EP 09: The 4 Levers of Profit with Eranga Devasurendra
Ever wondered if your creative passion can actually pay the bills—without leading to total burnout?
In this episode, host Joel Rodriguez is joined by master illustrator and creator Eranga Devasurendra (Metal Ninja Studios) to demystify the business side of art. While many creatives shy away from the "F-word" (Finance), Eranga breaks down a powerful framework borrowed from the manufacturing industry: The 4 Levers of Profit.
Whether you are a comic book artist, a writer, or a freelance letterer, understanding these four variables is the key to building a sustainable, long-term career.
In this Masterclass, you’ll learn:
The Volume Lever: Why starting with high volume and low prices is a necessary (but temporary) stepping stone.
The Price Lever: How to overcome the fear of raising your rates once you’ve built your "reputation bedrock."
The Mix Lever: Strategies for diversifying your product offerings—from $25 sketch cards to $15,000 Concept to Comic™ packages.
The Cost Lever: Practical ways to cut overhead, including bulk material buying and shipping hacks.
The "Exposure" Trap: Why you should refuse "exposure bucks" and focus on partnerships instead.
"Volume is not a sustainable strategy for hand-drawn art. Eventually, you have to pull the price lever so you can make more money in the same amount of time—and actually have a balanced life." — Eranga Devasurendra
Instagram: @eranga.d.art
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