Local publisher Sink/Swim Press aims to expand, bring in new talent in 2016

by | Dec 1, 2015 | ART

Sink/Swim Press, a self-publishing venture endured by CEO, founder, and RVA local James Moffitt, plans to enter the realm of nationwide distribution for it

Sink/Swim Press, a self-publishing venture endured by CEO, founder, and RVA local James Moffitt, plans to enter the realm of nationwide distribution for its DIY and literary publications within the next few months.

With this past year becoming a tally-list of notable events for the independent publication company, especially this fall with the Sink/Swim Comic Creator Expo, the release of the third Little Red Fish book by Moffitt and local artist Bizhan Khodabandeh, and the release of Consumption by Dashiell Kirk that we covered.

“I’ve been doing Sink/Swim Press for five years… It’s a one man show, however, I don’t think Sink/Swim would be where it is without the help of Bizhan Khodabandeh, Tim Skirven, Morris Reese, Jake Ziemba,and Dashiell Kirk,” Moffitt said. “Dashiell’s book was the fourteenth publication for the company. And we average around two to three publications a year but the goal in the next few months is to get on a regular publication schedule. Instead of two to three books pers year we’re looking to publish a catalog of few books every three months.”

Moffitt, plans to polish out the Sink/Swim Press brand with grandeur ventures including Nationwide distribution and construction on a retail site. With social media recognition, and a high caliber of artists riding on the Sink/Swim boat, 2016 looks like a hurricane year of success to look forward to when it comes to new publications and feats for the company.

“We’re getting approached by retailers to carry our products. And the amount of brick and mortars demanding products has increased to need bigger distribution bases. We’re selling a lot more online too, and across a wide range to international levels,” Moffitt said.

Bred out of Richmond, Moffitt first entered the world of independent publishing through the subtle notes of his hobbies and lifestyle. From Barf Comics, Punk/Hardcore shows, skateboarding, tattoos, and cycling, these idols, hobbies, and passions held pigment into his permeated imagination, forwarding his ambition into the now flourishing Sink/Swim Press company.

And with national and international recognition as an independent publisher, and with The Little Red Fish series gaining acclaim, Moffitt hopes to bring some new blood into the publishing industry when it comes to the artwork-side of the industry.

“The biggest thing for the national push or call for artists is because I don’t see it as a leaving-Richmond thing. But growing on top of something going on here, to see what I can make come of it. It definitely is still very much in the planning stages.” Moffitt said. “Part of the national push beyond distribution is a national push for artists too. Sink/Swim is very into collaborating and building a community, we want to make that into a national community. With a very strong comic community in Richmond, we want to expand our stomping grounds to a wider base of people to see what other artists are doing around the country.”

So, if you are a self-proclaimed Picasso with a steady hand, grit and thick skin, keep an eye out for Moffitt and Sink/Swim Press, sailing smoothly into 2016 with reputable projects ahead for the DIY success.

Also, might as well chain yourself to Sink/Swim Press until further notice as the company’s publication of the FOURTH Little Red Fish book out of a five or six book series, and Savage Lyrics by Ian Bodkin and William Bennett is set to release in early to mid 2016.

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner is the former editor of GayRVA and RVAMag from 2013 - 2017. He’s now the Richmond Bureau Chief for Radio IQ, a state-wide NPR outlet based in Roanoke. You can reach him at BradKutnerNPR@gmail.com




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