August Update: Lots of Change, and Also Some Comic Fairs
In this issue, we speak about the new chapter of The Last Day of Rain, a Kickstarter about Change and everything else that happened over the last couple of months!
Hi friends, and welcome to another month at Comics, Sci-Fi and Things!
I hope you’re keeping well, new subscribers and long-term ones, and that you’re coping with the mildly disappointing British weather or the skin-melting heat everywhere else.
It’s been two (or three?) months since my last newsletter, where I told you I would try and spend more time doing the things I love, drawing and storytelling. Learning how to increase the reach of my comics took quite a toll on me and almost made me lose the joy of creating them.
So I’m letting go of some activities to make room for others, which you can read further in the “Less is more” section. The newsletter is NOT one of them, and I’ll keep sending it more or less regularly.
Enough talk now; on to the content! 🥁
This week’s issue features a review of a sci-fi webcomic that you sure won’t want to miss, images from the second chapter of The Last Day of Rain, an anthology about Change, donations for climate change, a shift in the mood of my work, and a few others. Lots of Change, you see!
Finally, I speak a little about why I self-publish my comics instead of pitching to publishers, so if that interests you, please ignore all my blabbering and skip to that section or read it directly here.
Let’s GO!
The Story Continues: the Second Chapter is Here!
Previously I showed you a sketch that I was working on for the second chapter of The Last Day of Rain. I’m thrilled to tell you that the chapter took the shape of a book two months later and is ready to order!
If you remember the sketch from last time, here’s how it ended up:
This sequence features Carol running across Rother High (formerly known as Rotherhithe) in the scorching London heat of 2091 and finally finding a haven in the air-conditioned IT repair shop/cafe where she works.
Continue reading to see more images and an insider look!
A Shift in Mood
I learned in the months that I’ve been self-publishing my work that I feel best about the stories that end on a hopeful or happy note.
So that’s the kind of ending that I want to focus on from now, even in the stories that start as sad or have complicated themes.
Thankfully, and giving you a little hint at what’s coming, The Last Day of Rain is one such story!
A Comic about Violins and Grief
This year I’m participating in an anthology packed with talented artists, and the theme is “CHANGE”. Joe Stone organises it at WIP Comics, and it’s the first time that any work of mine features in a Kickstarter campaign. It’s also our first Kickstarter as a group. So we’re all very excited about it!
Continue reading the article to learn why I created this comic and why it’s a return to my roots.
Web Comic Review: Kamikaze
I’m reviewing a comic from the other side of the pond today. Kamikaze is a sci-fi webcomic co-created by Carrie Tupper, Alan Tupper and Havana Nguyen, and you can read more about them on their website. Alan and Carrie also run the friendly Comics.Town Mastodon server, where I have my own account.
The first thing people tend to mention when they speak about a story with beautiful art is that, well… it’s a story with beautiful art. However, for this one, the masterful writing and the lettering design shine as much as the drawings, and it’s unfair to mention any one of them without relating it to the others.
Less is more. Maybe?
After hitting my limits, I realised that I needed to change how I approach life if I wanted to keep working for a living and making comics simultaneously. That led me to think seriously about what I want to focus on.
And, at least until the end of the year, that means finishing The Last Day of Rain, attending the fairs that I have booked, and studying to improve my skills.
With some personal pain, I also had to let go of some activities, even those I enjoy doing, so I have time for myself, my family, and my friends from now on. But that only means more quality time for the comic… and this newsletter too!
Why I Self-publish My Comics
Many writers and artists spend a lifetime perfecting their skills, and eventually, they create a body of work that is ready to pitch to publishing houses. But I wasn’t sure if I wanted to work with publishers, so I started self-publishing as soon as I felt I had enough knowledge. I needed to understand the entire process behind creating, publishing and marketing a graphic novel before I tried to work with others (which I very much want to).
Part of that experience has included attending fairs and conventions. Here’s me, barely awake, showcasing my stuff at LFCC a couple of weeks back, sporting a cheeky Hello Kitty pin from the lovely apshiq:
Read the full article for a sneak peek into how it really feels to be a self-published creator.
Comics for Climate Change
In the past two events I attended, I donated 5% of my sales to charities related to climate change. I’ll keep on doing it after every event regardless of whether I break even on not. It makes me feel good, given how much paper I use… even if just a little!
Charities donated to so far:
The Climate Coalition (London Film & Comic Con)
Rainforest Trust UK (South London Comic & Zine Fair)
Let me know if you’d like to suggest any charity you’re passionate about! (No one ever does, but eh…)
Next fairs, and also fewer fairs
This year, I had the chance to table at a few fairs and conventions. In all of them, I met many lovely people, both artists and comic book fans, and I learned which events made me happier. Ultimately, for me, it's about how much the organisers make an effort to create an event where everyone feels welcome and how much fun I have with other artists tabling by my side!
I realised I prefer indie fairs or smaller events, where I can hang out with people and sell simultaneously. Plymouth Comic and Zine Fair and South London Comic & Zine Fair were my favourites!
So I reshuffled my agenda a little, and here’s this year’s confirmed line-up so far (hopefully there will be others, so keep an eye on this space!):
August 6: London The Big Market, Lewisham
November 11–12: Harrogate Thought Bubble
December 2: Edinburgh Tags Fest
The next one will be The Big Market in Lewisham, and there will be all sorts of things for sale, as well as music and drinks, so come along if you're in the area! I’m sure that will be something for everyone.
Disclaimer: I won't guarantee you'll find me sober at my table if there’s beer around, sorry. 💩
Next up
This month, I'm finishing my comic for the WIP anthology. And then, I will go straight into creating some concept art for the third chapter of The Last Day or Rain, which will require me to create a WHOLE city. It should be fun. I'll tell you how it went next time!
See you soon, and, as usual, thank you for reading my ramblings! For more frequent updates, you can find me on the following socials:
Instagram (the one I update regularly)
Ex-Twitter (what the hell is going on with that?!)
That said, have a great month! If you’re working hard, take good, long breaks to recharge. There’s only one of you, and you’re not replaceable. :)
Claudia