Chewing Pencils

We’ve all probably got a pet cartoon project or character that we spend more time on than anything else. We spend most of our creative energy on developing the particular piece and, all modesty aside, we think it’s the best thing on paper for years.

Then, when you get multiple rejection letters saying your work is not what an editor is after or, worse still, a long term client suddenly drops you like a hot potato, you’re left wondering why nobody sees things like you do.

Reality check: As the artist, it is YOU that needs to ensure you’re not left high and dry by the whims of the market. No matter how good you are, if you put all your efforts into one project, at some point you’ll find yourself out of work. Unless your last name is Larson, Shultz or Adams…

Basically what I’m saying here is to always have multiple projects on the go. Sure, if you have a single panel cartoon that your developing, put the time into it that it needs. But remember to take on other projects too. Seek out what editors are looking for and work on those things too. Take one-off jobs, small jobs, projects with publishing houses, teach classes in the local school - whatever. Just make sure that you have diversified to the point that if one part of your income stream disappears you have enough other sources to keep you going.