How can I support the artist please!

[Rodimus13]

Hey guys,

So, my husband is busy drawing the comics I wrote out right now. This set is very emotionally draining as something very sad happens. (Because I'm evil and awful apparently). I know this set is very draining and he's stressed because we are going on vacation and he is losing some of our buffer as a result. I can't color or draw, but I'd like some ideas on how I can help him out emotionally while he draws this very draining section. He's got 2 or 3 more weeks of this.

Thanks!

[Shanny8]

Do flats- setting down the initial colors for the page? Or lettering?

[SleepingPoppy]

• massage/back rub
• bringing of snacks
• make dinner
• encourage breaks

I agree that flatting can actually be really easy, especially if the line art is good, so you could potentially do that provided you were willing to make the effort. Doesn't take much art skill, just ability to color in the lines and getting used to whichever technology you're using.

[skicoak]

If anybody has a sure fire way to get/trick their spouse into doing flats...

weaponize that joint!!

Edit: Wife Unit One was a saint at erasing pencil lines in the pre-digital days.

[Maps]

I’m super lax about when I post but I realize deadlines are important to a lot of people.
I read comics on Lezhin that I love and once in a blue moon (and at least once with every comic) the author will post a page saying they’re on a break that week and they’ll either post a special page or they’ll do some character bios. Maybe he should just take a break and work on a small special thing and focus on the work once you come back from vacation? And he can think more about the upcoming chapter and come to terms with it a bit more (though this may not help).
Easier said than done (to take a break from your baby)... but a suggestion none-the-less!

[vfinnigan]

I don't know what your husband likes, but I have found that money, food, coffee, and talking with him, being attentive to whatever he needs emotionally. Even checking in with, "How are you holding up?" and "Are you OK with this?" can be helpful. I've been doing this with my collaborator, as we're beginning to tackle some very heavy topics she (as a disabled Army veteran) finds uncomfortably familiar.

Most importantly, let your husband explain his feelings. Be ready with lots of hugs. I had a hard time writing a story about a teenage prisoner of war made worse by the fact that it was a true story. My kids got almost a record amount of hugs while I worked on that.

Oh, and nothing says love like new art supplies.

[nostalgicroxas]

Dang there's a cute comic somewhere on tumblr from years ago that's perfect for this!!

• act like a ninja and supply blankets and favorite warm beverage (tea, water, coffee)
• clean up the area they work in while they're not in it for once and have it clean by the time they get back
• puff up their pillows for them that they use
• prepare music of their favorite to inspire them and start playing it nearby, but not too close to scare them
• bring blankets and fans as needed
• mind the lights, curtains, and such for them so they don't have to get up
• ask them if they want food every 2 or 3 hours. if they say no, pop back 20min later and ask again.
• put green happy plants in their line of vision- real ones.
• deliver their pet dog or cat onto them once a day when they look really stressed
• learn how to maintain their office chair, such as oil, cleaning and the like
• cook their hot meal for them when you know they're hungry and set a fan to blow the smell toward them so they have to come investigate

[beta1042]

I'm assuming since it's your spouse you live with them and such. So supporting the artist in this scenario really just means supporting the person, so you can do anything that you would normally do to help unstress your husband. Such as picking up some of his house chores/responsibilities, making foods, massage, offer encouraging words or listening ears, etc etc. If the stress is trip related, maybe do some initial packing or planning for the trip so he doesn't have to.

[ryoko]

Lots of hugs and support? Maybe offering a favourite comfort food? I always feel better if I know there's a special treat at the end of something that's emotionally draining.

[ratique]

Taking care of the household. When I am behind on a deadline, I'm thrilled when my husband takes care of stuff like:

• Cleaning out the Dishwasher
• Feeding me
• Doing the laundry
• Feeding and entertaining the pets
• Overall, doing the adulting

These things really pile on when you have to work and ALSO take care of those.

If he is really into coffee or tea, you could make that for him.

Also, a half hour break where you guys take a walk or a ride to your local coffee shop is helpful to clear ones mind and refresh.

[Rodimus13]

flats- setting down the initial colors for the page

T_T I'm no good at it for the comic level. And my dyslexia makes it hard. I need to get better at it. He does it all digital.

bringing of snacks

I can do snacks!

If anybody has a sure fire way to get/trick their spouse into doing flats

raises hand I want to, I just suck at it. So if you can get spouses to do it WELL, I volunteer!

Maybe he should just take a break and work on a small special thing

The break is what is stressing him out. Plus we have a break planned for aug already, so he doesn't want to do two so close together. (we are halfway through July's comics)

act like a ninja

He wears headphones so that's easy!

If the stress is trip related

It is not. I'm handling all of that. What is stressing him out is the comic content. We get very attached to characters you see. We make them friends. And now we are about to do something horrible that sometimes makes him cry when he thinks about it too much. We are in the build up of that bit. I think next week and the week after he should be drawing the truly awful part.

I always feel better if I know there's a special treat at the end of something that's emotionally draining.

Well that settle sit, tomorrow I'm going to stock up on ice cream sunday supplies and Dr Pepper.

Overall, doing the adulting

Well, I'm done with school/teaching stuff for a bit, so that'll be easier for me to help with.

Thanks for all the advice guys. We leave tomorrow evening and he just takes everything on him self so easy. I swear just to keep him from driving use to sea world, I'm gonna pick him up and call him from the parking lot and keep my butt in the driver seat. No driving for him! He can sit and play pokemon in the passenger seat.

[Kittosaurus]

I don't have any additional ideas to add but I just wanted to say I think it's really sweet how you're trying to support him as much as you can You guys are just such a lovely duo!

[Rodimus13]

There are many lovely duo's here! I'm just noisy about it

I just hope this vacation helps him relax. It's hard to tell.

[ble]

This post was flagged by the community and is temporarily hidden.

[Rodimus13]

he really doesn't want to as we are doing one for two weeks in aug

[studiostepone]

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