Thread by @GailSimone

I have a quick thing to say about being in a creative field where, like it or not, you are competing in some ways with others.

My advice is, don't.

But it's a bit more complex...so hang on a minute for a brief thread. 1/

Everyone's different. For me, I don't seem to have that gene that is motivated by envy or jealousy, for good or ill.

It's not that I am a higher form of being, FAR FUCKING FROM IT, it's just that I am aware that I am fortunate to be doing something I love, AND...2/

...you will never convince me that someone else's success takes anything away from me. It just doesn't. Someone won an award, someone had a hit book, that makes me happy, not bitter.

And I think promoting other people's work is the right thing to do. 3/

Now, there ARE people who are motivated to 'beat' other people, that's just how they are wired, it's what motivates them, and as long as they aren't being underhanded or hurting anyone or cheating, good on them.

4/

Also, I have one exception to the above comments...when I am in an anthology? I always want to have the best story. It's not for reasons of pettiness, I just think it's fun to compete in that very harmless, short-form way, do your best, then move on.

IS THIS HYPOCRISY? YES! 5/

And again, some people approach this as a sport, they are perfectly nice people, they would never sabotage another creator (though there are people who DO, but they get caught eventually). But they want to win, and their measure is the success of others. 6/

If that's truly what motivates you, and you're upfront about it, or private, or good-naturedly honest about it, that's fine. Good on you, no judgment.

7/

But I know a lot of people who are fiercely competitive in this industry and a LOT of them are steps away from a complete meltdown.

I would vastly rather they were happy with their achievements. Look to reach higher, sure, but be glad you got to the mountaintop, you know? 8/

A lot of creators talk about being more aware of their physical health, which is great, but I also worry about their mental well-being.

Comics can be hard, there's always deadlines, there's lots of pressure and not much security. 9/

And envy just makes it harder. Admire good work, applaud when people succeed, promote people who are giving it their all. That seems a lot healthier and happier to me.

10/

Shouldn't the personal goal be to enjoy what you do, to do it well enough that it is supported, and to feel proud at the end of the day?

What some other creator does or doesn't do doesn't really enter into that, unless it's "Hey, this guy is inspiring me!" 11/

Mostly, I would like creative people to be proud of what they've done, to enjoy doing it, and to carry that joy around with them into their non-work lives.

We get to do something that is many people's dream.
That's worth remembering. 12/

That's it, I think it's worth striving to get to a place where you are happy doing what you do. Especially if that thing is an art form you adore.

Just a random thought for the day.

Go make some art, you nerds!

:)

end/

PS. What good is getting your dream gig if you are consumed with ill will and bad feeling?

No one looks back on their life and says, "I wish I had been more envious."

;)

Real end/

PPS. Early on, I had a young very talented female writer come to me at the DC booth (she had just gotten a book there) and she said, "I want you to know I'm gunning for you." I smiled and wished her well.

Six months later, she's gone from comics.

Don't be your own roadblock.