I know comics are a youth-friendly medium but I'm still surprised that adults with decades of experience in the industry (and life in general) would slander someone as only being successful because they're "f'able." That's bizarre.
Holy smokes! Your stories make me kinda glad to be an outsider whose creates far away from the green-eyed monsters and the vituperation of the traditional comics industry.
Eh. For my part, things are better, mostly because I am a lot older and am not so much of a target. I also don't industry socialize much. But my early years were really miserable.
Hey Colleen. While I wish all your posts could be about tools, techniques, and preferred process for working, I’m also grateful that you share how you process the different aspects of your career. If only the life of an artist could be only about the art. But with social media being as it is, it doesn’t take much for one comment to ruin our entire day. And in some cases, our entire lives. Stay well.
When I picked up your comics, I had no idea what you looked like. I don’t think I even knew you were a woman (the name Colleen probably tipped me off eventually). I just picked a book off the stands because I liked the art. It’s what I have always done and still do. If I like your art then I’ll generally pick up a book and that is a subjective opinion.
I’ve recently had the what-should-be-obvious epiphany that the art matters, not the artist’s private life. (Obviously, there’s the rare occasion where the artist’s private life is that heinous, but exception/rule and all that.)
Which is to say of course networking helps getting gigs, a nice appearance helps hyping sales. But, you know (repeating the obvious), it’s the creation is what matters.
Should be obvious, not sure it is or is enough so.
Artists owe *us* nothing more than their best efforts.
It seems to me that far too many people regard "status" in comics circles (at least, but maybe many creative arts circles) as if it were a zero-sum game: that if one person gains fame, the opportunity for others is reduced. Hence the constant sniping, trying to shoot down the "competition." It's sad, because when someone is genuine in their own art (being visual arts, music, or writing) it will always stand on its own feet.
I think it is definitely insecurity that makes people fall into all the backbiting and gossiping as if that had real currency in building audiences. "I'll gain attention not only by trashing SoAndSo, but I'll also pastiche SoAndSo's style, because that's what makes money." Except.... no. Pastiche doesn't last long, because it's not genuine for the creator it comes from.
Years ago, back when I was still in high school and just beginning to train myself as a writer, there was a pulp SF&F writer who had a knack for marketing and did a lot to bring many other writers to the attention of readers. But their own works were painfully obvious pastiches of other, more genuine writers (most notably Robert E. Howard and Edgar Rice Burroughs). Initially, because I was still a beginner, I sort of liked their works -- even though I liked Howard and Burroughs more.
I mention that because I think there's a sort of analogy between the pastiche of creative works and, well, a pastiche of social behavior. There are just some people who don't give a hoot about popular opinion, but who genuinely like the people they like, and it shows in public. I don't mean in the sense of having intimate relations with other people but just being kindred spirits and enjoyable company. And the insecure and envious think that if they can imitate that camaraderie, they'll achieve the same "status." And it just doesn't work that way.
I'm sort of rambling here. It's a long way of getting to my point of saying that, Colleen, I think you are a delightful person by nature, not because you are trying to get anything from others, and your positive response to the world and life in general shows up in your artwork in a very honest way. You aren't blind to the darker aspects of humanity, and you certainly can present the spidery nature of attractive evil (I'm thinking of Sere and Niniri in A Distant Soil as examples). But your work is as genuine as you are in person. The spiteful backbiters who think they can one-up you frankly just can't measure up. Of course, I admit to being biased about it.
Thank you, what kind comments. I think a lot of people get into comics because they're looking for an escape, but there's no escape from human behavior in fantasyland!
There's a lot to unpack... Several blogs in one, as usual ;-) All you write is true, of course. From my perspective, one side note - It's perfectly possible to be shy, mild, and yet find that thing that makes people pay attention to you. People can find the way that works for them to be 'public'. I'm very much a 'in the background' guy, but have taken to open mics to get better at 'performing'. And not that you're shy, but videoing you drawing while you natter away calmly is a very effective method! :-)
I remain impressed that you are able to write about the things you have endured, professionally and health-wise, with such grace. I've not seen a great deal of your work but what I have seen reflects the kindness, grace and decency evident in your posts.
I've had talks with my counselor, spiritual advisor, and lawyer. The story is not about me, and I don't believe I should be pushing myself into the middle of it. But you may imagine how difficult this is. I have to finish the Good Omens project. I don't want to crack at the finish line. And believe me, I've already come close to cracking. I owe the fans and I owe the legacy of Terry Pratchett. And I have a lot of thinking to do. I will finish the book.
For what it's worth: I've seen on social media a lot of your peers standing up for you and other artists that were involved professionaly over the years with him. There is zero blame and a lot of support and love for you. As it should be.
I really appreciate that. As usual I have most of the internet blocked while I try to finish this book, and my timers are set to run out only after I'm finished. So I'm not entirely sure what's being said. While I have plenty of concern for my own future, it's best not to draw care and attention from others at this time.
Avoid nasty people. You couldn’t do your wonderful Fur Babies if you were as awful as that mean person said. Why didn’t you turn and walk away? Who has the balls (male or female) to be so nasty?
I did turn and walk away. I didn't even know a couple of these people. One person I never met before in my life before she unloaded on me back in 1989, and I never spoke to her again. One was a mere acquaintance who regularly used to dog me on social media, and I've been avoiding her for two decades. In one case, since the person was my client, I couldn't really just walk away when she was mean. I had to get a lawyer for that. And "who has the balls" to be so mean and nasty? A lot of people. Fandom back in the day could be pretty brutal. It's brutal now, as we can see from some of the stuff that goes on on social media. I've not been 100% saint myself, but dang, I don't have half the sauce of some of these people.
I know comics are a youth-friendly medium but I'm still surprised that adults with decades of experience in the industry (and life in general) would slander someone as only being successful because they're "f'able." That's bizarre.
Holy smokes! Your stories make me kinda glad to be an outsider whose creates far away from the green-eyed monsters and the vituperation of the traditional comics industry.
It's very high school.
That doesn't surprise me at all...but it's still disappointing.
Eh. For my part, things are better, mostly because I am a lot older and am not so much of a target. I also don't industry socialize much. But my early years were really miserable.
Hey Colleen. While I wish all your posts could be about tools, techniques, and preferred process for working, I’m also grateful that you share how you process the different aspects of your career. If only the life of an artist could be only about the art. But with social media being as it is, it doesn’t take much for one comment to ruin our entire day. And in some cases, our entire lives. Stay well.
Thanks so much for this.
When I picked up your comics, I had no idea what you looked like. I don’t think I even knew you were a woman (the name Colleen probably tipped me off eventually). I just picked a book off the stands because I liked the art. It’s what I have always done and still do. If I like your art then I’ll generally pick up a book and that is a subjective opinion.
I’ve recently had the what-should-be-obvious epiphany that the art matters, not the artist’s private life. (Obviously, there’s the rare occasion where the artist’s private life is that heinous, but exception/rule and all that.)
Which is to say of course networking helps getting gigs, a nice appearance helps hyping sales. But, you know (repeating the obvious), it’s the creation is what matters.
Should be obvious, not sure it is or is enough so.
Artists owe *us* nothing more than their best efforts.
It seems to me that far too many people regard "status" in comics circles (at least, but maybe many creative arts circles) as if it were a zero-sum game: that if one person gains fame, the opportunity for others is reduced. Hence the constant sniping, trying to shoot down the "competition." It's sad, because when someone is genuine in their own art (being visual arts, music, or writing) it will always stand on its own feet.
I think it is definitely insecurity that makes people fall into all the backbiting and gossiping as if that had real currency in building audiences. "I'll gain attention not only by trashing SoAndSo, but I'll also pastiche SoAndSo's style, because that's what makes money." Except.... no. Pastiche doesn't last long, because it's not genuine for the creator it comes from.
Years ago, back when I was still in high school and just beginning to train myself as a writer, there was a pulp SF&F writer who had a knack for marketing and did a lot to bring many other writers to the attention of readers. But their own works were painfully obvious pastiches of other, more genuine writers (most notably Robert E. Howard and Edgar Rice Burroughs). Initially, because I was still a beginner, I sort of liked their works -- even though I liked Howard and Burroughs more.
I mention that because I think there's a sort of analogy between the pastiche of creative works and, well, a pastiche of social behavior. There are just some people who don't give a hoot about popular opinion, but who genuinely like the people they like, and it shows in public. I don't mean in the sense of having intimate relations with other people but just being kindred spirits and enjoyable company. And the insecure and envious think that if they can imitate that camaraderie, they'll achieve the same "status." And it just doesn't work that way.
I'm sort of rambling here. It's a long way of getting to my point of saying that, Colleen, I think you are a delightful person by nature, not because you are trying to get anything from others, and your positive response to the world and life in general shows up in your artwork in a very honest way. You aren't blind to the darker aspects of humanity, and you certainly can present the spidery nature of attractive evil (I'm thinking of Sere and Niniri in A Distant Soil as examples). But your work is as genuine as you are in person. The spiteful backbiters who think they can one-up you frankly just can't measure up. Of course, I admit to being biased about it.
Thank you, what kind comments. I think a lot of people get into comics because they're looking for an escape, but there's no escape from human behavior in fantasyland!
Well said as always, ma'am. And once again you offer sound advice and warnings for the rest of us. Thank you!
There's a lot to unpack... Several blogs in one, as usual ;-) All you write is true, of course. From my perspective, one side note - It's perfectly possible to be shy, mild, and yet find that thing that makes people pay attention to you. People can find the way that works for them to be 'public'. I'm very much a 'in the background' guy, but have taken to open mics to get better at 'performing'. And not that you're shy, but videoing you drawing while you natter away calmly is a very effective method! :-)
I remain impressed that you are able to write about the things you have endured, professionally and health-wise, with such grace. I've not seen a great deal of your work but what I have seen reflects the kindness, grace and decency evident in your posts.
I have deleted an earlier comment. You don't have to address anything here, this is your space and you do you.
I can imagine what it was. I wrote this post a couple of years ago, but my, isn't it prophetic.
It sure is. I wish you a lot of strength.
I've had talks with my counselor, spiritual advisor, and lawyer. The story is not about me, and I don't believe I should be pushing myself into the middle of it. But you may imagine how difficult this is. I have to finish the Good Omens project. I don't want to crack at the finish line. And believe me, I've already come close to cracking. I owe the fans and I owe the legacy of Terry Pratchett. And I have a lot of thinking to do. I will finish the book.
For what it's worth: I've seen on social media a lot of your peers standing up for you and other artists that were involved professionaly over the years with him. There is zero blame and a lot of support and love for you. As it should be.
I really appreciate that. As usual I have most of the internet blocked while I try to finish this book, and my timers are set to run out only after I'm finished. So I'm not entirely sure what's being said. While I have plenty of concern for my own future, it's best not to draw care and attention from others at this time.
Avoid nasty people. You couldn’t do your wonderful Fur Babies if you were as awful as that mean person said. Why didn’t you turn and walk away? Who has the balls (male or female) to be so nasty?
I did turn and walk away. I didn't even know a couple of these people. One person I never met before in my life before she unloaded on me back in 1989, and I never spoke to her again. One was a mere acquaintance who regularly used to dog me on social media, and I've been avoiding her for two decades. In one case, since the person was my client, I couldn't really just walk away when she was mean. I had to get a lawyer for that. And "who has the balls" to be so mean and nasty? A lot of people. Fandom back in the day could be pretty brutal. It's brutal now, as we can see from some of the stuff that goes on on social media. I've not been 100% saint myself, but dang, I don't have half the sauce of some of these people.