Makoto Press

Makoto Press has, for all intents and purposes, disbanded. But this is how the short-lived business venture began and, ultimately, lead to me forging my path as an independent creator.

The co-founders of Makoto Press, Jared Manninen and Joe Daley, met in 1995 while serving in the United States Marine Corps and have been great friends ever since.

In the years following their service, they lead parallel lives. Each bounced from job to job and pursued individual goals, yet neither achieved the level of independence they sought.

Jared was unemployed in 2010, but between searching for jobs he pursued a life-long dream – to self-publish a graphic novel. Drawing upon his graphic design background and many years of fine art experience (and a bunch of how-to books and online tutorials!), he started learning sequential art. While working on a horror-themed graphic novel, Jared realized he wanted to continue to tell stories and make books. But he’d have to treat the process not just as a creative one, but as a business venture as well. The problem was he didn’t have the time or the skills to run a business by himself.

That’s where Joe came in. In addition to being a good writer and an avid reader, Joe possessed a great deal of business knowledge. So they discussed the potential of a joint venture in mid-2010. And so, Makoto Press was born. Which brings us to the company name…

Both founders have been training in martial arts since 2003. Jared in Aikido, and Joe in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Regardless of the external differences, both arts originally came from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu (of samurai lineage — “samurai” translates as to serve). One of the seven virtues of the samurai was “makoto.” There are many translations of the concept, but one of the most accepted is complete sincerity – a total commitment to the present moment – fulfilling one’s duty to the utmost of their ability — that which is said, is done.

Jared and Joe chose a name that would not only represent them and their work, but would also be a guide along their journey of building a successful publishing company.