A lot of us struggle finding the time to make comics. There just aren’t enough hours in the day!
Though some of us are richer or more talented than others, there is one area were we are all equal: we all have the same 24 hours in day. Here are a few tips on how to make your comics hours count.
Get up earlier.
An hour a day can really make a world of difference. Small steps towards your goal is better than none.
Plan ahead.
Before you go to sleep at night, decide what piece of the big picture (page, panel, scene, character) you will be working on the next day – Or whenever you get a time slot. Oftentimes small breaks pop up during the day, which we end up wasting on Twitter or goofing around. Have something ready that you can just pick up and work on whenever the opportunity arises.
Focus on one little step at a time.
When we think of our comics as a whole, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of work that lies ahead; outlining, scripting, thumbnails, rough sketches, research, more sketches, character design, pencils, inks, color, lettering, promotion… Arrgh!
Stop, take a deep breath and focus. One thing at a time.
Just say no.
If we all have the same amount of hours in the day, how come some people get more done than others? My guess: They either have enough money that they don’t have to spend all their time shovelling coal. Or: they prioritize. If you really want to make comics, you will probably have to sacrifice some things to clear your schedule. If you can’t cut down on working hours, maybe cut down on the hours you spend playing videogames or watching tv.
What are your tips for making more of the time you have available? Please share!
Related podcast: Getting Stuff Done
I dont make comics I write illustrated books for young readers. I can draw. But not professinal, so i do the thumpnails and hire artist to do the rest. It cost some money but i save time and end up with a pro result and books that sell.
I find that by hanging out with other people who are making/creating something (art, music, computer programming, etc., it doesn’t matter which) that they encourage me to keep working. So long as they are actually earnest in working – otherwise they are just distracting!
I think that Palle touched on this as well, but telling myself that any amount of time, even ten minutes, is enough to throw down a thumbnail or two.
I am interested to hear more ideas from other folks….
”Get up earlier”
That’s the main solutıon i think. İcouldn’t have time even for breakfast in mornings. When i came to my office earlier, i have enough time to ‘think’
I don’t rush myself to start drawing imediatly. I just ‘think’ as much as i can. When i work in another project, i continue thinking about my comic. So when i could have some time to spend time for my comic, it is easier to start drawing.