Art & Story 113 – The Big Ego

This week we answer an email from Storrior Ross Hardy:

Ego (The Big Ego?) Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of ego in the comics industry (and I suppose in art in general). I’d love to hear your thoughts on egoism in comics in art, your own struggles with ego, etc. Maybe some advice for budding comics artists about avoiding getting sucked into egoism.

At the risk of treading the territory usually reserved for motivational speakers, Mark and I do our best to share some of our own experiences dealing with ego and where the balance lies (at least for us). We break our discussion into three sections, covering the following topics:

Problem #1 – Lack of Ego
How we can easily talk ourselves out of taking on a project

• This isn’t my best stuff
• Someone else already did it, and did it well, so who am I to try?
• He/She is way more famous/successful than I’ll ever be
• Everyone will call me out as a fraud when they see my work or read my writings

Problem #2 – Too much Ego
How we can find ourselves resting on our laurels and no longer creating and innovating

• There are a LOT of talented creators out there besides you
• You can always learn from someone else
• Don’t buy into your own hype
• There are far better ways to achieve celebrity than making comics

Solution – It’s Self-Esteem, not Ego
We should be proud of the work we do, but our pride should reside in the work, not ourselves.

• Doing good work makes you feel better about yourself, so do the best work that you can, and don’t compare or compete with anyone else
• It’s fun to compete, but in a spirit of play
• It’s never too late, and you have time to improve
• Fake it ‘til you make it

For more listening on these sorts of topics (from sources far more qualified to talk about them!):

• Chris Oatley’s Artcast
• The Sound of Young America – Merlin Mann on being creative and getting over your fear of sucking
• Ted Seko’s Idiot Engine

The Art & Story Theme is written and performed by
Mike Gilmore & Mike Johnston of The Northwoods Improvisors.

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