One of the most common statements I hear from non-creatives is that they could do a project if they had more time. For example, I could write a novel, if I had time. The problem isn’t that they don’t have time. In fact, it’s not even the fact that they don’t have an idea. The latter is the second most common statement. The problem usually is that there isn’t a plan and there is no goal. Saying you want to write a novel, comic book or screenplay takes more than motivation. You have to have appropriate goals that will have positive enforcement for you.
What goals should comic book creators have? Well, I’m not going to tell you not to have to make money as a goal. Although it shouldn’t be your primary goal. Making money is the best way to not only support yourself but to find your other creative projects. I have a membership model for my business. The money we get in revenue allows us to pay our artists on a monthly basis. Now, if you want to be a starving artist, by all means, do so. Yet, most of us want to make comics for the love of it, but we also want to make it a career.
The second goal for new creators should be to focus on creating a solid story. Notice I didn’t say great. Truth is, your first drafts are going to suck. Your first stories are going to suck. , You will learn how to use your craft and get better. So focus on making a solid story that has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
The third goal is figuring out how you will market and brand yourself. People won’t know about your book unless you guide them there. Do you need to know who your target audience is? Knowing your audience will allow you to build a relationship with your fans.
The fourth goal is to have fun! This should be challenging, and rewarding, but it should also be fun.
