Reframe it

Future Matt:

Hi all, I found this writing I forgot to post, I like it a lot. When I wrote this I was deep in thought on what I want. Still am as it seems, but I hope this helps. Cheers to a new year. Kept the original date above for clarity.

Reframe it.

The last month of the year is an insightful one for many. Its a time we take to reevaluate, and look back on the year. Looking back on the goals, accomplished or otherwise. Not mentioned enough, is its a time for forgiveness of ones self. The goals you made in January, did not take into account the year you would be dealt.

I’ll jump right in with my big lesson of the year. With much thought of how to put it into words, I’ve found it boils down to this — Just because you want something to be one way, doesn’t mean it is, or ever will be. Now many would read that as a fairly pessimistic view, but for myself it is freeing. Acceptance in my problems is something I’ve always struggled with. Give me a hammer and I’ll beat the problem to death. Hell, don’t GIVE me anything and I’ll find a way. The longer I spent ruminating on a problem, the more complex it would get. Until I realized, these problems are only as big as you make them.

Which bring me to things I know will be, and is.

I know I love to draw, and I love to tell stories. (Personal side of things aside).

Much of anything else is just static. You see what you put into the world. There are times where I consider quitting everything, and thats all I see around me. Other times I’m elated with how grande the things I love are, and can be, that becomes all I see around me. My intention here is not to dismiss anyones struggles, there are many very real, more tangible problems in this world. But to under-line when possible, to focus on what you know will be, and is, as I have found that is something powerful.

Indie Comics in mind.

Of what is, and what will be. Year after year this field changes, it changes just enough to make it more difficult for those in it. With the decline and shift of platforms, new technologies, and ever-growing expenses. I’ve seen many creators pull back, or quit entirely for very valid reasons.

For me, its taken some reframing, and the thing is, like I mentioned above, I love drawing, and telling stories. I love making comics. Which is the only thing I’m not quitting. So if you fall into this category or have become disillusioned with indie comics. You have the option to quit the aspects of it you don’t want to be part of.

The scope of my next year making will consist mainly of creating. I have two incredible books I’m working on. The Eternal Dieback, a dark fantasy graphic novel, that admittedly has been on the back burner lately. I’ve been considering some different publishing avenues once its finished that I’m excited about. The second being Kill-Lock Cowboy that has some great momentum. I’m hoping to publish that on Kickstarter in early 2025.

The other target is relocating my website, we’re currently on Wix. The platform is decent, the pricing how-ever is not. Essentially putting the indie back into comics. I’ve found a few alternative options I’ll discuss once I’ve chosen.

Until then, I hope this brought some positivity into your day. Keep Making!

/The Most Electrifying Artist in Sequential Entertainment

-Matt Rowe