comic books

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Is collecting an idea that has crossed your mind or something you're already into?

We're not talking back issues of GQ or seashells from your last few trips to the beach, but highly valuable items that one day, even tomorrow, could be worth an impressive amount. You may already have a collection growing, or today is day one. No matter where you're at on the collecting curve, if you are into any of these five items, you're on to something. Your hobby could become your retirement fund… and then some!

Comic Books

Comic books can be a gold mineunsplash.com

Turn funny into money by rummaging through your collection of old comic books. The action may be over, but the pages are precious. Rare and vintage comic books can be worth a pretty penny as per Go Banking Rates. "A 1938 copy of Action Comics #1 sold last year for nearly $1 million at a public auction, according to Heritage Auctions." Naturally, not every comic book will yield such a high payout, but it's worth weeding through your childhood favorites to see if any have significant value. Go Banking Rates adds, "Comics with classic covers or first appearances are typically more marketable." If you want to get an estimate of what one of your books may be going for, visit Comics Price Guide for more information.

Antique Furniture

Your family's heirlooms could be surprisingly valuable unsplash.com

Before you donate Granny's creaky old rocking chair to Goodwill, consider keeping it, and any other chairs, tables, cabinets, and chests she may want to pass down, for that matter. According to Huffington Post, antique furniture could be worth a fortune, and you could literally be sitting on a pile of dough. "Furniture that was once considered classic such as china hutches and roll top desks have fallen out of favor. For collectors and wealth investors, however, there are still major pieces of antique furniture in the market." Need proof? "The Badminton Cabinet built in England in the 18th century fetched $36 million at a Christie's auction in 2004, making it the most expensive piece of antique furniture ever sold." Sadly, your future great-grandkids are not going to appreciate your IKEA bookshelves.

Watches

Watches have long been considered a valuable investment unsplash.com

Nowadays, watches are worn more for fashion than function being that we all carry around a smartphone 24/7. But for those who enjoy a fine watch or timepiece, collecting them could mean watching your savings account numbers soar. According to Huffington Post, "Christie's and Sotheby's reported selling half a dozen watches for more than $2 million apiece between June 2012 and June 2013. The most expensive watch ever sold at auction was the Henry Graves "supercomplication" watch by Patek Philippe, which sold for $11 million at a Sotheby's auction." Swiss watches are in the highest demand, so hone in on those if you're serious about scoring big one day. Only time will tell…

Stamps

Have a stamp collection? Consider keeping it! pixabay.com

These days, stamps could be more relevant than ever. With "snail mail" edging closer and closer to becoming obsolete, stamps will likely one day be a collector's item only. But we're talking about older, rarer stamps that are worth keeping stored safely to prevent deterioration. According to Go Banking Rates, "Stamps are among collectibles that are gaining value. Take, for example, the 'Inverted Jenny' stamp. Only 100 of them exist, according to CNN Money, and one that was valued at $1.6 million was auctioned off last May." A collection could be more valuable than a single stamp, though. "If your collection is organized, it will likely sell for more money," advises Go Banking Rates. Will your collection get the stamp of approval?

Wine

Many different vintages hold their value well over time unsplash.com

You may be tempted to drink your cab or pinot with dinner tonight but save those rarer bottles in your cellar and pop open a can of beer instead. Vino can be valuable, and your bottles may bring in big bucks. According to Huffington Post, "While the wine sub-index increased only by 3% last year, it increased by 182% over the decade ending in mid-2013." But which wines are the best to collect? Huffington Post claims, "By far, most investment-grade wine comes from the Bordeaux region of France. However, it was a wine from Burgundy that set a new record. Twelve bottles of 1978 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti were sold for $476,280 at a Christie's auction." For tips on collecting investment-grade wine, read Money Crashers' guide to buying bottles with promise for a payout. Cheers to a wine windfall!

Do you have a collection? Are you in it for fun or fortune?

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In this series we will be highlighting burgeoning entrepreneurs in the modern era. These are folks who have taken the risk of quitting or working double to quit their conventional jobs in pursuit of their passions. This is a difficult road that many never find the courage to venture upon, but the rewards are so worth it, and as you know, no risk, no reward, know risk, know reward.

This episode highlights Kevin Delgado, author, illustrator and independent publisher of the renewed forward thinking comic book series "Volantis". Kevin turned his passion for drawing and his natural eye for design, fueled by a lifelong dream and is venturing out to make it all come to fruition in a major way. Kevin shares what it takes to balance time between being creative and taking care of business, being a dad and being a boss, and a turning your passion into a career.


From Volantis #2Kevin Delgado


Tell Me A Little More About What You Do And How You Got Into It

My name is Kevin Delgado and right now I am writing, illustrating, coloring, and lettering my own comic book called "Volantis". I have taken art seriously my entire life. I even went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and got a degree in Graphic Design, which I also do for a living. I had always wanted to draw comics, but put it on the back burner to pursue a career in music. I got back into after a near fatal incident that left me incapacitated for months. It was during that time that I really started making more art and putting it out there and getting great response.

Do you Remember Your First Day? What Were You Feeling? What Were You Doing Before? Why Made You Want To Try Something New?

Like I mentioned earlier, I had pursued a professional career in music under the stage name "Frigid Giant", both as an emcee and producer. I still make music and perform live steadily. I think all musicians are artists and vice versa, its a different way to express yourself. My artistic direction shifts constantly. If i feel like making music, I make music. If I feel like drawing, I draw. I never force myself to do either.

How Do You Balance Your Time?

The hardest part about life is time management. I try my best to eliminate needless distraction (Phone, internet, games, etc). Its hard, especially considering that i have such a lust for life and adventures. I also try to decrease my alcohol intake as much as possible, I cannot illustrate inebriated, rapping on the other hand....

Tell Me About Your Business?

Solstice Art is my publishing banner. I self produce and publish comic books. I am also open for commissioned Illustration and graphic design. I also provide print services.

How Much Time Per Week Would You Say You Dedicate To Your Work?

I do graphic design 40 hours a week, I probably put an additional 30 hours or so into commissioned work and the comic book series.

What Else Do You Like To Do With Your Free Time?

Travel. I have kids that I am raising as well and a fiance. I really don't have free time. I am constantly working. I love the hustle.

What's Next For You?

This comic book is no joke, I have pretty much set it up to be my life's work. I want to keep making it and hopefully have it adapted for television / movies. I am also interested in real estate, I am in the process of buying some property as we speak.

Any Advice For People Wanting To Follow A Similar Path?

I would say to make sure you are ready to dedicate your life to it. If you are not completely obsessed with it, don't go for it. Don't waste your time or anybody elses. I am still very far from where I want to be, but I HAVE to put the leg work in now. All I can hope for is that a publisher sees my dedication and work ethic and decides to pick me up, whether it be for my book or someone elses. That and don't give up, not much success comes over night.

To learn more about Volantis, Kevin, and how to grab your copy, click here...