Okay, I am sorry to do this, but I have to post a little bit about boundaries. I am only speaking for myself, but I am pretty sure it’s the same for many, if not most, comic book pros.
Please understand, this thread is a necessity.
It’s about asking for help/advice.
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Please understand, this thread is a necessity.
It’s about asking for help/advice.
1/
I get a lot, a LOT of dms and Facebook messages from people I don;t really know, asking big, big open-ended questions about how to break into comics.
Folks, please stop. That is not fair to ask.
It’s too big a question, for one thing.
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Folks, please stop. That is not fair to ask.
It’s too big a question, for one thing.
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I have spent endless hours covering these topics, I have never asked a thing in return.
When you send me a private email just assuming I will be delighted to explain a massive set of answers for you, and that I can take my time to do it, that is upsetting.
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When you send me a private email just assuming I will be delighted to explain a massive set of answers for you, and that I can take my time to do it, that is upsetting.
3/
I want you to succeed. I want you to make comics.
I CANNOT decide what you need to work on, how you should go about it and then walk you through it step-by-step.
A hundred pros, including me, have covered this. If you don;t read that first, I assume you aren’t serious.
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I CANNOT decide what you need to work on, how you should go about it and then walk you through it step-by-step.
A hundred pros, including me, have covered this. If you don;t read that first, I assume you aren’t serious.
4/
I get this letter so many times, “I think I may be interested in doing comics…”
Well, seriously, keep thinking, because there’s no ‘maybe’ in this stuff, you have to want it, and you have to commit.
You are asking us to hold your hand when you aren’t even committed.
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Well, seriously, keep thinking, because there’s no ‘maybe’ in this stuff, you have to want it, and you have to commit.
You are asking us to hold your hand when you aren’t even committed.
5/
And everyone’s different. Everyone has different skill sets.
It is also weird to ask by email, where no one else can benefit from the information. If someone asks me a question in public, my answer may help a lot of people, hopefully.
A Dm is like a private lesson.
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It is also weird to ask by email, where no one else can benefit from the information. If someone asks me a question in public, my answer may help a lot of people, hopefully.
A Dm is like a private lesson.
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So, listen. I genuinely want to see you make your comics.
I will help if I can. But here’s how to ask.
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I will help if I can. But here’s how to ask.
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1) Ask in public. Some of these DMs are not even polite, just demanding information and time on my part.
If you ask in public, it is much more worthwhile, it might help others, or even spark something meaningful to them. And I’m not writing the same stuff a million times.
8/
If you ask in public, it is much more worthwhile, it might help others, or even spark something meaningful to them. And I’m not writing the same stuff a million times.
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2) Make your question brief, please.
I know I am on Twitter a lot, but the truth is, I am usually working. I tweet silly stuff between pages. It’s weird, but it works for me. It’s my fun time, my release valve. So a brief question is better.
And more likely to get answered.
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I know I am on Twitter a lot, but the truth is, I am usually working. I tweet silly stuff between pages. It’s weird, but it works for me. It’s my fun time, my release valve. So a brief question is better.
And more likely to get answered.
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3) Above all, make your question specific. “How do I tell a story” can’t be answered quickly. I did five days of #ComicsSchool lessons right here for free that talk about bigger topics.
Think about the question, make it specific to what you need, and I will try, okay?
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Think about the question, make it specific to what you need, and I will try, okay?
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I am happy to try to help, but please, be polite, be considerate and be specific. The alternative is for me just to refuse to answer these types of questions and I do not want to do that.
I hope that makes sense to all.
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I hope that makes sense to all.
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I love ya, I want to see your comics. I’ll help if I can, just follow those guidelines and we’re good. You are showing a lot about yourself by how you approach requests for advice and help. Be aware of that, it’s important!
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Thank you for understanding.
My suggestion is, check out the five days of #comicsschool lessons and follow @JimZub who covers this stuff a lot and has an unmatched patreon covering this exact material.
You can do it!
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My suggestion is, check out the five days of #comicsschool lessons and follow @JimZub who covers this stuff a lot and has an unmatched patreon covering this exact material.
You can do it!
13/
Thank you, aspiring nerds. :)
No one will be happier than me when you actually get your book done. I’m rooting for you!
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No one will be happier than me when you actually get your book done. I’m rooting for you!
End/
P.S. I am always happy to signal boost your book or crowdfunding. I want you to succeed.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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