Jimmy Palmiotti recently started a hashtag in an effort to help creators get advice from other comic creators based on their experiences in the industry.
So maybe we can give back a little. This hashtag #newcreatoradvice would be a good thing to use if you are an established creator and have advice for the new people coming into the field. Even the most basic advice would be appreciated. Any Pros interested?
— Jimmy Palmiotti (@jpalmiotti) January 22, 2019
In an effort to help get all of that out there for folks who may not be on Twitter, we wanted to collect some of those tweets into a series of posts to be found easily in one place. They’re in no particular order but we hope that having them here will be helpful.
Follow your passion, not the passion of an imagined audience.
You're an expert in the former. You can only guess at the latter.#newcreatoradvice— scᴏᴛᴛ⚡️mᴄcʟᴏᴜᴅ (@scottmccloud) January 22, 2019
#newcreatoradvice If you are hired for the first time by a new company, make sure you have someone that understands contracts look at yours before signing. For a new unproven company, make sure the payments are made as you hand in the work.
— Jimmy Palmiotti (@jpalmiotti) January 22, 2019
My #newcreatoradvice would be to finish things – make complete, self-contained work – and make sure as many people see it as possible, by whatever means. Pretty much every paid gig I've ever had was either a direct or indirect result of me doing this. https://t.co/2vfwvFIdKB
— Roger Langridge (@hotelfred) January 22, 2019
#Newcreatoradvice If you are an artist that works with paper to create, never send in the original art. Scan it and send the scans. You own the artwork– unless in the contract it compensates for the originals. Read the fine print.
— Jimmy Palmiotti (@jpalmiotti) January 22, 2019
Be honest in all your dealings (especially with yourself) about your capabilities, your speed, and unforeseen events that will impact pact your ability to meet deadlines. #NewCreatorAdvice
— Pete Woods (@thatpetewoods) January 22, 2019
Sound advice, all of this. I'd add that when you're making comics, things happen, deadlines will blow by you. Don't go into hiding rather than being open and honest about this to publishers and/or collaborators. Honesty helps everyone adjust as needed. #Newcreatoradvice https://t.co/4llhYHqKsS
— Chris Ryall (@chris_ryall) January 22, 2019
#NewCreatorAdvice If you want to make it…. you have to be willing to work your ass off every single day. Care more about the work than getting attention. Take criticism. Self govern your work habits. Avoid alcoholism. That last one is harder than you think. https://t.co/B2mpnt75s5
— Eric Powell (@goonguy) January 23, 2019
Always try to meet editors, even if it's only once. It's easier for them to put a face to a name than to have you as 'email guy/gal'. Also, be flexible. Your idea will ALWAYS be changed. You don't know all the reasons why. Check your ego at the door. #newcreatoradvice
— Tony Lee (@mrtonylee) January 22, 2019
Comics won't ever be your job until you start treating it like it already is. It *has* to be a top priority. #newcreatoradvice
— Magdalene Visaggio (@MagsVisaggs) January 23, 2019
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