I'm a comics artist

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Before you read: all art included in this is glazed for protection against AI theft. There are some affiliate links in this post, as well.

I sent out a personal comic about feeling lost in my art style after doing The Artist’s Way. I think a huge issue for me is I’ve been deeply uncomfortable with the “Comics Artist” title. Being considered a comics artist feels like something given to you, not something you put on yourself. The reason I’ve been so hesitant to apply it to myself is that I am not what people think of when they think of a “comics artist” and I worry “real comics artists” won’t want me in their club. This is all fiction made up in my own head because, when I say it all aloud all it does is expose my own fears, self imposed limitations, and self judgements. I have believed a title to not include me, meanwhile the title absolutely includes me and I need to let myself allow that title to only be one part of how I see my work (not even how I define it, necessarily).

I’ve got two graphic novels out. One more coming out next year and two under contract and under way. I literally make comics for a living! Comics pay my bills. I make comics nearly every single day.

I’m a comics artist. I’m not just a comics artist… I’m a comics artist with an Eisner nomination. So the title kinda has been given to me in addition to me owning it.

And I’m owning it now.

I, Lily Williams, am a comics artist.

Dirt

What’s going on over here and what am I working on?

I’ve been working on redoing my illustration portfolio and it’s been a mind field of existential questions. Questions like: Am I a comics artist? (hint: I am)

I’ve been playing with a lot of various soft textures and practicing what I’m trying to say. My hands sometimes shake and so I get self conscious of my lines, but honestly… I really like my lines. I’ve just been afraid of embracing how strong and bold they are. A theme, apparently. When I look at the little drawing below though, I really like it in all its forms and styles. It looks like mine both ways.

Water

What’s helping nourish my mind and creativity right now?

I’ve been making a lot of art right now and P A U S E S are what’s fueling me. I’ve been purposefully putting my work down and doing things that feel like they fill my cup. This was emphasized in The Artist’s Way and I’m trying to just breathe it in more as I continue on in life.

Also I’ve been watching a lot of Smosh again — so fun! My husband and I are going as The Chosen from Smosh for halloween. Enjoy some art about it, and a video.

Grow

The results of the hard labor.

In January I’ll have a lot more to share with you! But right now I’m going into the winter season, hunkering down and focusing on what’s to come. Working diligently, and playing well.

Here’s some things I’ve done recently that I’d like to share with you: