Nerd Supreme

Hi! Here are some points I like to keep in mind while writing comics:

• make an outline. even if it’s rough, knowing the general direction you’ll be heading in can work wonders for your confidence and your productivity level

• when including trauma or abuse of any kind, be sure to ask yourself: why? what does it add? the same goes for: romance, bigotry, jokes, etc.

• if something isn’t working, never be afraid to change it– or throw it out entirely. don’t be precious

• get someone to read your script, ideally a friend who can be honest with you and will consent to being a sounding board (if you’re lucky, you’ll get some of your best ideas from them)

• don’t take yourself too seriously. if your project turns out to be your magnum opus, you won’t know until a few more decades down the line anyway

• give in to your strengths: what do you like? what types of characters, what genres? don’t worry about what’s been done before: take the path of least resistance towards your interests

• admit your weaknesses: it’s okay to prefer writing slice-of-life over high fantasy drama. if you can’t wrap your head around a plot– don’t!  Yotsuba&! and Berserk are both great comics

• read your dialogue out loud. i’m sorry. do it

• some details aren’t going to happen until you’re drawing the comic. that’s okay!!!