This is the reality of the jobbing artist, and hardly anyone will say it out loud. The bit about the perception of your success being reflected back until you start measuring your actual life against it, that's the part that does the quiet damage, and you've named it properly. The six million a year listing is almost too good, the sort of detail nobody would dare invent.
Thank you for writing it plainly. The refusal to fake it isn't naivety, it's the thing that makes the work worth trusting in the first place.
Thank you for this thoughtful reply. Very much appreciated. There's a lot of grandstanding, BS, and false expectations/projections when it comes to comic artists. For the most part it's a regular salary, but it gets framed as a kind of stardom, when in fact only a very few truly become rich from the industry, no matter how good they are.
I can’t fully understand because I’m not one. Full-stop. But when I was researching the book I spoke to a lot of artists, writers and creators who do all the other little-big-things people rarely notice. I heard the same sentiment … the grind, the hours, the “just making it through” and the sentiment was very much the same as yours. As fans we tend to look in on our heroes and think “they’re living the dream” but on the other side of the mirror is a cost of living crisis, a “where the fuck is my next brief coming from” crisis, and crisis of confidence crisis etc etc. Everyone is human at the end of the day.
I don't know who told you to shut up, but they can go fuck themselves. I love that you are so honest and open about these things. It means a huge amount to us struggling artists.
I wanted to take some time where I would not be distracted while reading this.
I appreciate your integrity Liam.
Everything you say here rings true for you. I have known you long enough to see these feelings cycle through a couple of times.
My first instinct is always to reach out in a sincere and thoughtful way.
I know now that you're expressing what you feel and who you are in the moment enough to know that you don't need my support. You have that amazing family that does that.
Lastly , anyone who uses the term "over-sensitive" should just stick with sensitive ffs.
It's one of those things that you are or you are not. You're a big, empathetic bear and may the Gods bless ya for it.
Brutally, soberingly honest. Admirable. I think it's sad and unjust you haven't had more financial reward. I recently wrote something on Substack to the effect that I have toiled in the satanic mills of corporate journalism for going on 30 years as a writer, editor & content creator. In that time I also managed tp write 6 'real' books, 2 with my beloved better half.. I think the net revenue of all 6 books is about equal to 3 or 4 months corporate pay. But those books gave me so many other intangible rewards, meetings with readers, new acquaintances and unique meetings and experiences. Of course, you need to earn a living, but success isn't always measured in money. I always say, I hope everyone gets what they deserve, good and bad people. But it ain't always so, but you are good folks Liam, and your karma is good. Keep da faith bro!
Whenever I think of your name and "The Truth," I'm reminded of that stunningly beautiful Wonder Woman story arc you drew with that title, based on Greg Rucka's script. For me, "the truth" is that you are indeed an extraordinary artist whose work has given me joy on many occasions. I hope that every time you create a new piece of art you feel a little of that joy too...
Hi Liam, I really appreciate the honesty with which you share your experiences, and the candidness with which you express your thoughts and feelings. As you say throughout this post, life is hard, even when it doesn't seem like it is. Sometimes (perhaps often times) you just have to be real about what you're going through, even if it's unpleasant to admit and if others don't want to hear it. I'm sorry to hear about the trauma you're currently experiencing. I cannot begin to imagine the emotional toll that's having, the stress that that's causing, and how that's impacting your everyday life. Just know I'll support you any which way I can. Take care of yourself, Liam.
You are choking me up (if that is English well enough to state I am fighting back some feelings and tears). I am not the artist you are, but as much human. And I feel we struggle alike, day by day. Some things (a lot even) are eloquently expressing things I am living through myself even though I am much less equipped in talking about it.
Folks often find my oversharing much, and dismiss me by it. Especially behind my back and even figuratively stabbing me in the back over it.
But in you, I see a kindred spirit and realize there are more folks that are oversharing. We make it then a form of connection even. Even a "i am only human and so are we all" momentum in which we perhaps see humanity with all the problems we have. Especially as individual.
Thanks for the expression of your feelings and thoughs, Liam.
YES you will get a massive hug when finally we meet again
YES I also look silly in an Aygo, but I can recommend the Peugeot 108 as alternative, from experience :)
Never change.
Follow your vision.
Win the lottery (if possible).
Ignore any advice I might offer.
This is the reality of the jobbing artist, and hardly anyone will say it out loud. The bit about the perception of your success being reflected back until you start measuring your actual life against it, that's the part that does the quiet damage, and you've named it properly. The six million a year listing is almost too good, the sort of detail nobody would dare invent.
Thank you for writing it plainly. The refusal to fake it isn't naivety, it's the thing that makes the work worth trusting in the first place.
Thank you for this thoughtful reply. Very much appreciated. There's a lot of grandstanding, BS, and false expectations/projections when it comes to comic artists. For the most part it's a regular salary, but it gets framed as a kind of stardom, when in fact only a very few truly become rich from the industry, no matter how good they are.
I can’t fully understand because I’m not one. Full-stop. But when I was researching the book I spoke to a lot of artists, writers and creators who do all the other little-big-things people rarely notice. I heard the same sentiment … the grind, the hours, the “just making it through” and the sentiment was very much the same as yours. As fans we tend to look in on our heroes and think “they’re living the dream” but on the other side of the mirror is a cost of living crisis, a “where the fuck is my next brief coming from” crisis, and crisis of confidence crisis etc etc. Everyone is human at the end of the day.
The grind is very real. And there is zero security.
I don't know who told you to shut up, but they can go fuck themselves. I love that you are so honest and open about these things. It means a huge amount to us struggling artists.
Hey brother,
I wanted to take some time where I would not be distracted while reading this.
I appreciate your integrity Liam.
Everything you say here rings true for you. I have known you long enough to see these feelings cycle through a couple of times.
My first instinct is always to reach out in a sincere and thoughtful way.
I know now that you're expressing what you feel and who you are in the moment enough to know that you don't need my support. You have that amazing family that does that.
Lastly , anyone who uses the term "over-sensitive" should just stick with sensitive ffs.
It's one of those things that you are or you are not. You're a big, empathetic bear and may the Gods bless ya for it.
Brutally, soberingly honest. Admirable. I think it's sad and unjust you haven't had more financial reward. I recently wrote something on Substack to the effect that I have toiled in the satanic mills of corporate journalism for going on 30 years as a writer, editor & content creator. In that time I also managed tp write 6 'real' books, 2 with my beloved better half.. I think the net revenue of all 6 books is about equal to 3 or 4 months corporate pay. But those books gave me so many other intangible rewards, meetings with readers, new acquaintances and unique meetings and experiences. Of course, you need to earn a living, but success isn't always measured in money. I always say, I hope everyone gets what they deserve, good and bad people. But it ain't always so, but you are good folks Liam, and your karma is good. Keep da faith bro!
Whenever I think of your name and "The Truth," I'm reminded of that stunningly beautiful Wonder Woman story arc you drew with that title, based on Greg Rucka's script. For me, "the truth" is that you are indeed an extraordinary artist whose work has given me joy on many occasions. I hope that every time you create a new piece of art you feel a little of that joy too...
Hi Liam, I really appreciate the honesty with which you share your experiences, and the candidness with which you express your thoughts and feelings. As you say throughout this post, life is hard, even when it doesn't seem like it is. Sometimes (perhaps often times) you just have to be real about what you're going through, even if it's unpleasant to admit and if others don't want to hear it. I'm sorry to hear about the trauma you're currently experiencing. I cannot begin to imagine the emotional toll that's having, the stress that that's causing, and how that's impacting your everyday life. Just know I'll support you any which way I can. Take care of yourself, Liam.
This was really good. Thanks, Liam.
That was worthy. Thank you.
Doc, thank you for what you do and how you are.
You are choking me up (if that is English well enough to state I am fighting back some feelings and tears). I am not the artist you are, but as much human. And I feel we struggle alike, day by day. Some things (a lot even) are eloquently expressing things I am living through myself even though I am much less equipped in talking about it.
Folks often find my oversharing much, and dismiss me by it. Especially behind my back and even figuratively stabbing me in the back over it.
But in you, I see a kindred spirit and realize there are more folks that are oversharing. We make it then a form of connection even. Even a "i am only human and so are we all" momentum in which we perhaps see humanity with all the problems we have. Especially as individual.
Thanks for the expression of your feelings and thoughs, Liam.
YES you will get a massive hug when finally we meet again
YES I also look silly in an Aygo, but I can recommend the Peugeot 108 as alternative, from experience :)