Do what you love!
So a few years ago I had this crazy idea for a comic. It would feature a group of dumb villains and parody many of my favorite 80’s cartoons growing up. I needed to do something different from my regular work which was totally all-ages and generally safe for everyone.
Then I was let go from my job of 16 years.
I decided right then that this was gonna happen right damn now. It was going to just be whatever the heck I wanted it to be, whatever made me laugh. So instead of getting depressed I focused some of my anxiety and frustration into Wicked Crispy. I had no intention of shopping this fool thing around to any publishers because who would publish poop jokes, and more man sausage that you can shake a stick at, right? Besides, this one was just for me, it was my therapy, and If I got some people to laugh along with me, bonus!
Guess what happened? A publisher came to me! At first I was like “Are you sure, because dicks?” But they were sure. So now it will eventually become an official book you can order online or pick up at a comic shop. I’m so excited, kinda confused, and totally and ridiculously grateful for my new publisher and a chance to share this fiasco of a comic with the masses.
So I guess what I’m trying to say is get your stuff out there! Don’t make what you think everyone wants, make what you want. People will find you, and it will be far more meaningful when they do because it’s all you.
Now I need to get back to drawing awful and terrible things.
-chris
Chris, that is so freakin’ awesome! I’m super jazzed for you. You encourage me, too. I make stuff and sell it on Etsy. Well, I’m trying to sell it. But I was second guessing myself, wondering if I needed to change my style, since I hadn’t sold anything yet. But now I see that you’re right; I’m gonna keep making my stuff the way I like it, because I don’t need to sell it for money, anyway (for which I’m eternally grateful!). So thanks for the heads up on this topic, and congrats on the book and all that. Way to go!
Can you tell us the publisher
I’m holding off until it’s official with a signed contract and such.
I read this post from Wil Wheaton, probably years ago, it has always stuck with me and I mention it to all the artists I meed at comicons (or wherever!) who seem sad that their thing isn’t taking off as quick as they hoped.
http://wilwheaton.net/2016/02/good-enough/
The gist is this: “I’m making this show to give joy to me. Now, obviously not everyone can take care of themselves mentally by making a podcast with Wil, but I think everyone has the capacity to love themselves by making something they care about and not giving a single iota of a shit if anyone else loves it too.”
You SHOULD make things you like and put them out there with the sole purpose of bringing joy into your life. Success shouldn’t be gauged on financial gain, I think. If you put something out there and only 3 other people in the world dig it, you may have found 3 new friends. I think you won…
Shy IBS guy forever.