Grow What You Know the Indie Way: Creating Without Permission and Sharing the Process
For years, I’ve been working toward something I call The Indie Plan. It’s a path to creative freedom that doesn’t rely on massive budgets, big studios, or corporate gatekeepers. It’s a blueprint for building a sustainable living through art, education, and storytelling, using the tools and skills I already have. Instead of waiting for permission or ideal circumstances, I’ve decided to build an independent ecosystem where each piece supports the next, growing organically but intentionally.
At the heart of The Indie Plan are the books I’ve written and published. These how-to manuals cover everything from latex mask making to creature suit construction, and they’ve become a cornerstone of my work. They’re not just instruction guides. These are documents of experience, trial and error, and the craft I’ve honed over decades. These books aren’t aimed at mass markets; they’re for the passionate few who want to make monsters, puppets, and characters come to life with their own hands. Each title connects directly with a niche community that shares this love for hands-on creativity.
Then there’s Bitty Bigfoot. This is a character born from my love of folklore and childhood wonder. Bitty is more than a collectible or storybook character. He’s the face of a larger initiative that includes handmade resin and plush creations, children’s books, and eventually, animation.
These creatures I make, Bitty and his friends, are hand-crafted from scratch, designed for adults and collectors who appreciate the artistry behind them. Everyone is a physical representation of the world I’m building, and they’re already finding homes with people who love something a little weird, a little magical, and deeply personal.
To deepen the engagement with this community, I’m expanding into do-it-yourself Critter Kits. These will give others the chance to build their own creatures, using patterns and parts I’ve developed through years of practice. It’s a way to open up the process—to let others in on the joy of building something with their own hands, and to learn while they do it. Paired with this, I’ll be launching online classes that teach everything from puppet construction to creature suit building. These courses won’t just share technical skills; they’ll empower people to create what they see in their imagination.
Of course, funding is always a challenge when you’re doing things independently. That’s why crowdfunding will play a big role in launching the next phase of this plan, particularly the Bitty Bigfoot children’s books and animation projects. But I’m not waiting until the money’s in to start creating. I’m building stock, crafting rewards, and preparing content in advance. When the campaign goes live, I want backers to see that they’re joining something real, something already in motion.
If you’re wondering how to build your own version of The Indie Plan, start by looking at your creative strengths—what you know how to do, what you enjoy doing, and what you can teach. Think about the overlap between what you make and what others want to learn or collect. Do you design? Build? Illustrate? Tell stories? Break those elements down into pieces you can share: books, kits, classes, physical products. You don’t need to do it all at once. The goal isn’t speed. It’s direction. Build what you wish existed when you started, and you’ll always be speaking to someone who needs it.
Above all, don’t wait for a perfect opportunity. Make the opportunity. Your audience doesn’t need you to be flashy. They need you to be authentic. If you can offer something authentic, something valuable, and something made with care, people will come along for the ride. They won’t just support your work, they’ll be a part of it.
So that’s the big idea behind The Indie Plan. It’s not a shortcut, it’s not a hustle, and it’s not a dream of “someday.” It’s a system you can build—one that respects your craft, supports your livelihood, and connects you with people who get it. This blog will serve as the journal for that journey, week by week, through creature design, world-building, indie publishing, and beyond. If you’re the kind of creative who wants to forge your own path, I hope this space gives you something you can use or at the very least, reminds you that you’re not the only one carving monsters out of thin air and calling it a life.
Ever wonder what happens after the cameras stop rolling?
Surviving Reality is equal parts survival guide, war story, and side-eye at the whole industry.
Because this is not that show.
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If you enjoy the adventures and want to help keep the magic alive, consider sending a little love our way. Every donation helps bring new stories, toys, and fun projects to life. Thank you for being part of the journey!