Something new
I can see the irony in making a comic about not being able to make these kinds of comics anymore.
Here’s what’s going on: when I started all this, I was very curious about what would happen if I drew every single day. It’s that curiosity that kept me going. Now it turns out, at some point, the curiosity is fed! (Would you believe that?)
I tried taking a break. I tried reducing the frequency. I tried drawing more often. I tried drawing as fast as I could. I tried taking my sweet time on each comic. There were brief periods of time when I thought I was back on track. But every time, I tumbled right off.
I could beat myself up over taking so long to see this, but I think I needed to find something new before I could move on. Before I talk about that, here’s a question.
I started drawing comic journals in 2017 and made hundreds of them over the last five years. I think these comics deserve to be celebrated, so I’m toying with the idea of crowdfunding a ‘best off’ book.
Want to know what’s next?
I’m going to keep making comics, but not necessarily about me. I want to talk to people that inspire me and share their story.
I’ve had this on my mind for a while, but I was trying to figure out what that would look like. Then I remembered: it’s exciting BECAUSE I don’t know what it will look like! (See how I’m catching on?) It’s scary, but unless I want to bore you and me to death, I need to try new things and see where it takes me.
I’m not saying I’ll never make another comic about my family or myself, but in order to make room for this new thing, I need to release myself of the pressure that I have to make journal comics.
I hope you’ll stick around to see where this is going!
As always, feel free to hit the reply button or comment below.
With love,
Will miss you but it’s absolutely the right thing to do. Find new inspiration when you’re not looking > live life and it’ll come to you. Good luck on the journey. And Yes to The Best of Betje! Xx
Don't feel bad about changing topics or focus. As a fellow cartoonist, I totally understand your need for a new direction. Every artist and cartoonist has to do this in order to keep their interest in making art and refresh the well of inspiration. I think you'll find that documenting other's stories will push you in ways that will make your work even better.
As for your previous work, I suggest you put together a best of collection and then shop it around to a decent publisher. Your work is just as great as Lynda Barry's or Lynn Johnston's and just as marketable.