Advice to anyone who wants to make a webcomic

[Down_the_Rabbithole]

I know I'm a fairly new creator, so I didn't really want to make this for people who are new to making webcomics because, hey, I'm there. Instead, this is addressed to people who've considered making a webcomic but haven't started yet. Basically, anyone who's crossed the threshold into making something, newbies to veterans, and has learned something from it can post here.

These are my best points of advice to start out:

1. Make what YOU want- A common hole to fall into is to try to please everybody. I've fallen into it many, many times. Don't put things in your story because you feel pressured to do so. Put the things you want to put in. The number one person to please is yourself.

2. Don't rush into it- Ideas are ever-changing, ever-evolving things. The first idea that pops into your head might not be the best one. A lot of the time, creativity is a waiting game. If you don't have a deadline to meet, take it slow and sit on it for a while. Write some notes, ask questions about the world you're making, make outlines, draw some test-scenes. Some days you might get frustrated to tears. Don't be discouraged. If you want this bad enough, you will climb up on top.

3. Don't be afraid of your readers- I know how precious your brain baby is. It can be disheartening to have poured hours and hours of work into something and get criticism, but it's only there to help you. It's unlikely someone will be rude to you, and you can't let the fear of that control you. When you feel you're ready to put your stuff out there, don't hold back. Be brave and remember that at least one person will like what you do.

[ronaldsardoma]

I started making a web comic because I want to share the stories and ideas that comes up in my mind. All I can say is that you just do waht you love. If you love drawing and storytelling then you should consider making a webcomic

[edmourabarbosa]

Great stuff here! Advice, no matter if you're a veteran or newbie, are always appreciated.

My own addition would be: treat you webcomic as a PRODUCT, not a PROJECT. You should be plan and prepare it like a new product into a known market. This way of thinking helps a lot when you think about how to market and promote it, or even how to present the IDEIA (elevator pitch) of your comic.

[rodrigohernadez]

Great advice! I would add:
Don't be afraid to take a break. If you don't have a deadline, don't overstress yourself. Sometimes is good to take a step back, let things mellow for a while and come back fresh. Take one or two days to recharge your battery, watch some movies, take it easy. I've seen too many friends pressuring themselves: "but I have to draw EVERY DAY!!". It's great if you can, but if you start suffering, it's just not worth it.

[AbnormallyNice]

These are all fantastic points!
I can definitely agree with the point 'make what YOU want'. It's just better for you and those who choose to read your stuff!

I would like to add:
Do not let other's success discourage you! The easiest way to fall into a slump is comparing your comic to others.
'Why do they have so many readers and I don't?' 'My art is better than theirs but they have lots more activity!' 'What's the point if I can't catch up with the greats?'
No. No. Please. Tell your story. Do what you enjoy and love. There will be others that will love it as well!
Everyone walks their own path and gets their own amounts of success. Some get recognized overnight while others work years and years for their 'following'. You can only do your best, and if you keep at it and stay positive, your time will come ;D

[warmuzak]

I started making a comic when I was in grade 10 (1987) based on a character I created. I got a splash page and the first page penciled with lettering, felt really proud of it and showed it to my art teacher (also a comic book fan). He picked apart those 2 pages so harshly and the final nail in the coffin was his "work like that won't get you into Marvel" comment. Even though I am a freelance illustrator with a respectable amount of work to my credit I was crushed by what that teacher said and did not even try to draw sequential art in any form until this year (2016).

When I became truly confident in my ability and didn't care what anyone thinks of the story or characters etc, I wanted to see what it was like to finally make a comic (of any page count) I can tell you I felt a mountain lift off my shoulders when I completed and posted it here and on Comicfury. Completing that first comic allowed me to move past a "block" that I didn't even know was there and the new "freedom" has greatly improved my other artwork and attitude towards it. The comic even has 18 subscribers which is nothing but is 18 more than I ever thought I would have. And that feels good too. Finally one of my regular customers an indie film maker, saw the comic and offered to direct an animated version should I ever decide to go that route.

So, pick up those goddamn pencils, drawing tablets, Papermate pens and open up Word or pull out the type writer and create you glorious creative bastards and CREATE, POST, PROMOTE then repeat. I am not a fan of every webcomic I see but I AM a fan of the creative process and the comic book medium and hope it always stays alive.

Thats my 2 cents.

[eleoza]

I kinda wish I could follow that advise sometimes. I often force myself to draw and if I don't draw I feel like I'm slacking off and get uncomfortable.

I'll add, don't get discouraged with your art.
The more you'll draw the more you'll learn, you'll even learn from yourself and your past mistakes. I know people who gave up on art because they didn't think it was all that good. No, art evolves. Nobody instantly was amazing at art. Take the time to grow and have fun. After a while it's awesome to compare your work from nowdays with the work from last year.