Hello everyone!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope everyone had a great holiday time and found the energy to face the new year!
The year’s end marked almost one year since I decided to change careers, going from economist to comic book writer. The year proved challenging and complex, but the joy of doing what I love has made it all worth it. Let’s do a quick balance.
In 2023, I
Contributed a story to Limit Break Comics Norse Horror anthology Fractured Realms, my first published work.
Crowdfunded A Never-Ending Adventure on Zoop
Created A Dog’s Life, a 5-page story available for Pay What You Want
Crowdfunded Don’t Push the Red Button
Started working on three projects that will see the light of day in 2024.
Had much more ideas that will continue blooming in 2024 and 2025.
I got rejected more than twice the time I did successful projects by multiple sources.
I worked with artists worldwide and met wonderful people I’m proud to call my peers and friends.
As I type this list, I’m excited about what I’ve accomplished and hopeful for the future, which translates to a clear goal: be approached. Be recognized. Which leads to…
My First Adventure of the Year
During the first week of the year, I got to talk about my experience going from economist to comic book writer at my Alma Mater!
Advocating for the arts in a business-focused university was terrific and opened a world of possibilities to the students. When I went there, there were few opportunities to branch out into different disciplines outside of the studies, especially with fellow students: no clubs, societies, or groups within the university. Nothing outside study groups. It’s hard to develop that side when it needs to lay low compared to the career side of life.
Thus, my goal wasn’t for them to drop out and become artists but to showcase the importance of discovering your passion and focusing on things that aren’t productivity and work. I wanted to share how leaving a door open for my passion eventually allowed me to pursue it as a career and how the knowledge we gather when studying can be beneficial when venturing into unconventional career paths.
Similar to when I wrote my comic books, I gave the talk I would’ve wanted to hear when I was a student, and I believe that the heart and passion I put into it generated a great reception. The students paid attention and asked interesting questions that sparked the discussion.
I’m excited to keep sharing my experience and inspire people!
What’s Next?
For 2024, I want to make at least one of these a reality.
Get a work-for-hire gig as a writer.
Be published.
Become a writer’s assistant, or work for them or with them somehow.
Attend a convention as a creator.
Get nominated for an award.
My goal is to get to the next level in 2024. It won’t be easy, but I’ll do my best to achieve it. I want to continue making comics, and for it to be sustainable, I must achieve specific milestones as time goes by, especially in these first years where I’m building my portfolio and my brand as a creator.
So, if anyone around knows of opportunities, I’m here!
What about Substack?
My goal this year is to continue using this platform to showcase my work and be more consistent when posting, so I’ll aim for monthly posts and work from there. Short and sweet, such as this one. So next time, we will start teasing out some stories I have in store for 2024!
Until then, stay awesome, and go read something!