21 Comments
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Brigitta Blair's avatar

Absolutely loved this read! Thanks so much for sharing and I can relate to a lot of this given I'm currently working on my debut graphic novel. (:

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Delaney Gibbons's avatar

I loved this post so much and have bookmarked it to come back to! I'm a long time illustrator and designer but only just started my foray into making my own comics over the past year. I am just having SO much fun with them, and have especially loved coming across all different kinds of comics makers on Substack. This post was very insightful for me as someone who eventually wants to create a graphic novel memoir, so thank you!!!

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Virith's avatar

What a great share from a fellow creator and professional. Thank you for sharing your story and life!

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William of Zeno's avatar

Congrats on your book! And thanks for sharing your lessons. I love that point about using the language of comics/graphic novels. I wrestle with how much of the language (and the different dialects) to use for my tastes, ease of communicating an idea versus how it looks.

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Srinidhi's avatar

Thanks for sharing your learnings, and huge huge congratulations. I have just pitched my GN with my sample pages and drawings with my agent, this is really useful if at all everything workouts ✨❤️

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Rachelle Meyer's avatar

Thanks for sharing! I’m with you on #6. I like interpretive perspective when I see other artists using it, but it took me a while to feel okay about getting looser.

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Wren Petkov's avatar

Such an interesting read, thank you for sharing 😭

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Sevgül Sümer Dielemans's avatar

It must have been so thrilling making your own book but i understand it was also so stressful due to deadlines. Thank you for sharing this journey in detail; it is insightful and inspirational for people like me who wish they can get there one day 🥰

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Carlos Canessa-McGregor's avatar

An amazing read, thank you for sharing, saving it so I can come back to it when I need a refresher!

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Jake Parker's avatar

This is a massive accomplishment! Congratulations. Thanks for taking the time to distill your experience down to these 10 thoughtful pieces of advice. I love hearing how different artists tackle large projects like this.

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Lindsey Bryan's avatar

Wowowowow CONGRATULATIONS! and thank you for this very practical advice. I’ve been toying around with doing a longer form self published piece and I think this just confirmed to me it’d be worthwhile !

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Candy Gourlay's avatar

Big congrats! I wish it was already on preorder!

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Meggy Kawsek's avatar

Congratulations on finishing your graphic novel!!! Can’t wait to read it!

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Mathilde (53histoires)'s avatar

Thank you, it was very interesting!

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Charlie Harper's avatar

Really great post about your experience. Thanks for sharing your experiences and time.

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angielin's avatar

This is really enlightening! Wonderful, practical advice.

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