How often do you think of giving up?

[Van]

More so than giving up, I constantly wanna start over because I'm never satisfied with how a chapter turns out and feel guilty somehow

It's difficult for me to keep up long running plot threads, everytime I think of including one there is strange sense of guilt that's towering over me saying "why aren't you working on it right now? The thread is still going, you're going to leave people confused if you don't explain it already! Write more you lazy dickhole!"

The anxiety struggle is real yo, but this is the path I've chosen and I promised myself to make it worth the ride

[LCT_m_a_d]

To all of you who thought about giving up, kudos for not

[kitkatxk]

About once or twice a day when I am stressed. And a good week about once or twice a week. XD
Writing is hard.

[Iridium]

Greetings!

To be honest with you... There are a lot of days I think that. When I lose followers on my art account, when I don't see much traffic or subs on my comic, when I don't get replies on my instagram posts... I guess that the success of others sometimes gets to me. In the other hand, however, I gave up once, and that was horrible.

A few years ago, a had an art block and I was only able to draw and design on demand, because I had to graduate on college. I felt worthless, below average. I even told myself that I was no artist. Then... One day, on one of my bellydance classes, in the middle of a dance workshop, I drew myself in costume. A regalia that I am still going to sew. Bit by bit, I regained confidence.

Being independant is hard, and most of the times we will collect rejections rather than approval; overnight successes are inspiring, but they can be deceitful; our career is a difficult one, we must do everything we can every single day. It's massacrating. However, it is part of the process. Believe in your artwork --- it is good enough! Our career is hard, but you'll manage to get a place for your work. And sometimes it's not on the first try --- some stories, even when they are great, are not what mainstream culture is looking for. Sometimes it is. It's out of our hands, mostly.

But do not give up. Your art is unique and it has its value, its worth and definitely has the attention of people. Keep doing what you are doing in your pace. =)

[BeautifulDoubt]

gosh I really loved reading this <3 thank you! <3 it really does motivate me ^^

[GumshoeComix]

lately a lot, depression is giving me massive writers block and my art tablet died
And it really feels like no one's interested in my story sometimes. I know it's niche and still new but gosh its still going slower than others comparatively which is really demotivating.

I'm just glad I have a 6 chapter backlog so I'll be able to get back on my feet without a haitus or anything.

[BeautifulDoubt]

I know im a comic maker here but I do write stories as well and with writingthey say write what you know.
but if you dont then the research should be as extensive as a grad school thesis. especially mental illnesses and racial issues.
if you can get input from that community def better.

Me Im feeling way better, I took a bit of a break (all hail mother buffer) and came back to read all these relatable and kind comments and it really has motivated me to do even better. We have a tough road but I chose this for myself and if i give up on my dream wont i hate myself more for not trying harder?
//also the hot and fragrant showers did do alot for me :3 i will remember this advice forever I bet. <3
hope youre feeling a bit more motivated yourself these days.

[carloswebcomic]

Very, very often.
I suffer from pretty severe chronic depression so it's almost a daily thing.

In fact, I've given up a few times, but whenever I do, I end up even more miserable.
Making comics is the 1 thing that keeps me from tipping over the edge.

I still get overwhelmed and want to disappear off the the face of the Earth.
When that happens, I use the 3 day rule.
I give myself 3 days before making any major decision.
I also get help from readers, fans and friends. This has helped a lot too.
I've been running my current project for six years now, my longest project ever.

[Bokyongyo]

For drawing and producing my comic? Usually I don't; do I get demotivated or feel a little imposter syndrome here and there yeah but giving up entirely? No just because I use art as a escape from just everyday life so it acts sort of a reliever and not a stressor.

Of course everyone sees it different and I'm sorry you feel that way, It's alright to take a break now and again

[jkb4753]

I've never heard the "three day rule" but that's really smart! I might start to use that, too!

[carloswebcomic]

I've never heard the "three day rule" but that's really smart! I might start to use that, too!

It's actually a suicide prevention tool, but I found it works pretty well for a lot of things you feel like doing on impulse.

[jkb4753]

Good to know! Impulsivity is real and a real problem. Even little stuff, like quitting dumb assignments or putting off chores.

[carloswebcomic]

Totally! It's a really good tool to keep you on track.

[ericsalinas149]

I did give up. I have been drawing and publishing my comics in some form or another since 1997. But after failing to get syndicated, I quit in 2006. I figured it was time to move on and grow up.

I restarted in 2015. Once you have quit once, you don't feel like quitting again.

[yumeryuu]

At least once a day.

[kbhargan]

Continually...

The gaps between those thoughts are getting smaller, while the ones between actual writing seem to be getting bigger...

[Ordinaryaverageguy]

I'll put it this way, "more and more".

[iHateFridays]

Lol yeah a lot Hobby hard...

[MalonTheArtist]

I will NEVER give up...All I think about is what I'm gonna create next

[SpavVy]

Often. I suffer from bipolar 2 disorder, PTSD, and I'm on the spectrum which doesn't help with my confidence when I hit a low. When I hit this low I tend to get intrusive thoughts from the depression to quit my comic and just disappear off the face of the internet or even IRL if it gets bad enough. The reason why I continue is that I love my characters and drawing whether it be my comic or regular illustrations just helps take the edge off.