Fed-Up? New Years Blues

[Leah-Admin]

I dunno why but I'm feeling fed-up and like this cartooning game is a very up-hill climb and everytime I take a step forward I take two backwards. I'm hoping it's just New Year blues and the fact 2 clients haven't paid up, being a hiccup rather than a growing 'theme'.

Anyone else got a touch of the new Year blues?

[Simon Lake]

I dunno why but I'm feeling fed-up and like this cartooning game is a very up-hill climb and everytime I take a step forward I take two backwards. I'm hoping it's just New Year blues and the fact 2 clients haven't paid up, being a hiccup rather than a growing 'theme'.

Anyone else got a touch of the new Year blues?

Now you know how I feel on a permanent basis lol. I don't think it's really much to do with the New Year's blues as such Leah. Professional Cartooning is a tough nut to crack and a long and winding road with little or no light at the end of the tunnel. That said, you have done extremely well in the short time that you have embarked on the venture. I put this down to your brazen confidence and Marketing savvy that you have obviously acquired from your Writing exploits. I've been at it for about 10 years (but don't let this discourage you, for the times they are a changin' with the internet) and I'll bet you've already had more success than me.

Hang in there and chin up. You have the ammo and the know- how, now I reckon it's best to develop your style and maybe look at doing something more focused and simplified such as Jason Dodge with his cows, Mike Spencer with his self- portrait character and even me with my Business/ Corporate approach. (eg: your sexist/ naughty/ Family? gags, I dunno...narrow it down) Just an idea, but it would give you some direction while you do develop your style and shed that light at the end of the tunnel. I can't even start to think about doing something like that myself 'cos I basically need a fast fix right now but you have time on your hands. You still have your writing and in the long run you should be looking at putting the two together. What you've done so far is very admirable. Happy New Year!

[Leah-Admin]

Thanks Simon I very much appreciate your vote of confidence and advice.

All is well again for now, my main client (the weekly strip) is still on board, just me being panicky. He also mentioned another magazine strip for new product so all is well for now in terms of business toon provision. I think though in terms of my own thing, I'm gonna practice the caricatures as that seems to be many cartoonists bread and butter.

[Leah-Admin]

ps re the naughty gags I did get a positive response from Poor re one of the Xmas ones. Not heard anything else since though.