Is Drawing Your Own Indie Comic Still Worth It??
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- Опубліковано 8 чер 2024
- Hey fellow comic book enthusiasts! In today's video, I'm diving into a topic that’s incredibly close to my heart: is it still worth it to draw your own indie comics? As someone who's been a lifelong fan and artist with dreams of working for the big publishers, turning 50 has given me a fresh perspective. Let me tell you why creating my own characters and stories as an independent creator brings me unparalleled fulfillment and reward.
For decades, I yearned to be part of the massive comic book universes we all grew up loving. However, I've discovered that the independent route offers something extraordinary: complete creative control and the ability to tell stories that are uniquely mine. The passion and dedication required are immense, but the satisfaction of bringing my own characters to life makes it all worthwhile.
In this video, I’ll share insights and personal experiences about the challenges and joys of indie comic creation. Whether it’s the freedom to explore new genres or the direct connection with my readers, there are countless reasons why pursuing indie comics can be a gratifying journey.
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The answer is a resounding YES. 100%. If anything, it's got more long-term viability than corporate comics. (cracks knuckles)
Now to watch the video!
I know for a fact that my own comics will never be cancelled or stopped by me, unless I decide so.
You're an inspiraiton man. I'm also a CA based artist, just hit 40 and I'm rethinking my career. Been payin' the bills as a designer for the past few years but the call of illustration and comics is just too strong. I started to script a story and flesh out a world w/ some long time friends. Great to see other people doing it, great page, I'll check your work out.
Thank you, Salvador! That's great you are doing your own world-building and story; I believe creating our own stories and art is a great way to hone our skills and craft as comic book artists. I also pay the bills as a designer, but I've always stuck to my comic book aspirations/creations on the side. In a way, it's what makes doing everything else worth it. Thanks for checking out my work, too.
So glad I stumbled upon your video. Gives me motivation to keep going and keep reaching my dreams even if it is a little harder now with age and that whole lingering thought in the back of my head telling me that the ship has sailed on me.
I'm turning 44 this year but I have been working as an illustrator/graphic artist since 1999, I've tried several times to apply as an artist for comic book companies but have always been denied. It really took a toll on my self-confidence. But since the advent of social media I've been trying to get back on the horse and trying to build my own community. I'm also working on my own comic book now and planning to publish it myself. I just wanna be able to say that "I did it", even if nobody wanted it, I did it for myself. Especially for that kid back in the 80's with his head buried in the pages of this wonderful medium day dreaming of creating his own when he grew up.
Thanks for checking out my channel, I really appreciate it. If someone is so inclined, he or she should be able to make their own comics and tell the kind of stories they want to see. Good on you for getting back on the horse and building your community! It is a major accomplishment in itself to see a comic book through all the way to print.
The great thing about making a comic book is we get to be the producer, director, actor, and effects crew all in one fell swoop if we choose. Enjoy the process!
And your work is incredibly beautiful! You don't have to worry about being some corporations disposable talent!
Thank you, I appreciate that!
Amazing video! Please make longer videos of this nature where you contrast where you are now at 50 with when you started this journey. your experience, change in mindset & what led to them, what are your stand out lessons over the years. Someone like yourself that’s done this for this long and was around especially in the 80’s when western comics was I think at its peak, would serve as a well of invaluable knowledge and lessons to those of us aspiring to embark on this journey like you did. Thank you in advance!
Thank you, that is a great idea! I will work on that. And I can definitely show all of the comics I made from that period, as I still have many of those old, hand made, colored-pencilled comics around!
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马来西亚华人漫画家
So it's not weird to start making comics after your 20s? I'm 33 soon to turn 34 the following week and I been on and off wether to draw my own comics or not. Even though I still want to do it, I just feel discouraged at times.
It's not weird at all. If you still want to do it then you should definitely give it a try. Motivation is key when starting projections. Also brainstorming is included. If you do decide to make your comment then that's great and I wish you the best of luck 😤👍
@@Thecringerises Thank you, I been down in the dumps since 2020 and it some time to heal. I actually want to do some fan comics for practice and fun while understanding the craft of making comics. But I been feeling intimidated to take that step especially now with A.I. And I don't mind brainstorming, I just have to remember to write stuff down as soon as I think about.😅
I don't think so. Some people may not get it, but so what? Create what you want to create, if you are motivated. I can find work I did in my teens, my 20's, 30's, 40's, and I can always look back and tell myself I am proud of what I did. At the very least, I never look back and feel like it was a waste of time. For me, the artwork are fond memories of where I was in my life at the time I created said works. If that's all I ever get out of making art, then I really can't complain.
@@cookietoonam116 oooh I see. Sorry to hear you've been down in the dumps. Remember there's always light in dark times. Fans comics is definitely a good start and also just basic drawing tutorials. Don't be intimidated by A.I. it's just a way for lazy people to think they're doing art. When in reality they're not contributing to anything in art. Happens to me to with writing things down.i usually forget though 💀
@@Thecringerises Thank you 😊
It’s worth it if you enjoy the process. If you’re in it for the money…..BAHAHAHAHAHAHA
True, and true!!
not for me, not with AI here now, i personally rather walk outside BUT im not much of a creative anymore
I totally get it. It's like with AI, we artists have to prove we are the ones actually making the art now. It's partly why I decided to switch back to traditional art for my comic book lineart. Plus, I find that drawing my comics traditonally is actually faster, less convuluted for me. I have fewer options when drawing with pen on paper, and there's just something so liberating about that part of the process.
And to dive just a little deeper into the whole AI art making thing...I'll never allow anything or anyone to deter me from making my own comic art, because I just love creating my own worlds and characters. I've spent the last 35+ years making it largely for myself without anyone paying me to do it, why stop now? I'll never stop making it or trying to make it...I just LOVE IT TOO MUCH!!!
@@ReneArreolaArt great attitude! I don’t have the desire to create my ideas I can imagine them no need for me to share them! But for others who love the creative process still and want to share and inspire and see their ideas brought to life ! 🥳 keep inspiring I support you !
If you fear AI then you haven't realized that AI is absolutely terrible at making comics. And there's no point in fear mongering for the next 5 years that AI will be able to actually make a good consistent comic.
@@kal7rider780 good general comment for those wanting to make their own indie comic! i dont fear ai (if this comment was for me )
You can always start with making a Webtoon or webcomic if you don’t want to spend money
This is definitely an option. In fact, I myself started out with a Webtoon: www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/the-realm-ethereal-the-dream-awakens/list?title_no=693377 But I ultimately decided I wanted to just keep my own comic published on my own website. Plus, the format with Webtoon seems to work better if the artwork is formatted for vertical scrolling storytelling. I tried it for a while, but wasn't my cup of tea. I would draw my artwork like a standard US comic book proportions, then have to slice it up for Webtoons. It became too much work. But, to each his or her own. As long as you enjoy what you are creating, put it out there if you are so inclined :)
Too much indie stuff is just black and white horror sci fi
I actually really enjoy black and white artwork...almost more than color. I do add color to my comics for two reasons:
1) I think it does make them more commercially appealing
2) It allows me to "paint". My comic book series here actually started out as a series of character paintings back when I started to teach myself digital painting: www.renearreola.com/ethereals/