Thiiiis. People can smell a "What can you do for me" opportunist from miles away. You have just as much, if not more, to learn from your peers than you do chasing the pros above you. And it becomes really clear when you don't have those sorts of genuine relationships to lean back on for support.
Make friends. Real ones.
Maybe they’ll be your collaborators and maybe they won’t. Maybe your careers will grow together, maybe they won’t. That part doesn’t matter as much as real honest connection.
Develop real friendships in the space with people you can trust.
Jan 26, 2026 02:06Like Holly said, make friends. Be so excited for your friends. When they get gigs, it doesn't mean they're taking gigs from you. Hype people up even when they're not in the room. Cast a wide net of reading, support, and genuine interest in others. Find your folks, and be nice to others.
I'm speaking from 10 years of experience writing comics, learning and growing, watching peers and people just a bit above me on the ladder succeeding and creating and overcoming challenges too.
I also saw the opportunists come out after my first "real gig". Don't be a "Well, who booked you?" guy.
Yeah, do not alienate the people who will actually understand the anxiety and uncertainty with all that.
Exactly. I think that also goes hand in hand with like, every writer should try coloring and lettering or thumbnailing at least once. Remember that it's a team sport on any book. Be humble, be supportive, and find people on your same playing field.
God, I would love to participate in some kind of workshop panel at a con for comics writers where we get walked through the basics of inking, lettering, etc. instead of there being another "how to write a script" or "pitch a series" panel. So valuable to practice these things.
I wish so badly I knew how to have an eye for lettering. I did my own lettering for a 24 hour comics sprint with a friend and boy... there sure are words in places on those pages. Agreed, there should be more of this kind of programming available at shows and events.
