10.

Get used to it.

Creative people have always been labeled as odd, weird,

eccentric. Most people thought Vincent Van Gogh was crazy.

When he was alive, the only person who bought his paintings

was his brother. At auction, his Sunflower painting sold for $40

million! The sooner you do not care what people say about you,

the better off you will be.

11.

Collaborate.

If you really are an artist, not a writer, then find a partner who writes.

And if you really are a writer, not an artist, find a partner who draws.

Some of the best graphic novels are collaborations. When you

collaborate, you work together.

If you find somebody who you work well with, then the final

product may be better than it would have been if you worked alone.

Paul McCartney and John Lennon of the Beatles, were both great

musicians and songwriters on their own, but together they were

magical!

12.

Walk away.

Some days you may not be able to do your graphic novel because

you have too much to do, or there has been a family problem, or the

love of your life breaks up with you. (Actually, having a broken heart

is a great time to write a graphic novel!) If it’s one of those days when

it’s just not happening, then take a break. Go for a walk and breathe

in fresh air. When you come back to your drawing board, you will

see your work with new eyes.

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