When I am creating a Bonebag webcomic, I start with sticky notes. Sticky notes are great because they are the size of a single comic panel. If I don’t like it I can either redraw it on a new sticky note or move them around to make the comic better. Sticky notes are great for writing down ideas for later comics as well. Sometimes it’s as simple as writing down a funny title or even a comic outline. No cartoonist should be without their sticky notes.

Here’s the thing about making comics, it’s like therapy for me. I don’t do it for money. That would turn it into a job and I already have one of those. My favorite thing about creating comics is tracing over my rough sketches. I like fleshing out the drawing in ways that my early concept didn’t show. It’s like watching a flower unfold.

When I am trying to figure out something funny, the best place to look for inspiration is from other funny people. I like to look at funny puns and listen to other comedians. Humor is everywhere. Sometimes it’s in the little things. Things that happen in our lives. We just have to be observant.

A lot of people who create digital content measure their success by the number of followers they have or by the number of likes their stuff gets. For me, I measure success when I read a comment (sometimes a direct message) from a fellow artist, telling me how much they love my work. That it makes them laugh. That it brightens their day. That is a success. I hope to be doing this for a long time. Making comics for people to enjoy.

If I were to give someone advice, someone who is just starting out, I would tell them this: It’s ok if you don’t see a lot of progress. Just keep doing it so long as it makes you happy. Learn as you grow. Don’t do it for followers. Don’t do it for money (but don’t do it for free either). If someone wants you to draw them something, put a price on it. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you are worth.