Category: Process

When people ask how I’ve managed to stay consistent and avoid burnout with The Barrier Scroll while juggling work, writing, illustration, design, and life, my answer is usually the same: Sustainability.

I’ve never been the kind of creator who wanted to (or even can) move at breakneck speed. From the very inception of The Barrier Scroll, I knew this was going to be a long journey. A marathon not a sprint. An epic story meant to unfold over years.

When I started this project, I looked at how much time and energy it takes to build a world, draw it, write it, and still stay connected to the audience that believes in it. And I thought: If I want to do this for the long run, it’s got to be sustainable.

The Long Run Mindset

If you know me and hear me talk about this project I’ll always say: “I’m in this for the long run”. And I mean that, wholeheartedly.

For me this isn’t just a webcomic, it’s a legacy project. I want to ‘git good’ at drawing. I want to improve my writing. I want to learn new things as I go. A sustainable pace allows me to do that, to sit within the creative process and do well; by the narrative, by the readers, and also by me. I want to be proud of this project 10 years from now; and I want to honor this narrative the way I believe it deserves. Also, this story is long, and I mean to tell every word of it, as long as that takes me.

Why I Went Against the Norm

I made a decision that felt almost rebellious in webcomic culture: I wasn’t going to chase output.

✦ No bi-weekly updates (or weekly! sheesh).
✦ No sleepless nights trying to meet arbitrary deadlines.
✦ No sprinting toward burnout worried I’ll lose readers or subs (you’re going to lose these no matter what you do but the right people will always stay with you).

It wasn’t the popular choice. In fact, a looooot of mutuals told me it would never work. That without a constant barrage of updates and a hustle mindset I’d never build an audience. That readers would lose interest. That my story wouldn’t get traction. That no one would read it. (I still have a hustle mindset though, this I recommend).

But I’ve always believed the opposite: that consistency (in whatever form that means for you, mine’s monthly), quality, and care create their own gravity. And over time, that gravity pulls the right audience in. And in full transparency? It has(ish). It’s taken some time, patience, and even a good deal of heartache to see this happening, but it has and continues to. I focused on a cadence I can maintain indefinitely, not temporarily–while giving myself some grace, I’ve missed months here or there before…because of, you know, life. But this allows me to stay excited about the story, protect the quality of the art, and preserve the emotional tone from one episode to the next.

Don’t Listen to the Naysayers

Here’s what I’ve learned: sustainable pacing doesn’t slow growth, it strengthens it. When readers can feel that you’re invested, they invest back. They’ll say things to me like, “I’d love to read more episodes but I can tell how long it takes you to make these, there’s so much care and love put into this.”

So don’t listen to the naysayers: That you can’t build an audience without constant updates. My philosophy is proof that you can, if done with intention and consistency. Sustainability is the foundation of growth. Besides…

I’m in this for the long run.

Photo by SAMANTA SANTY on Unsplash

As a webcomic creator, it can be tough when what you’ve created isn’t resonating with people. You’ve poured your time, heart, and energy into crafting your story, only to feel disheartened by the lack of response. Maybe it’s been tough to find an audience, or maybe you have one, and it’s difficult to engage them. The truth is, you’re not alone—many creators wrestle with these feelings. When external acknowledgment overshadows your passion, it might be helpful to refocus, take a step back, and reconnect with your “why.”

Here are a few tips to help shift your perspective and rekindle finding joy in the process:

Reflect on Your Creative Journey
Take time to think about your path as a webcomic creator. Keep these answers in a place you can revisit later. Ask yourself:
• Why did you start making your webcomic?
• What excites you about your story and characters?
• What do you enjoy the most about working on your webcomic?
• How far have you come since starting this project?

Visualize Your Story’s Long-Term Impact
Imagine someone discovering your webcomic years from now and being moved by it. How would they describe the emotions they felt while reading? What would they love about your characters and world? This visualization can remind you that your work has the potential to resonate with people, even if engagement is slow right now.

Write a Love Letter to Your Story
Take a moment to write down everything you love about your webcomic. Celebrate the unique world you’ve built, the characters you’ve brought to life, and the challenges you’ve overcome to tell your story. This can be a personal exercise or even something you share to express your dedication to your work.

Celebrate Small Milestones
It’s easy to overlook small victories when you’re focused on big goals. Celebrate moments like:
• Completing a challenging panel or episode.
• Developing a deeper understanding of your characters and their motivations.
• Improving your workflow or overcoming creative blocks.
• Being brave enough to share your art and narrative with others.

Save the Positives and Revisit Them Later
Whenever someone sends me a nice message, comment, piece of art, or effort towards what I’m making. I save it in my Notion to look at on a later day. Usually when I’m feeling low. It helps me reframe my state of mind.

Give Yourself Permission to Pause, Take a Break, or Rest
It’s ok to take a step back or try something else if this experience doesn’t serve you. Be kind to yourself, you’re doing the best you can.

_{Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash}

Every artist has moments of doubt, moments when the path forward unclear. I’ve had my share of those moments, and they’ve pushed me to pause and reflect. But this isn’t a blog post about feeling sorry for myself. It’s a story about perseverance and why I’m more excited than ever to pour my heart into my craft this year.

When I first started creating, I had dreams of connecting with people who would see the worlds I build and the stories I weaved. And while those connections have started to form, I’ve realized something important: creating is a journey (not a destination). Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does building a community that truly resonates with your work.

Instead of dwelling on what hasn’t gone as planned, I’ve been asking myself questions: how can I do better? How can I create stories that aren’t just good, but unforgettable? How can I grow not just as an artist, but as someone who inspires and connects with others?

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

Honesty and Vulnerability Matter
When I share my process, struggles, or even the imperfections in my work, I notice something: people respond. We all crave authenticity, and there’s something deeply human about admitting, “I’m not perfect, but I’m trying.”

Setback and Disappointments are Learning Opportunities
I used to see low engagement or quiet responses as failures. Now, I want to look at them as opportunities. If something doesn’t resonate, it’s not a dead end…it’s feedback and a chance to refine my craft. Growth is uncomfortable I get it, but it’s also exhilarating because every stumble brings me closer to the creator I want to become.

Creation is a Dialog
Social media isn’t just a platform to share; it’s a space to listen. What excites you? What draws you into a story? I want to create art that feels like a dialogue, not a monologue. Together, maybe we can build something that feels meaningful.

Passion Is Seen and Felt
When I’m excited about my work, I hope it shows. I want to lean into what lights me up…the characters I love, the narrative that keeps me awake at night! My hope is that by pouring passion into every part of The Barrier Scroll, I’ll create something that ignites a similar spark in you.

This journey is far from over, and any support means more than I can say, and it fuels my determination to keep growing (and creating!). With every new piece of art and every word I write, I’ll strive to give to the world something worth connecting with, and I’ll continue to work on getting better with my craft.