You’re never going to be good enough.
You suck.
Seriously, quit now.
That’s the hidden message on every single blank page I’ve ever seen. No matter how often I go to write, that’s the first thing I see. Doesn’t matter how far I come, that’s the wording so small, you can’t see it with your naked eye, but you can just barely make it out with that lump in the bottom of your stomach, the one that every now and then leaps out of your body and punches it’s way back to where it rests.
So, I’m married to Kevo, the guy you know better as colorist and letterer. He’s pretty fucking cool, and knows how to rock a baseball cap. So, anyway. Kevo and I met in 2007 in college. Shortly thereafter, he introduced me to his friend Taryn, who could FUCKING DRAW. Kevo and I, long before dating, had begun writing together – there’s absolutely nothing I write he doesn’t do a pass on. So I asked her to work with me/us. She was a little hesitant (hesitant? is that even a word?) in that “I have a lot of classes, and a job, and don’t know if I have the time, but let’s take a look!” way. We looked for about 20 minutes and realized semi-instantly we NEEDED to work together. SO we began work on some PRETTY BAD ASS PROJECTS.
The Family History.The Circuit.Dreamland.Aviator City.
Each one, we probably spent a year developing, doing design, concept art, etc. And then something would happen. We’d realize the market was oversaturated with that story-type, or realistic financial and time ability made the project too complicated to pull off before it was our only job. So, one by one, each project got shelved, cannibalized, etc. And then the epic, over-the-top drama that led to Kid Riot led to Kid Riot (see my first blog post – it’s the one with too many feelings, can’t miss it).
What am I talking about, you ask? I’ll tell you. I never thought Kid Riot would happen. I never thought I’d be part of making a comic right now, let alone a comic I’m so proud of, on our terms. A year ago I was thinking, “One more con where you ask a lot of questions before you say you’re trying to break in.” Well, not anymore.
If you want to make comics, MAKE COMICS. Don’t worry about anyone taking you seriously. If you’re creating art, end of the day, that’s all that matters. If you have been waiting for your moment to create, to write, to draw, to live – do it now. No one is going to find you and hand you your dreams. You already have them. THIS IS YOUR MOMENT.
So go create something already. Then you better tell us about it. We can’t wait to read. But seriously.
You’re good enough.
You’re fucking AWESOME.
Never give up.
