I mentioned in a previous Substack post about writing novels and branching out into other creative fields like that(including YouTube, video editing, .etc) One reason is creative stagnation, but another reason is of a medical concern. I’ve been drawing for nearly 40 years. Over the last 10-15 years, I started doing digital colors as well, and lettering. That can cause a strain on one’s drawing hand and arm. Over the last year, I started noticing the toll this stress is taking. My wrist and forearm on my drawing hand getting tender and tensing up during rest now and again, but it is noticeable.
BACK STORY - GOIN’ BACK!
Just to give a little context to the above statements: When I was a kid, I used to draw a lot and write a lot. However, I staggered these activities. For a whole year I’d do nothing but draw; then the following year I’d do nothing but write. I ping-ponged back and forth like this for 7-8 years until I had to join the workforce. After that, I would draw a little here and write a little there.
In the early 2000s, once I started taking on commission work, that all changed. I drew exclusively and on a strenuously regular and consistent basis, writing almost nothing at all. Drawing paid the bills; writing didn’t. I wrote some screenplays and a few novels and short stories over the last twenty years, but nothing that would be considered commercial.
So, drawing/coloring/lettering every day for a decade has begun to take its toll. What I want to do is what I did as a kid…
WRITING AS A JOB
I used to love writing short stories. The few novels I wrote way back when were a massively enjoyable experience. I want to get back into the groove of writing for long stints and find a way to monetize that kind of content in the same way I did my artwork. I think it can be done.
Many new tools exist now that didn’t exist twenty years ago and these tools are well-suited to help me monetize writing endeavors that previously might have been impossible as commercial ventures.
So, if you see me pivot to doing less illustrated-related stuff, you know why. It’s a medical concern that I’m trying to mitigate.
In the meantime, you can get NEON DREAMS: DOUBLE FEATURE
Pre-Order it here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shadedraws/neon-dreams-double-feature-80s-adult-graphic-novel
You can also get the 48-page UNCENSORED MAGAZINES “Prime Assets” and “Busty Beauties” at the campaign!
Get all three books for $60! Over 250 pages of art and story!
You can also get NEW PRINTS, MOUSEPADS and other merch at the campaign page!
Shade's Busty Beauties, a 48-page full-color magazine-sized art book that compiles 48 of Shade's bustiest babes in one collection!
Shade's Prime Assets, a 48-page full-color magazine-sized art book that compiles 48 of Shade's bootilicious babes in one collection!
Self-publishing writing at real financialy rewarding levels is very hard. I get newsletters from a couple of professional writers that moan about the difficulties.
I hope you find a way to do the things you like, earn good money, and keep your health.