Hello my minions!
I want to let you know I am holding a few events:
1.
Yeah!! I hit 70 fans on Manga Magazine and 60 on Smackjeeves today! I'm
still waiting for 100 so that I can draw you fun art! These will be
separate so 2 people have an opportunity to receive free art.
Also:
I
would like to encourage everyone to SHARE the links provided. Every share and every fan, especially on
Smackjeeves, allows me one step closer to being the success I wish to
be, but I can't do it without your help. If you have any social media
outlets, please use them. I will do my very best to reward you all for
the effort in a great story and great and evolving art as well as bigger
and better events and goodies revolving around 'Descendant'. Also,
don't be shy! Feel free to drop a line every once in a while and I'll do
MY very best to keep you all updated as well.
Descendant on Smackjeeves
2. Title page art:
I am accepting title page submissions to attach to my chapters as the
story progresses (on Descendant). The best of the best will be featured
in the official printed books, those who do not make it into the books
will be featured on my official 'Descendant' website as fanart and,
eventually, be compiled into a fanart book that will be the goal for a
future contest as well as printed books! :3
To view current fanart and contest entries:
Un-Chaptered Work and Fanart
Submissions must be
8x11 or 10x14 at 300 DPI. They must be of the characters in my comic
and be done to the best of your abilities. All fanart will be featured on Smackjeeves.
------------
I am
letting you all know that I start printing in October and since some of
these companies have page minimums, that will mean I want to fill the
blank pages with art from not just me but also from you! How cool would
it be to see YOUR art in a book?
Also, as an added
incentive, I will be offering space after my chapters for a preview of
any titles that you may want to see in print someday as an
advertisement! That's right, I am offering to feature your webcomic in
my book to expose you to my audience as well as anyone else who picks
up the book! More details coming soon!
3. I will be
resurrecting my drawing classes every Sunday at 5pm EST (or, depending
on how many want to participate). These classes will go over story
design, character design and general illustration. I will be running
polls on my deviantart account and asking here what you all would like
to go over. This will continue based on PARTICIPATION. Meaning, if
nobody shows up, I will not be doing this anymore. I don't like to
offer to help people and have nobody take advantage of it.
Anyway, I hope you all participate! Once money and time become more available, I'll be doing a lot more.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Faux Business Plan
Journey of a Comic Artist
Earlier this year, I created a fake business plan but based it on real life dreams of mine. I know some of the information is dated but I couldn't find some fresh material to use. My Marketing figures are definitely off. Also, my instructor didn't require a Financial section...which I thought odd but I added at least a mention of where I hope to generate capital.
I'm show you now so maybe someone out there has ideas on how to improve this.
Also, forgive all the grammar and spelling errors. I didn't have time to edit it before I had to be in class.
\( ﾟヮﾟ)/
~DJ
Earlier this year, I created a fake business plan but based it on real life dreams of mine. I know some of the information is dated but I couldn't find some fresh material to use. My Marketing figures are definitely off. Also, my instructor didn't require a Financial section...which I thought odd but I added at least a mention of where I hope to generate capital.
I'm show you now so maybe someone out there has ideas on how to improve this.
Also, forgive all the grammar and spelling errors. I didn't have time to edit it before I had to be in class.
\( ﾟヮﾟ)/
~DJ
Monday, July 1, 2013
Descendant Chapter 4: The road to color
Well, I was supposed to post a new page for Chapter 4 today and I'm behind...mostly because I wanted to start coloring and when I got through the first panel, I thought it looked really bad:
My other thinking was: This story is set in the old west. ORIGINALLY I wanted to have a color overlay on top of tones or gray tones to give the comic an old movie feel. Like one of those old black and white westerns back in the early days but, even then, I couldn't settle on the right feel.
For the first 3 chapters, I compromised with just tones and trying to make up for the lack of "oomph" through the story but there are things coming up IN the story; silent pages, lots of spells and rituals, the will require the very best of my current art skills.
I want this to look awesome on screen and, eventually, on paper. I think I'll revert back to my original idea: doing the old movie thing, but then there is the problem with night scenes.
Since I consider myself a creator who is unafraid of elevating people of color into roles of authority, AND since a lot of this project takes place at night, how do I make my characters stand out against the background, especially characters like Laini and Ohanzee. Laini, pictured above, specifically who is an Egyptian goddess (may as well be. I love her!!) <3 p="">
Anyway, dark skin+night scene= Can't see them! D': This must be corrected. I tried using Gradients to fix this via toning but I thought the fact that it was night was being lost on people. I need this to translate. How do you handle this? I want them to be in the story like they're supposed to.
So, dearest Internet, I am begging, PLEADING even, for your help. I've been looking around and asking for a very long time now and nobody seems to have any answers. I need YOU, Internet. I need you!
 |
| Light is a bitch. |
For the first 3 chapters, I compromised with just tones and trying to make up for the lack of "oomph" through the story but there are things coming up IN the story; silent pages, lots of spells and rituals, the will require the very best of my current art skills.
I want this to look awesome on screen and, eventually, on paper. I think I'll revert back to my original idea: doing the old movie thing, but then there is the problem with night scenes.
Since I consider myself a creator who is unafraid of elevating people of color into roles of authority, AND since a lot of this project takes place at night, how do I make my characters stand out against the background, especially characters like Laini and Ohanzee. Laini, pictured above, specifically who is an Egyptian goddess (may as well be. I love her!!) <3 p="">
Anyway, dark skin+night scene= Can't see them! D': This must be corrected. I tried using Gradients to fix this via toning but I thought the fact that it was night was being lost on people. I need this to translate. How do you handle this? I want them to be in the story like they're supposed to.
So, dearest Internet, I am begging, PLEADING even, for your help. I've been looking around and asking for a very long time now and nobody seems to have any answers. I need YOU, Internet. I need you!
 | ||
| And if begging doesn't work, maybe this cute picture of baby Bender, maybe? |
 |
| ~DJ |
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
So. You want to own your own business.
This article is a hypothetical. But maybe not. Maybe this can happen, yes?
Anyway, it was for a school assignment.
---------------------------
And you came to me? Seriously!?
It's all good.
If I were to give serious advice about owning and operating your own business, it would be this: WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN!
It's hard, it's arduous, it can crush all hopes and dreams with the cold hard facts of doom! But it's supposed to. It's supposed to take the mystery out of your business approach.
Your business plan is there to serve as a window into reality. Once you have the facts; once you have the rulebook for your business and industry, then you can get creative.
This also doesn't mean you can't be working on your product or service in the meantime. For example: I finished the First and Second chapters of 'Descendant' while writing my business plan. It was through this process that I realized the only way I could reach my audience was through smart Marketing and knowing how and where to talk to them.
Marketing and skill. These are what I needed to have in order to draw in my audience.
So, you can then start to set priorities with your business. For instance: I did my financials last because I wasn't going to be asking for money because I knew I wouldn't be able to pay it back within a decent amount of time. I wanted to, first, prove that my product could at least break even so when my investors did help me with capital, I was able to attend more functions, put more effort into advertising and marketing and turn a business that was just breaking even into a business that became a profitable share in the comic book industry. And, when you turn a profit and can show you're doing it, you become more attractive to investors, your audience and anyone else who may draw inspiration from you.
The business plan is, by far, the most important thing you can do for yourself as a small business owner. If you have an existing business, you could do this as well. You can then easily see if your practices are making you the most profit it can or if you're missing something.
Anyway, it was for a school assignment.
---------------------------
And you came to me? Seriously!?
It's all good.
If I were to give serious advice about owning and operating your own business, it would be this: WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN!
It's hard, it's arduous, it can crush all hopes and dreams with the cold hard facts of doom! But it's supposed to. It's supposed to take the mystery out of your business approach.
Your business plan is there to serve as a window into reality. Once you have the facts; once you have the rulebook for your business and industry, then you can get creative.
- Creative with your image.
- Creative with your product or service.
- Creative with your market reach.
This also doesn't mean you can't be working on your product or service in the meantime. For example: I finished the First and Second chapters of 'Descendant' while writing my business plan. It was through this process that I realized the only way I could reach my audience was through smart Marketing and knowing how and where to talk to them.
Marketing and skill. These are what I needed to have in order to draw in my audience.
So, you can then start to set priorities with your business. For instance: I did my financials last because I wasn't going to be asking for money because I knew I wouldn't be able to pay it back within a decent amount of time. I wanted to, first, prove that my product could at least break even so when my investors did help me with capital, I was able to attend more functions, put more effort into advertising and marketing and turn a business that was just breaking even into a business that became a profitable share in the comic book industry. And, when you turn a profit and can show you're doing it, you become more attractive to investors, your audience and anyone else who may draw inspiration from you.
The business plan is, by far, the most important thing you can do for yourself as a small business owner. If you have an existing business, you could do this as well. You can then easily see if your practices are making you the most profit it can or if you're missing something.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Marketing 6th Street
When I landed in Pittsburgh three years ago, and by landed I mean pulled in and by pulled in I mean, I took the very last of the old Greyhound buses, I was immediately taken aback by the sudden, expansive view of the city. I remember very clearly the mountain in front of my face, going down a dark tunnel, talking with a fellow passenger about their disdain for the Pirates and then being simply awe-struck at the sunlit opening; shining down upon the point and lighting up the river and what I later learned to be PPG Place and the Highmark buildings.
This place has a charm.
Since I've been here, my work environment has been confined to 6th street in downtown, otherwise known as the "Cultural District" and down the street from PNC Park. I have worked for three employers on that street and have had to handle a wide customer base during that time. These three employers are small business owners, each with a restaurant, specializing in a specific cuisine but it should be noted that there is two of a kind on 6th street.
Two Greek places: Christos which boasts a more upscale vibe and Salonika's Gyros, an Americanized bar and grille which boasts more business due to their prices and manner of service.
Two Indian places: India Palace, the bigger of the two, is able to house a larger customer base at one-time and has a more friendly, colorful vibe and Indian Spices, a much smaller place in desperate need of decor. Both with a buffet, both with the same food, both who serve the same customers.
Two "swanky" bars: Well, now it's one, but I'll mention it anyway. Oliver Twist, cool name, friendly staff, live bands on the weekend and an upscale bar if one is tired of the hotel bars and Melange, a once was swanky bar with complicated, very expensive food, drinks but was bigger and could serve more people. Melange was also able to open their windows which is a favorite feature of this otherwise beautiful location.
Two American-Italian places: Giovanni's, the one that's been around longest and boasts a loyal clientele, their people are usually nice and they have a high volume joint with a decent sized menu and then there's Milano's across the street. Bar upstairs, more places to sit and dine in. Both places deliver and they're always on the move.
Two American dive bars: Red Beards bar and grille is new on 6th street but they have a location in Mount Washington one block away from Grandview overlooking the city. The downtown location has a nice bar, a few tables to sit outside and they make a great sandwich. DoubleDay's is a smaller dive where people pack in for the buffalo shrimp and beer. Not to mention some awesome burgers!
Surrounding Neighborhood:
Sixth and Penn: This is an upscale bar and eatery with tiny portions and high prices, marketing towards a more high paying customer. They have a charming little bar inside the eatery as well as a place to sit in front of their gas/wood-fired ovens in the back where some of the nicest chefs can chat with the customers if they so wished. They also have seating on the roof when the weather permits.
Bravo Franco: An upscale Italian eatery with wine service and a bar. From what I've seen, it's a much quieter dining experience for the well-to-do customer. People tend to go in just before the shows. Reservations recommended.
Meat and Potatoes: Exactly as the name suggests, a gastropub with an island bar, smoker in the alley where they harass people with the amazing smell of hickory smocked meats and a nice place to sit outside. This would also be accurately described as a sort of but not really barbeque place for people with money. The food is risky but enjoyed. They also serve brunch which is a huge hit with the people working in the surrounding office buildings.
Alihan's Mediterranean Cuisine: The man who owns Giovanni's is opening a sit-down restaurant across the street. He's not open yet, but we can already tell from the renovations that he is planning on marketing to a very upscale customer base.
Starbucks: This is a small Starbucks so don't be fooled. They serve all the classics and is the only place open before 10pm on this block.
Vocelli's: A pizza-by-the slice place that mainly delivers. They have no substantial seating.
Subway: A national fast-food chain that sells subs and salads.
Fu Lai: The only stand-alone Chinese place for several blocks in the opposite direction with the exception of Wok and Grill, located in 5th avenue place.
Fifth Avenue Place: There is a food court on the second floor with, basically, mall food with the exception of Au Bon Pan and Cafe Amante. Au Bon Pan and Fifth Avenue Beanery are the only places open at 6am serving breakfast items. Fifth Avenue Place has a "bridge" that connects it to the Highmark building.
Charley's Grilled subs: Exactly as the name suggests plus cheese fries.
Flamers: This is a joint venture that has an Americanized Mexican menu complete with edible taco salads and on the other side, they serve American food: Burgers, wings, etc.
Fresh Corner: Paninis, salads, wraps and any combination thereof.
Sbarro: Fast Italian food. Pizza, pasta, giant calzones
Wok and Grill: A Half-Chinese Half-Japanese eatery.
The Cabaret: A late night entertainment venue and bar where people can enjoy a drink and a show located in Theater Square.
That's a lot, and that's just one block.
And this is the block I will be concentrating on.
As someone who has worked in this area for the passed three years, I have noticed and heard customers voicing their frustrations about this particular block. I have divided these customers, along with their concerns, into a few categories:
The office crowd: These people have voiced concern over lack of variety and the absence of better breakfast places. Many of them get up at 5am and are in downtown, ready to work by at least 7am and they want breakfast. I've asked them if Au Bon Pan and Starbucks was enough and they all give me a resounding "No!".
East Indian Office crowd: Many of these people also want breakfast, but they want something specifically Indian. I have suggested to the owner of India Palace to, perhaps, do a very small breakfast menu but he says there's not enough of a clientele to open earlier in the day.
The Theater Crowd: These people want more variety. Everyone sees the lack of "something else" on and around the 6th street block and I agree with them. Many of these people are loyal clients of the venues already present, but, even they want to add some variety to their outings.
The "Fast" Theater crowd: These people not only want variety but they need speed. These are the people who may have been looking for parking or may have only 15 minutes before a show starts. I also notice that, despite them wanting fast, they also want to sit down for a few minutes while they eat. These people generally go to Salonika's as they can get something simple very quickly, or, they will go to Milano's for a slice of pizza.
The Bar Crowd: Since Oliver Twist, DoubleDay's, and Red Beard's stay open until at least 2am, you can bet there are people stumbling out of those bars hungry and still wanting to stay awake. If anyone has the patience to take on this crowd, It would be a great niche! Even if it's just take-out orders.
The Dessert Crowd: After customers see a show at one of the local theaters, they want to sit down and enjoy coffee, desert and to wind down. To discuss what they saw and to catch up with friends. Something simple with a nice, calming atmosphere.
The Game Crowd: These people are marching along 6th to and from a game, either at Heinz Field or PNC Park. Sometimes, they're even coming out of Concerts held at Stage AE or at Heinz Field. They generally want simpler food so Pizza, Gyros, burgers go well with this crowd. They're also with their kids; a lot of places around this area don't have a kids menu. they generally make compromises with their menus.
The Lunch Crowd: They love a good sit-down place. India Palace, Indian Spices, Milano's, Salonika's and now Red Beard's do very well with this crowd. They have still expressed frustration with the lack of variety on the street.
The Budget Crowd: If there is one thing 6th street is, it is diverse. Just because it's in the Cultural District, doesn't mean that people of the lower-income brackets don't come to partake of this street's cuisine. Offering healthier, tastier options at competitive prices could and would certainly go over well with this crowd. Especially any who may be out with their children.
Filling the gaps:
Breakfast: Breakfast is the number one gap that I can't stress enough. There are other options the farther into Market Square one gets, but not much. McDonalds, Wendy's, Dunkin Donuts, Another Starbucks, Einstein's Bagels and a Crazy Mocha. As you can see, we are missing: a simple diner with pancakes, waffles and fresh coffee. We are missing smoothy bars, fresh fruits, oats and vegan friendly cuisine. We are missing fusion that has the ability to offer a variety of breads to the East Indian customers that travel here all the time.
Possible solution? A small fusion place that is open for breakfast and lunch that serves fresh fruity chutneys, fresh paratha, eggs, bacon, and maybe run a special for vegans and meat-eaters alike. A breakfast place on its own would be a wonderful addition to this little sliver of Downtown.
Asian: Where does one go in Downtown for fresh fish and amazing Asian food? Why, they'd have to walk all the way McCormick and Schmicks or the Westin. If they wanted Japanese food, they'd have to go to Station Square on the other side of the city! A sushi bar on or close to 6th street would be a welcome and celebrated addition to the neighborhood. If there is one thing that Pittsburgh is lacking in, it's Asian food!
Possible Solution? A place that specialized in just sushi, and nothing else, would be amazing. Also, a gap exists for another type of Asian food. Authentic Korean Barbecue closer to Downtown would be a welcome change of pace.
Mexican: Who doesn't like tacos? And fresh tacos with homemade salsas and tortillas? Yum! Not only would a Mexican place be a welcome addition, it can also add to the street food scene. A Mexican place could and would offer cuisine to every customer type, be a fun and vibrant place and would add much needed color and culture to the Cultural district.
Possible Solution? A Mexican place that offered breakfast, lunch and dinner of the finest, (yet affordable) south of the border cuisine would be exactly what the Cultural district needs! And if you're feeling fun and festive, a Mariachi Band for Cinco De Mayo would be an awesome opportunity to drive in curious customers from all walks of life! 6th street screams "$3.00 Tacos" to anyone going to the games!
Pierogies: If there is one thing that Pittsburgh loves, it's pierogies. Imagine a venue that handmade fresh, made to order Pierogies right in the middle of the Cultural district? You'd be tempting people from across the city with the very mention of your name! I singled this out as a specialty because it doesn't make sense that the places around 6th don't do more of this. Pierogies exist on the menus of several places, but not as THE thing they specialize in. These are fast, easy, popular, and a savvy business professional wouldn't have a problem working in a small venue to push such a grand product. The words you want to hear are "Just like Grandma used to make!"
Buffalo Wings: I, personally, adore buffalo wings and I'm sad that there are not more places around Pittsburgh that specialize in buffalo wings. There is Quaker Steak and Lube in Oakland...that's it. There's not even a Wing Stop in this city! What travesty! Wings are fast, fun and cater to the Bar Crowd, low budget crowd and the Sports crowd!
Vegan: Vegan and Gluten free places are few and far between but business owners help them; but there is no place that can be safely called truly Vegan except for, perhaps, Sree's. A small Indian place that is located on Liberty Avenue. But what if you're Vegan and don't want Indian today? What if you want a nice sandwich? Or hand-tossed salads with your favorite veggies and trimmings? This crowd, however, is very small.
Barbecue: I don't think I would call Meat and Potatoes Barbecue, so having said that, there is no, actual barbecue around the Cultural District. I believe there was at one point, but not since I've been there. Barbecue would be awesome and a tempting treat for all the carnivores in the city, especially if that Barbecue were made with homemade sauce, trimmings and a Texan who knows their meat! (Ha! I'm kidding Pittsburgh...sort of.)
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
One thing I will mention is that the businesses around 6th street lack a certain creativity and spark. While the people can be pleasant, the Cultural District is named this for a reason. Culture. Bringing more and different culture to this street would be a welcome change of pace no matter what. Adding variety and by being different will, by its very nature, bring you customers. Sheer curiosity can be your initial marketing tool, but then, quality, price and word of mouth will grow your business further into flourishing. Homemade is this cities thing and the good people of Pittsburgh expect and deserve no less. If you give them that, you will get bountiful returns!
So come to Pittsburgh, why not?
- Beverly Wagner
AKA Djwaglmuffin (the Comicker!)
This place has a charm.
Since I've been here, my work environment has been confined to 6th street in downtown, otherwise known as the "Cultural District" and down the street from PNC Park. I have worked for three employers on that street and have had to handle a wide customer base during that time. These three employers are small business owners, each with a restaurant, specializing in a specific cuisine but it should be noted that there is two of a kind on 6th street.
Two Greek places: Christos which boasts a more upscale vibe and Salonika's Gyros, an Americanized bar and grille which boasts more business due to their prices and manner of service.
Two Indian places: India Palace, the bigger of the two, is able to house a larger customer base at one-time and has a more friendly, colorful vibe and Indian Spices, a much smaller place in desperate need of decor. Both with a buffet, both with the same food, both who serve the same customers.
Two "swanky" bars: Well, now it's one, but I'll mention it anyway. Oliver Twist, cool name, friendly staff, live bands on the weekend and an upscale bar if one is tired of the hotel bars and Melange, a once was swanky bar with complicated, very expensive food, drinks but was bigger and could serve more people. Melange was also able to open their windows which is a favorite feature of this otherwise beautiful location.
Two American-Italian places: Giovanni's, the one that's been around longest and boasts a loyal clientele, their people are usually nice and they have a high volume joint with a decent sized menu and then there's Milano's across the street. Bar upstairs, more places to sit and dine in. Both places deliver and they're always on the move.
Two American dive bars: Red Beards bar and grille is new on 6th street but they have a location in Mount Washington one block away from Grandview overlooking the city. The downtown location has a nice bar, a few tables to sit outside and they make a great sandwich. DoubleDay's is a smaller dive where people pack in for the buffalo shrimp and beer. Not to mention some awesome burgers!
Surrounding Neighborhood:
Sixth and Penn: This is an upscale bar and eatery with tiny portions and high prices, marketing towards a more high paying customer. They have a charming little bar inside the eatery as well as a place to sit in front of their gas/wood-fired ovens in the back where some of the nicest chefs can chat with the customers if they so wished. They also have seating on the roof when the weather permits.
Bravo Franco: An upscale Italian eatery with wine service and a bar. From what I've seen, it's a much quieter dining experience for the well-to-do customer. People tend to go in just before the shows. Reservations recommended.
Meat and Potatoes: Exactly as the name suggests, a gastropub with an island bar, smoker in the alley where they harass people with the amazing smell of hickory smocked meats and a nice place to sit outside. This would also be accurately described as a sort of but not really barbeque place for people with money. The food is risky but enjoyed. They also serve brunch which is a huge hit with the people working in the surrounding office buildings.
Alihan's Mediterranean Cuisine: The man who owns Giovanni's is opening a sit-down restaurant across the street. He's not open yet, but we can already tell from the renovations that he is planning on marketing to a very upscale customer base.
Starbucks: This is a small Starbucks so don't be fooled. They serve all the classics and is the only place open before 10pm on this block.
Vocelli's: A pizza-by-the slice place that mainly delivers. They have no substantial seating.
Subway: A national fast-food chain that sells subs and salads.
Fu Lai: The only stand-alone Chinese place for several blocks in the opposite direction with the exception of Wok and Grill, located in 5th avenue place.
Fifth Avenue Place: There is a food court on the second floor with, basically, mall food with the exception of Au Bon Pan and Cafe Amante. Au Bon Pan and Fifth Avenue Beanery are the only places open at 6am serving breakfast items. Fifth Avenue Place has a "bridge" that connects it to the Highmark building.
Charley's Grilled subs: Exactly as the name suggests plus cheese fries.
Flamers: This is a joint venture that has an Americanized Mexican menu complete with edible taco salads and on the other side, they serve American food: Burgers, wings, etc.
Fresh Corner: Paninis, salads, wraps and any combination thereof.
Sbarro: Fast Italian food. Pizza, pasta, giant calzones
Wok and Grill: A Half-Chinese Half-Japanese eatery.
The Cabaret: A late night entertainment venue and bar where people can enjoy a drink and a show located in Theater Square.
That's a lot, and that's just one block.
And this is the block I will be concentrating on.
As someone who has worked in this area for the passed three years, I have noticed and heard customers voicing their frustrations about this particular block. I have divided these customers, along with their concerns, into a few categories:
The office crowd: These people have voiced concern over lack of variety and the absence of better breakfast places. Many of them get up at 5am and are in downtown, ready to work by at least 7am and they want breakfast. I've asked them if Au Bon Pan and Starbucks was enough and they all give me a resounding "No!".
East Indian Office crowd: Many of these people also want breakfast, but they want something specifically Indian. I have suggested to the owner of India Palace to, perhaps, do a very small breakfast menu but he says there's not enough of a clientele to open earlier in the day.
The Theater Crowd: These people want more variety. Everyone sees the lack of "something else" on and around the 6th street block and I agree with them. Many of these people are loyal clients of the venues already present, but, even they want to add some variety to their outings.
The "Fast" Theater crowd: These people not only want variety but they need speed. These are the people who may have been looking for parking or may have only 15 minutes before a show starts. I also notice that, despite them wanting fast, they also want to sit down for a few minutes while they eat. These people generally go to Salonika's as they can get something simple very quickly, or, they will go to Milano's for a slice of pizza.
The Bar Crowd: Since Oliver Twist, DoubleDay's, and Red Beard's stay open until at least 2am, you can bet there are people stumbling out of those bars hungry and still wanting to stay awake. If anyone has the patience to take on this crowd, It would be a great niche! Even if it's just take-out orders.
The Dessert Crowd: After customers see a show at one of the local theaters, they want to sit down and enjoy coffee, desert and to wind down. To discuss what they saw and to catch up with friends. Something simple with a nice, calming atmosphere.
The Game Crowd: These people are marching along 6th to and from a game, either at Heinz Field or PNC Park. Sometimes, they're even coming out of Concerts held at Stage AE or at Heinz Field. They generally want simpler food so Pizza, Gyros, burgers go well with this crowd. They're also with their kids; a lot of places around this area don't have a kids menu. they generally make compromises with their menus.
The Lunch Crowd: They love a good sit-down place. India Palace, Indian Spices, Milano's, Salonika's and now Red Beard's do very well with this crowd. They have still expressed frustration with the lack of variety on the street.
The Budget Crowd: If there is one thing 6th street is, it is diverse. Just because it's in the Cultural District, doesn't mean that people of the lower-income brackets don't come to partake of this street's cuisine. Offering healthier, tastier options at competitive prices could and would certainly go over well with this crowd. Especially any who may be out with their children.
Filling the gaps:
Breakfast: Breakfast is the number one gap that I can't stress enough. There are other options the farther into Market Square one gets, but not much. McDonalds, Wendy's, Dunkin Donuts, Another Starbucks, Einstein's Bagels and a Crazy Mocha. As you can see, we are missing: a simple diner with pancakes, waffles and fresh coffee. We are missing smoothy bars, fresh fruits, oats and vegan friendly cuisine. We are missing fusion that has the ability to offer a variety of breads to the East Indian customers that travel here all the time.
Possible solution? A small fusion place that is open for breakfast and lunch that serves fresh fruity chutneys, fresh paratha, eggs, bacon, and maybe run a special for vegans and meat-eaters alike. A breakfast place on its own would be a wonderful addition to this little sliver of Downtown.
Asian: Where does one go in Downtown for fresh fish and amazing Asian food? Why, they'd have to walk all the way McCormick and Schmicks or the Westin. If they wanted Japanese food, they'd have to go to Station Square on the other side of the city! A sushi bar on or close to 6th street would be a welcome and celebrated addition to the neighborhood. If there is one thing that Pittsburgh is lacking in, it's Asian food!
Possible Solution? A place that specialized in just sushi, and nothing else, would be amazing. Also, a gap exists for another type of Asian food. Authentic Korean Barbecue closer to Downtown would be a welcome change of pace.
Mexican: Who doesn't like tacos? And fresh tacos with homemade salsas and tortillas? Yum! Not only would a Mexican place be a welcome addition, it can also add to the street food scene. A Mexican place could and would offer cuisine to every customer type, be a fun and vibrant place and would add much needed color and culture to the Cultural district.
Possible Solution? A Mexican place that offered breakfast, lunch and dinner of the finest, (yet affordable) south of the border cuisine would be exactly what the Cultural district needs! And if you're feeling fun and festive, a Mariachi Band for Cinco De Mayo would be an awesome opportunity to drive in curious customers from all walks of life! 6th street screams "$3.00 Tacos" to anyone going to the games!
Pierogies: If there is one thing that Pittsburgh loves, it's pierogies. Imagine a venue that handmade fresh, made to order Pierogies right in the middle of the Cultural district? You'd be tempting people from across the city with the very mention of your name! I singled this out as a specialty because it doesn't make sense that the places around 6th don't do more of this. Pierogies exist on the menus of several places, but not as THE thing they specialize in. These are fast, easy, popular, and a savvy business professional wouldn't have a problem working in a small venue to push such a grand product. The words you want to hear are "Just like Grandma used to make!"
Buffalo Wings: I, personally, adore buffalo wings and I'm sad that there are not more places around Pittsburgh that specialize in buffalo wings. There is Quaker Steak and Lube in Oakland...that's it. There's not even a Wing Stop in this city! What travesty! Wings are fast, fun and cater to the Bar Crowd, low budget crowd and the Sports crowd!
Vegan: Vegan and Gluten free places are few and far between but business owners help them; but there is no place that can be safely called truly Vegan except for, perhaps, Sree's. A small Indian place that is located on Liberty Avenue. But what if you're Vegan and don't want Indian today? What if you want a nice sandwich? Or hand-tossed salads with your favorite veggies and trimmings? This crowd, however, is very small.
Barbecue: I don't think I would call Meat and Potatoes Barbecue, so having said that, there is no, actual barbecue around the Cultural District. I believe there was at one point, but not since I've been there. Barbecue would be awesome and a tempting treat for all the carnivores in the city, especially if that Barbecue were made with homemade sauce, trimmings and a Texan who knows their meat! (Ha! I'm kidding Pittsburgh...sort of.)
This is just the tip of the iceberg.
One thing I will mention is that the businesses around 6th street lack a certain creativity and spark. While the people can be pleasant, the Cultural District is named this for a reason. Culture. Bringing more and different culture to this street would be a welcome change of pace no matter what. Adding variety and by being different will, by its very nature, bring you customers. Sheer curiosity can be your initial marketing tool, but then, quality, price and word of mouth will grow your business further into flourishing. Homemade is this cities thing and the good people of Pittsburgh expect and deserve no less. If you give them that, you will get bountiful returns!
So come to Pittsburgh, why not?
- Beverly Wagner
AKA Djwaglmuffin (the Comicker!)
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
What? Oh yes. Alive.
I have this blog, you see? And I always forget to update it. Why?
Because...I just do.
ANYWAY
I want to inform everyone that I've been working hard on my webcomic. You can check it out here:
For now, I'll just update to let people know I'm alive! Oi! In a while I'll do a fun "this is what I've learned" thing and outline my goals for each chapter as I go along.
Now, you may be wondering (or maybe not) about Slayers: Divine? I'm going to finish it but I want to work on my original while I have the steam for it. I think it's going great and I can't wait to gain more readership!
Please do forgive the long bouts of silence. I promise...I'm still here and alive!
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