Making a Comic & Sharing it is Hard

Avery: Making art, whether it’s comics, videos, or any other form, is a challenge regardless of skill. While working on my comic, I realized the sheer volume of work required—writing scripts, creating thumbnails, and illustrating final pages. Even with the time I have, it feels daunting to know that I may be facing years of effort for just one story. The temptation to cut corners is strong, but I know that sacrificing story and quality isn’t what I want. Instead, I must embrace imperfection and keep moving forward.

The creative process is often undermined by common pitfalls: some of us become too consumed with consuming content and neglect creating, while others push themselves too hard and risk burnout. The key lies in balance and realism. Setting achievable goals has been crucial; for instance, committing to creating one comic page a week allows me to make consistent progress without overwhelming myself. Overloading your plate leads to failure, so it’s important to dream big but remain grounded.

Perfection is an elusive goal, and the pursuit of it can paralyze creativity. Every successful piece of art arises from countless trials and errors. I realized that I spent years planning overly complicated projects, only to leave them behind in paralysis. The solution is simple: Start. It doesn’t matter how small the steps are; even a little progress each day can lead to significant achievements over time.

So, I urge you to dive into that project you’ve been dreaming of. Don’t let perfectionism hold you back. Whether it’s writing a novel, painting, or making a video, just start. The first words or strokes don’t have to be perfect. Each effort, no matter how flawed, moves you closer to your goal. There are no strict rules in creative endeavors, and you’ll discover that letting go of the need for perfection can free you to enjoy the process.

Ultimately, what matters most is simply creating and being proud of what you accomplish. I started to realize that making art doesn’t have to be about profound changes or global impact; it’s enough to create something that entertains or inspires, even if just a little. So take that first step, even if it’s imperfect, and let yourself find joy in the journey of making art.

Check out my Webcomic Gingerberry!

~Blog by Avery Nakashima~

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