On Success…
Showing up every day without fail is the surest way to achieving everlasting success.
Many of the most famous creators didn’t achieve their success early on. Maria Popova’s excellent article, The Long Game: Brilliant Visual Essays on the Only Secret to Creative Success, from Leonardo da Vinci to Marie Curie touches on this notion. Many of the most accomplished writers, authors and musicians had to toil away in obscurity for decades before they were noticed. It is this unflinching dedication to one’s craft that comes up as a key ingredient to success.
But given our culture’s affinity for instant gratification and its celebration of youth, how many people have the patience to wait?
In my own experience, I have toiled away for 15+ years making comics. I have had my share of ups and downs. But I have continued to persevere because it brings me tremendous satisfaction. I have also been able to measure my progress.
For example, here’s how my first comics online looked like:
My persistence has lead to numerous opportunities, and all the while, I have continued to hone my craft. For me, success is simply a by-product of hard work and effort. Keep hammering away at what you love, whether it’s writing, making music, or creating art. Don’t do it for success – do it for yourself. You’ll be happier for it.
-Krishna
Daniel Sharp
May 24, 2014 at 11:49 pmI think that this is some solid advice that I’ll take to heart. I hope to be able to say in 15 years that I kept plugging away and didn’t give up :)
Karl
May 25, 2014 at 12:40 amBeen at it now for over 25 years still driving myself to create. To be honest, although I do find myself “happy” when I’m actually sitting down producing my strip, I constantly have to dig down deep to keep myself pushing forward.
Krishna M. Sadasivam
May 25, 2014 at 10:43 amHappiness counts for a lot, Karl. In my view, there’s a certain satisfaction to know that you have created something that you can share with others. That’s the thing that really keeps me going (even if it’s frustrating at times…)
TimothyDempsey
May 25, 2014 at 5:33 amI noticed lately in your writing and Twitter profile that you seem to be phasing out the use of the word “webcomics”.
A conscious decision, or my imagination?
Krishna M. Sadasivam
May 25, 2014 at 10:42 amhi Timothy – yes, in my view: comics are comics now – even standard print comics are appearing on the web. The line has blurred, with professionals dipping their toes into the medium of online comics.
Kong Lu
June 3, 2014 at 6:36 pmman…. i honestly thought i was the first to thought up this idea. advertising using comics is so much more entertaining. is this ur career now? or just a side job? how much do u make on each contract?…. if u dont mind disclosing…