I’m currently two-ish weeks into drawing my ~debut~ graphic novel, I’d Like You to Like Me (Spring 2026, Random House Graphic), and it feels like I’m trying to figure out how to draw all over again. I first came up with the story and drew up some sample pages in the summer of 2022, and it’s been a slowwwww journey to get to this point of finally being able to start drawing the book in earnest, almost two years later.
That being said, I’m feeling some major guilt because every other project has been thrown on the back burner for the foreseeable future, and that feels bad. I’m trying to grant myself some grace to focus solely on my book, but it truly feels like rewiring my brain. I’m worried that my waning online presence (lol) will hurt my efforts in the long run, but isn’t that such a silly thing to worry about? But also isn’t that a totally valid thing to worry about?
As you can see from the various comics sprinkled throughout this post, it turns out that stressing about being productive is not a new subject for me, surprise surprise!
P.S. I have the above comic available as a risograph mini print in my shop 😉
Your work is so amazing. It's nourishing visually and spiritually for me. Thank you for sharing your discomfort. I am soooo excited that you are working on a book. And I trust that as you go forth a new balance will find its way. These transition times between priorities, places, projects are always so uncomfortable for me, but I am living on the road and doing them on constant 3 month cycles - I have learned so much about presence and flexibility. Sending you grounding and inspiration!
I really struggle with the same thing! The constant cycle of productivity vs. shame and the blurred lines between self-worth and the art that we make is a lot to come to terms with. But I think self-awareness is so important and maybe these cycles are a necessary part of the process??