geek gear and gifts! Yes, it's my annual shameless plug...just in time for the national shopping frenzy of "Black Friday". Featuring over 40 different designs on a blizzard of products, you're bound to find something fun for the comic book or sci-fi fan in your life! Check it out!