I saw this great Tiktok by Tavern Coffee House:
In order to take the next step forward - getting a promotion, asking someone out, or publishing your first comic - you have to do what's uncomfortable.
It’ll feel vulnerable. Scary. But keep at it - while being kind to yourself and learning as much as you can - and it’ll become comfortable. You might even be surprised to see you how much you've leveled up along the way.
This TikTok creator said he was grant-writing for six years before he got comfortable and gained confidence doing it. I can relate! Here are some examples from making comics:
I worked on my first story in the Solaa's Order universe over 3 years…
4 years on the next one…
And this year, my short story for the upcoming Kids Comics Unite anthology. (For more about my process, see parts 1, 2, and 3.)
I'm struck by the differences in these pages - not only in what I see, but how I remember feeling at the time. Over the last 10 years, I've replaced self-criticism with curiosity, and judgment with empathy. I’m still letting go of my perfectionist voice but am finally at home in the uncomfortable zone. It's an exciting place to be. It's where great things are going to happen - not just in creating comics, but also other parts of my life!
I wish there was a shortcut but there just isn't. That said, the time put in really can pay off, as you say - very cool to see your pay-off exhibited through your comics over the years. Glad to see you at home in the uncomfy zone! Great things in store for you indeed! 🎉
It really is so cool to see your progress in such a visible way! Taking time to look back at your earlier work is such a good way to combat perfectionism. I should do it more often too. :)