It’s been a decade since my first post on ChrisDoesComics. For most a ten year anniversary could mean a good deal of reflection. And I am no different in that regard. When writing my last article for ChrisDoesComics, I couldn’t help but look back on my website and where I’ve been since it first launched. I started this blog back in August of 2011 as a means to put my artwork somewhere. I had confidence issues sharing my work. I kept my creations stowed away in sketchbooks and drawers. I did art only for myself concerning subjects I was passionate about to further my talent and abilities. Yet I learned a great way to do that is to share your work and be open to criticism.
ChrisDoesComics was my next step to grow. Building my own little corner of the internet for my art with the intention to work harder and smarter. A 24/7 gallery always updating for anyone to visit and view. With words I type to hold myself accountable creating new reasons to work harder on a piece and “finish” when I’m proud instead of just giving up on something.
ChrisDoesComics also became a geeky soapbox where I spewed out my opinions as well as personal goals and thoughts. It morphed into a weekly diary of unpacking life’s journey (or lack thereof). Broadcasting my feelings into a public void that I created. Looking back, ChrisDoesComics was a crude, disorganized, and angsty journal. Then again, I was a lonely 22 years old college grad in financial debt. I lived at home, wasn’t finding a job in my field, and working 2 dead end jobs. So, at the time, this website was very much a reflection of me: self deprecating, angry, silly, and ignorant. This website became a reminder that I didn’t want to lose sight of who I was: My name is Chris. I do comics.
As the years moved forward, so did my determination, confidence, and skill. And I believe my website truly reflected that. It became less about Chris and more about comics. I removed my past thoughts of negativity, ignorance, and insecurity. I organized and categorized everything for smooth navigation. I opened an art store. Started a podcast. I even began using social media (wow!). I was putting myself out there through my work. After all, that’s how I always wanted to be represented. It says more about me than any selfie or “about” page could.
In the 10 years since I opened ChrisDoesComics, I’ve lost a lot. Some by choice, some not. But at the same time, I have gained so much more. Nearly a decade of working professionally in the art industry, gallery shows, thousands of my pieces being sold as prints, stickers, patches, t-shirts, magazines, and canvases (many through brands I cherish). I’ve produced over 30 episodes of my own podcast, My writing solidified a job as a Comic Editor for IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. And I chisel away the steady goal of completing over 100 of my own comic strips! Yet on top of all that, I’ve met some amazing, talented, and kind people along the way. I’ve learned so much about my field, my passions, and myself.
And I truly believe the best is yet to come. I know this website is not going to be around forever. And, as it currently stands, it’s no longer a place where I have to prove anything. To myself or anyone else. ChrisDoesComics is a place to simply see what I’ve drawn, read about some old toy or comic I found, or listen to my best bud and I talk horror movies. It’s a self built monument to who I am at the moment. A niche within a niche. And, more than anything, it’s simply for me. But, as always, you’re more than welcome to join me…I’d be glad you came.
So I raise a virtual glass…not to new beginnings…but to moving forward and to all who have given ChrisDoesComics even a sliver of their time.
In the words of Sarah Connor, “There is no fate but what we make for ourselves…”
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Beautiful post!