nuclear waste aerobics

Anonymous asked:

Is it too unrealistic if I want to draw a comic that includes maybe three stories or "parts", and each are about 10 tankoubons long? So the whole thing would be 30+ tankoubons. And maybe publish it, or at least make it a web comic? I'm mentally ill to the point I might never get a job, so you could say I have lots of free time. Unfortunately, the illness also makes me tired and I can't stay up very late. Why couldn't I have been born in Japan?!! So does this sound totally stupid and impossible?

Hi! Since you’re a complete stranger I can’t make any judgements on your character or work ethic, but 30+ books for a newcomer sounds way over-the-top! Do you absolutely need to make it that long or could you crop it into something shorter to maybe continue later if you feel like it? I suggest you at least draw a couple short stories first, it’ll help you figure out what your strengths/weaknesses are and what kind of graphic style suits you best.

I had no clue if there was any “demand” for Phantomland, what with Finland being a country of realistic comics about banal things - but I started drawing anyway because fuck it, I love my baby even if no one else does. Don’t draw a comic with the aim to gain a big audience. Big audience most likely won’t find you, even if you’re terrific. Especially when it’s a long project you draw it for yourself first and foremost. It might take a while, it might take years, but if your stuff is great and you put tons of love into it, someone will appreciate it eventually.

Also no no no no comics in Japan are a bunch of stressful inhuman bullshit, nothing glorious about it (as far as I’ve been informed). On top of that you’d have to deal with an editor who may force you to change your story entirely. Just stick to webcomics, you’ll have complete creative freedom and the best shot at getting noticed. I must repeat though, don’t get too dependent on attention because it can ruin your motivation.

This all might’ve sounded discouraging but yes. Draw your comics. Since you live in a socialist wonderland it’s technically possible to pursue whatever crazy dream you have without starving from it. So go for it! START NOW. Don’t worry about being “ready”, just get to work. Don’t make your 80yo future self regret a thing that never happened. Good luck anon!!