I understand that drawing comics can be hard. We all feel it. You do another 2-hour page only to realize the next morning that your timing is all wrong, your main character is way off-model, and you're already behind as it is.

Breathe!

In a few years you'll look back at all of the sweat and tears with a big smile. Here are five time tested techniques for improving your pages and you're outlook on the empty page:

1. Build a Desert Island.

Like it or not, you need some sort of routine to create your own comic. Drawing a page here and there not only allows you to slack on your job as an artist, but it ensures that the writing of your book will be just as dis-jointed.

I've learned that the most effective way to make the "Page a day" mark is to trap myself. In other words, place yourself in a situation each day where a large portain of your time is open to only comics. How? In college I would schedule 2 hour gaps between classes. It was just enough time to do some quality work, while not enough to allow me to wander home or become bored. Today, I use the 45 minute train rides and my lunch break as Desert island time to work. Effectively using this time instead of wasting it away is key to keeping sharp.

2. Haven't drawn in a month? STOP.

You may not like to hear it, but procrastination means you are not having fun. Waiting until inspiration hits again for your 200 page story is a big waste of time. Tell a story that excites you today.

3. You have one month to live.

Imagine you have a month left to prove to the world your existence meant something. Go tell the story you were born to tell. Be creative. Be human.

And ignore everything you've ever heard about comics. Many wonder why comics aren't recognized as an art form - the reason is because it's an inbred industry. Do work that you think has a chance of toppling your greatest heros

4. Publishers? Meh.

I occassionally receive material from independent artists looking for Water Media to help publish them. They have a full book, completed and xeroxed to perfection. Many also include a cover letter which does an exceptional job of explaining their reason for creating their work. I need some sort of form letter that simply says "You're done. What are you waiting for?"

Publishing is as simple as bringing finished pages to a printer. Sure, computer work and money are involved, but these are afterthoughts compared to your exceptional work.

In other words, don't wait for a publisher's help to begin considering yourself a comic book creator. You can do it yourself. Start HERE.

5. You are your audience.

You are the one who will be spending thousands of hours to make it - have fun! Enjoy what you can and elminate those things that bring you down. Write stories that you enjoy for people like you.

Speaking from experience, about 10% of those who read "Nothing Left to Lose" really understood what I was getting at. While it could be argued that this is failed storytelling (and they may have a good point) my belief is that the most powerful forms of art are by definition exclusionary. Some people will not get it. Some will not try to get it. But the few who share your unique world view will hear you speaking to them.

So don't dilute your message by ensuring that it matches the homogeny of culturally approved slop. You can do this by writing for fun and enjoyment and the rest will follow.