Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
If you would like to be a guest on the Indie Comic Exchange, please follow this link and fill out the form kurtbrugel.com/indie-comic-book-creator-exchange
Stephen's Instagram instagram.com/nectarcomics
Nectar Comic's Website nectarcomics.com
Purchase Nectar Comics nectarcomics.bigcartel.com
Honorable Mentions:
IC3 / Indie Creator Comic Con indiecomicscreatorcon.com
@IndieComicsCreatorCon
This Indie Creator Exchange episode features educator and first-time comic creator Steve Cullis discussing his journey from teaching to writing Call of the Totem, a native American-themed comic rooted in themes of fatherhood, danger, and spiritual growth. The conversation explores how Cullis, inspired by a student interested in comics, transitioned from screenwriting to graphic storytelling. The podcast highlights the educational power of comics, the value of historical research, and the significance of spirit animals and Native American cultural respect. It also dives into the challenges of indie publishing—from funding and artist collaboration to show promotion and navigating comic conventions. The hosts and guest share their experiences with building community at IC3, using Substack to expand comic worlds, and how indie comics offer freedom and originality missing from mainstream publishers. The discussion ends with a hopeful vision for the future of comics: one where independent voices lead the way.
3 Educational Points Made During the Podcast
1. Mentorship in Comics: Teaching students comic creation can be a two-way learning experience, where educator and student grow together—bridging gaps in writing and artistic development.
2. Cultural Research & Respect: When drawing from indigenous or historical cultures, deep research and humility are essential. Writers should center universal themes (like parenthood) while honoring traditions they don’t own.
3. Collaborative Strategy for Indie Comics: A thoughtful collaboration between writer and artist—choosing experienced partners, issuing test pages, and giving creative freedom—ensures a stronger final product.
If you would like to be a guest on the Indie Comic Exchange, please follow this link and fill out the form kurtbrugel.com/indie-comic-book-creator-exchange
Stephen's Instagram instagram.com/nectarcomics
Nectar Comic's Website nectarcomics.com
Purchase Nectar Comics nectarcomics.bigcartel.com
Honorable Mentions:
IC3 / Indie Creator Comic Con indiecomicscreatorcon.com
@IndieComicsCreatorCon
This Indie Creator Exchange episode features educator and first-time comic creator Steve Cullis discussing his journey from teaching to writing Call of the Totem, a native American-themed comic rooted in themes of fatherhood, danger, and spiritual growth. The conversation explores how Cullis, inspired by a student interested in comics, transitioned from screenwriting to graphic storytelling. The podcast highlights the educational power of comics, the value of historical research, and the significance of spirit animals and Native American cultural respect. It also dives into the challenges of indie publishing—from funding and artist collaboration to show promotion and navigating comic conventions. The hosts and guest share their experiences with building community at IC3, using Substack to expand comic worlds, and how indie comics offer freedom and originality missing from mainstream publishers. The discussion ends with a hopeful vision for the future of comics: one where independent voices lead the way.
3 Educational Points Made During the Podcast
1. Mentorship in Comics: Teaching students comic creation can be a two-way learning experience, where educator and student grow together—bridging gaps in writing and artistic development.
2. Cultural Research & Respect: When drawing from indigenous or historical cultures, deep research and humility are essential. Writers should center universal themes (like parenthood) while honoring traditions they don’t own.
3. Collaborative Strategy for Indie Comics: A thoughtful collaboration between writer and artist—choosing experienced partners, issuing test pages, and giving creative freedom—ensures a stronger final product.
