Hello!
As the year ends, I wanted to recap what happened during the year, share some insights, and look forward to 2025.
My main success this year was to keep at it. Even though I participated in multiple local shows, tables at two international conventions, got my first award in Peru, self-published four projects, got to work on two projects from peers, and had a successful Kickstarter, my main takeaway is that I made all the moves to be motivated enough to do this one more year. Almost every creator, editor, and person working in the industry tells me I’m making the right moves and that comics is a marathon, so being constant in creation, participation, and learning is the essential part. The rest comes from doing a good job telling stories. I believe this comes so naturally to me that I perceive the most challenging part of comics is not losing motivation and developing a thick skin.
This year was filled with rejections. Furthermore, my principal goal for the year, a publication in the US, eluded me—not by much, as I gained many resources that give me confidence that 2025 will be the year I get my chance. My list of rejections proves I tried my best, which comes to show that comics isn’t about trying hard and making an effort because I know I’m doing this, but to keep going despite all odds. An editor told me that, to get published, you need the right story for the right publisher at the right time. The latter is key because you may be the best creator, but if it’s not the time for your story, it’s not the time. And that’s a decision very much outside the control of the creative team. So next year, I’ll keep trying. Keep writing, keep pitching, and hope one of them will make it through
The State of the Industry
Looking back on my objectives for the year, that's the only one I missed. However, I reflect on how my goals have shifted and how my perception of the comic book industry has changed in one year. Contrary to popular talk, I see lots of opportunities. Perhaps it's my view from a country with a complete industry to develop, but this year, my perception of the comic book world changed. Let's dive into that.
Last year, I had two successful crowdfunding campaigns, and starting this year, I searched for partners for the fulfilling part here in Peru. Based on the experience of another crowdfunding project here in Peru, I contacted publisher Speedwagon Media Works. What followed was an association that has lasted a year and will probably continue for many more. It opened my eyes to the local and Latin American industry, allowing me to share with creators from other parts of Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and more.
Coupled with my networking efforts, presence on social media, and my end-of-the-year Let Us In anthology, which highlighted international creators, this year, I've witnessed firsthand the amount of talent and effort being put into making art and sharing stories from around the world. It makes me proud to be a small part of it. It keeps motivating me as an outsider to the US to tell my stories knowing there’s an audience that wants to enrich their knowledge of people, culture, countries, hobbies, and everything that makes people unique.
The cherry on top was seeing a UAE publisher as the primary sponsor at NYCC 2024's Artist Alley: Sandstorm Comics, which had the main booth and brought a team of creators to share their work and publishing efforts. Watching arab creators at the heart of Artist Alley had me thinking: imagine having this many Peruvian creators or Latin Americans on the world's biggest stage, and it assured me that many people from outside the US are fighting for their dreams. There are countries with many creators; other countries have one or two. But all are super passionate about their stories and craft.
Enjoy the Process
The second point I've noticed is how I'm more comfortable being next to creators, how I'm changing from viewing accomplished creators less as my heroes and more as my colleagues, and how I'm slowly becoming a part of the industry from a relationship point of view. Somehow, somewhere, I was focused on the work, the projects, and the results, and I forgot to enjoy the process. Then I'm at Thought Bubble, speaking to Chip Zdarsky, and he tells me: you don't need to line up to say hello to me. We are fellow creators. That hit hard.
Then, I have creator friends who have helped me in a personal process, people who enjoy my work and these newsletters, creators who want my opinion in their works, and young people asking me for advice, and I realize I'm where I want to be. Someday, I'll get published and maybe win an award, but I need to appreciate the small moments, those that make the journey worth it.
Closing Thoughts
Perhaps next year will be my big break, or perhaps in five or ten years. The point is to keep enjoying what I'm doing. In those conversations, at conventions, with colleagues I now call friends, I remember that life is not about the achievements or the money but about the connections and relationships. I trust and hope everything else will fall into place in due time. Happy 2025!
You are awesome, I'm so proud! Keep it up, you are doing an amazing job 👏👏👏👏
Fantastic Oscar! Keep at it. You'll get published soon, I'm sure.
You're a genuine person and meeting you was a highlight of Thought Bubble for me.
Take care always and stay upbeat!