Does anyone else get nervous about people you know IRL reading your comics?

[Legendofgenii]

Yes! Especially with family, as none of them draw or read comics (or watch anime or animations, like fantasy etc.) It's another world to them I think. Usually when I post a Genii related pic on my personal Facebook I'll get a - 'Oooooh! Can you draw me and so-and-so please!'

My husband reads my comic (he's awesome, so that's ok), but I do worry what he thinks about it all sometimes. Does he actually like it or is he just being supportive - in like a pat on the head way? When he reads the romantic pages I'll have to hide somewhere out of embarrassment. Haha!

[Caro]

I used to be a lot more anxious about that than I am now but it still makes me sweat a little bit sometimes! I moved to a completely new and unfamiliar city not to long ago and since its my full time job currently when I was meeting new people who asked the all-important “What do you do for a living?” I have to tell them!

The worst is when they demand to see my work on the spot. The best is when they’re already familiar with my work and already follow me or bought my work at a comic shop and then they think I’m a lot more impressive than I actually am

[Dysis]

in like a pat on the head way? When he reads the romantic pages I'll have to hide somewhere out of embarrassment. Haha!

I'm feeling second-hand embarrassment from your words right now. How relatable!

[Legendofgenii]

Haha! He takes the mickey out of me (in general) already, so he's going to milk that.

[nauko]

Only my art friends know in full extensive detail what I am up to art wise and know my social media accounts haha.

I did give my older sis a link to my comic since I let slip I was starting a project in one of our convos, but I really doubt she's read any of it. I asked her a few months later and she said she hasn't gotten to read any of it and apologized.

I'm totally fine with it, more relieved if anything.

[summermcallen]

I can absolutely relate. Its super stressful for me to tell people that I draw comics.
My Family knows, a few friends, my feature mother-in-law (all not from the start) and of course my partner (from the start).
Sadly my family never read it and also don't want to... so maybe my anxiety about this topic will not go away soon.

[DiegoPalacios]

The people that know me IRL like my family and friends are really supportive, so i don't get nervous about it.

Also, the fact that i am really upfront and attentive about age ratings saves everyone any chance of an awkward moment.

[Legendofgenii]

Do you want them to read it? If not then I guess it's a relief.

I can tell my MIL hasn't read mine, because she asks how my "Magazine" is going. Hahaha! Ugh.

[summermcallen]

no I want them to read it. I ask my family really often, then they say "yeah I will definitely read it", but they don’t do it

[Legendofgenii]

Awe no. Sorry to read that.

Hmmm... Maybe give them a gentle nudge or tell them there will be pop-quiz coming up.

[summermcallen]

haha nice. but this will not work with them. maybe when I hold them my comic right in front of their faces XD I will upload my comic also in german soon, so maybe my family will read it when it's in their native language

[Legendofgenii]

Ah yes, it could be the language barrier too. Good luck.

[summermcallen]

thank you

[KJWhitten]

I don't make comics but I do get nervous when someone in IRL reads my novel. I've only shared it with an artist friend so far and they liked it! I plan on sharing it with my parents eventually, but again, the thought of them reading it is a bit nerve racking.

[PaleOcra]

Getting IRL people to read is actually quite comfortable. I shared it with a couple few, and either they are very honest about it or they liked it a lot

[disqette]

When I announced I was taking a short hiatus, my mom texted me asking why... I still haven't stopped sweating

[nathanKmcwilliams]

Yes and no.
I'm not nervous about the fact that I draw. My family has always supported the art aspect. However...I know that they won't like the violence, or some of the fantasy elements I incorporate.

My family is extremely religious. I'm also religious, but can separate entertainment and fiction from reality. My parents however do not. They want me to be making religious comics. I don't, because I find that to be pandering.
I would rather my every day actions reflect my beliefs. Not just make a bunch of preachy comics or entertainment that only one group of people can enjoy.

Yet. That all said, when it comes to my parents, I have an extremely difficult time making that sentiment clear. But I won't stop making the story I want to tell. They don't have to like it. Or even read it.
But. At least my wife loves my work. She's been the biggest source of encouragement. She helped me overcome the fear I had of what my family would think of me and my creative endeavors.

[jcmraz]

Nah. I advertise actively on my facebook. They'll be my first fans and readers.

[cookieroach]

I can really relate to this, I don't like showing people I know my art. But maybe it's something you can get used to if you keep doing it?

I was very afraid to post my art online at first. Right after I posted something I had to put my phone away and think of something else. But when I kept posting it got easier and easier. But yeah, I feel like showing people IRL is on another level, depending on how supportive they are of course.

[ButterflyEmpress]

Definitely! Only 2 of my friends, my older sister, and my nephew (I didn't really want him to), know about my comic. The character designs and world are unusual and the story gets darker later on (not too much though).

I'm pretty disconnected with the rest of my family. Growing up, my relatives criticized me for not acting 'my demographic' or liking/disliking the 'wrong' things. Although not in an abusive way, but more of the 'butt of the joke' kinda way. It's kinda why I have a bad habit of hiding my hobbies. It's a lot easier to share this sort of thing with friends who are already into art and comics. My mom likes my drawings, but doesn't know about my comic.