What do you want to ask other creators?

[KariMcElroy]

Hello, fellow Tapas-ters! I love learning about other people's creative processes and I'm guessing that's pretty common among us creative types. What sorts of questions come to mind when you meet another artist or comic-ist or novelist? What do you like to ask other creators? And what's your personal process? Tell me everything.

[shfra13]

Ohhh, interesting!

Personally, what I'd love to ask to other creators depend on what catches my eyes. If I find their art special, I'd ask what influence their art or how do they develop such style. If I find their writing voice unique, I'd ask how they develop such unique voice. If their storytelling is outstanding, I'd definitely ask how they come up with interesting story line and how do they develop it into a solid plot. I'd also love to learn about what they love most about their creations, and what they wish to improve. And definitely, how they handle burnout and stuff like that!

[KariMcElroy]

Ooh, those are great questions! And I've never thought to ask what they love most about their creations! That's a fantastic question for any creator. I love it.

[shfra13]

I love when I can talk about how much my story means to me, so I assume that people would love to brag about their creations. Seeing the joy from such question is always fulfilling!

That being said, what do you love the most about your current comic?

[Phantomlight]

My question for all creators: why are you all so awesome?

That's the big one but I also like to know how they got their idea for their works and/or how they began their creative journey. What inspired them to start creating? It's always interesting for me to know the backstories to these kinds of moments because there's such a vast sea of creators and how we all got where we are and found our love for our trade is so diverse. It also helps me learn about their works a bit better and themselves as a person as well!

[KariMcElroy]

Yes! I love joy-bringing questions! I think what I love most about my current comic is my characters. Even though their story is tough, they bring me a lot of happiness in who they are and who they're becoming. What about you? What do you love most about your current comic? And do you have multiple comics or do you focus solely on one?

[KariMcElroy]

Yay for awesome creators! And how would you answer your question? What inspired you to start creating?

[shfra13]

Ohh, cool! Having characters bringing you a lot of joy is definitely fulfilling! Which character do you hold dear in your heart? And why?

I write novels, as I can't draw. I do a lot of projects at once, but there are two that I'm currently posting on Tapas. One of them; I really love the characters, and my choice of words (sorry for bragging lol!), but I also experimented a lot when I was writing that one. The other one; I don't plot it, but the story is still flowing quite alright--which exceeds my expectation! The characters create the story for themselves and I'm just writing whatever they want, it's a fun experience.

[KariMcElroy]

Oh, don't be sorry for bragging on your work! I'm glad you find joy and pride in what you do. That's how it should be. And I love it when a story flows so naturally: it makes it feel even more "meant to be", particularly when the characters make the story for themselves. It feels organic and right.

My two main characters, Jake and Ellie, are tied for their place in my heart. Jake tries so hard to be noble despite the fact that he has a lot of baggage. He's always trying to do the right thing while holding himself together as best as he can. Ellie is quietly fierce and protective and loving and, although she has her own past as well, she will be brave when someone else needs her to be. They're a broken sort of nobility and I think there's a kind of sweetness to that.

[KariMcElroy]

Also, I just read the first bit of "It Takes Two to Tango" and I love how it starts! I'm intrigued and I can't wait to read more.

[Phantomlight]

Hoooo boy... xD Of course I was drawing since I was a kid like almost all kids, but I took more interest than my friends or siblings and cousins. I even drew on a doors...ahem...I started making simple books as a kid. I never stopped writing or drawing. At one point, I started copying images of my favorite cartoon characters. When that gave me confidence (because my copies weren't terrible xD), I just went from there. I took class courses in art throughout my school career and was part of the art club. I started my comics because I was going through some dark times last year and thought it'd be a great way to stay sane, positive, and maybe help someone else out there that might be going through tough times too. Creators on here and their works really helped me through my dark times last year and continue doing so throughout my long journey of healing. That's why I think creators are so awesome. There's a bunch of medicines and doctors trying to heal my body, but my soul is always healed by the joys of reading and enjoying works. It makes me forget for a moment, it makes me feel normal for once.

Got a bit emotional there...x.x but I am really grateful to creators and their creations

[shfra13]

And I love it when a story flows so naturally: it makes it feel even more "meant to be", particularly when the characters make the story for themselves.

Yes! I have always wanted to try letting my characters dictate their story, but I'm scared that one day they don't know what happen to them, and I don't know what happen to them, and their stories never resolved--That is why, I always plot my story first.

So, it is quite a new experience for me, to let them fully dictate what they want and what they wish for, and setting myself as merely a narrator to tell the world of their story. In the end, my wording and sentences weren't the best, but I definitely enjoy letting them take the wheel for once.

My two main characters, Jake and Ellie, are tied for their place in my heart.

They sound interesting! I can see why you love them. They have their own flaw that makes them humane. I imagine you'd really be proud to see their character development and them overcoming the obstacle in front of them!

[shfra13]

Also, thank you so much! Will also definitely check your story later, the title is intriguing!

[KariMcElroy]

I love that you're a lifelong lover of art! It's so great to see someone pursue creativity so consistently. I'm so sorry you went through dark times last year, but I'm so glad you were able to find an outlet through creation and storytelling. I think sometimes we as a society forget how deeply important these things are to the core of our humanity. Either way, just the biggest thoughts and hugs to you. I hope you're feeling better these days.

[KariMcElroy]

I have always wanted to try letting my characters dictate their story, but I'm scared that one day they don't know what happen to them, and I don't know what happen to them, and their stories never resolved--That is why, I always plot my story first.

That makes sense, to let your characters lead you as far as they can, but to be sure to have a backup plan. An outline is important for sure, but I think what you're doing is the most natural way to go: just let them lead until they need a little nudge.

[MeltingCORE]

My question to other creators: Do you guys sleep or are you normal?

Just kidding!

Seriously though, what is everyone's process for writing whether it's a comic or novel?

For me, I publish my web serial every month on the last day of the month. I have my series main three arcs already planned out and then I do "sketches" of each chapter. I make myself write for 25 minutes each day around lunchtime to make sure everything is on track. When the chapter is completed and I still have time before the end of the month, I will write short scenes that may or may not be utilized later. And then I work on my novel's artwork/music. (I do all the art, writing, and music myself!)

[pilot-obvious]

I love to ask webcomic artists why they want to tell to tell their story. What makes them so passionate about their ideas and how did that love develop? Do their characters live rent free in their heads?

I also love hearing about the technical side of how they create their stories. How many drafts/thumbnails do they go through, what tools they use, and what shortcuts they use.

I'd love to hear everybody's response to these questions too!

[MeltingCORE]

Yeah, these are great questions! For burnout I personally take a break and relax by watching movies that inspire me or playing video games haha.

[JoshRaid]

I wanna ask them how they got so successful.

[shfra13]

Yep! That's true! I'm a cupid in their world, letting the two of them slowly fall in love, all the while watching from afar and giving them a nudge every once in a while