Midlife Comic Crisis: Following a Dream to Become a Comic Artist

Illustration by Kris Black

All my life I’ve wanted to be a comic artist.

As a teenager, I wanted to draw pages like John Romita Jr., Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, Mark Bagley, and Art Adams. I practiced for hours inking over my pencils hoping I’d become as good as Klaus Janson or Scott Williams.

In college, I studied the work of Bill Watterson, creator of everyone’s favorite six-year-old boy and his tiger. When I declared my major as a graphic designer I saw the art of typography and lettering with new eyes. I fell in love with comic book lettering. I wanted to be as steady as John Workman and efficient as John Roshell from Comicraft.

After graduating I knew I was a better graphic designer than a comic artist so I took my first graphic design job. Years later I shifted into web and interaction design, but I still long to be a comic artist.

I decided that 2017 is the year I pursue my dream of becoming a comic artist. Nothing too ambitious or life changing. I love my day job and career, but I want to make sure I don’t ignore my passion. I’m starting small, focused on using my skills as an interactive designer and cartoonist.

On January 28, 2017, I will exhibit at the 40th anniversary of Charlotte Mini-Con. I’ll be there promoting my creation called Visionary Creator Trading Card Series.

I won’t be going alone to Charlotte Mini-Con. Adam Daughhetee of Dollar Bin agreed to go with me. He’ll be there selling Dollar Bin merchandise.

Having attended many comic conventions as a collector and fan, I know what to expect. Yet, I can’t prepare myself for the experience of being an artist selling my own stuff. I’m so excited and can’t wait to promote my work.

A part of me is a little scared about this, but I know I’ll be okay and have a lot of fun.

I’ll post more in the coming days about the Visionary Creator series. If anyone is planning on attending Charlotte Mini-Con let us know in the comments.