2 pages a week...

[bluetoaster]

2 pages a week.
Sounds like a diet doesn't it?

It's easy to be complaisant (particularly when most of us work/study full time) - but I just realised that if I really wanted to publish a 'quarterly' comic (ie. every 3 months), then I would have to do 2 pages a week.

2 pages A WEEK.

(Makes you think doesn't it?).....

.

[tonia]

Probably depneds on how long a page takes you really... that'd be a snap for some and a big chore for others.

[jpaulos]

[bluetoaster]

[davidjcunning]

[bluetoaster]

If you get past that initial first week-or-so of getting on your routine - then it's like a diet/gym. If you slack off for more than a day-or-two... you get anxious. Which isn't a bad thing (in terms of productivity) I think.

I've found the routine of doing 'X' number of pages a week (or whatever you set yourself) - is a good motivator NOT to slack off, once you've gained momentum. Granted, I undertand Jason's thoughts on the matter about just doing good comics and enjoying the process, but I can't seem to enjoy it if I'm unproductive.

If I don't stick to a routine, it feels like I'm masturbating, rather than trying to have a child.

.

[jpaulos]

OK, keep us updated with your process ... more work from you can never be a bad thing!

[matt g]

It's always good to bear in mind that with print on demand - essentially eternal print runs and The Long Tail effect, investing more time to produce a better product to the detriment of fast deadlines is probably going to be better in the long term for you as a producer, in terms of fan and peer respect, and subsequently sales.

Cheers,
Matt G.

[bluetoaster]

[BMB]

[bluetoaster]

[jpaulos]

[bluetoaster]

[jpaulos]

Then what are you wasting time for? (Cracks whip)

Only kidding ...

I'm not doubting you, I'm just speaking from my own own experience ... people can take it or leave it. I don't see myself as a role model BTW ... I'm just like you guys. I don't regret slogging my guts out (I'm still doing it), I just regret not going to the gym once in a while!

[Ian T]

Bobby, I understand your anxiety when not producing artwork - I totally agree.

I'm enjoying the routine of producing 13 x 4 page episodes a year of Moth & Tanuki, but it's a hard momentum to maintain, given that I work full-time and have many children . That's at least a colour page a week, but I've been doing some extra stuff as well.

The discipline of actually sitting down at my drawing desk is invaluable - just getting into that space, no matter how tired or distracted, or whatever, does something and I start drawing. Sometimes it can take a few minutes, but the key is to get there and be determined to stay, at least for a while.

I also have times that I reserve for scripting, including one each week where I'm sitting waiting in the car. It starts with me thinking that I won't be able to get anything together, but just getting into that habitual, undistracted space enacts a certain magic.

Cheers,

Ian T.
(it's not like there's anything on TV worth watching anyway)