I experienced a moment of kindness that caught me off guard a few days ago. A person I respect, who is also in an important position within the local comics industry, said something matter-of-factly positive about my work. Being made to feel like I perhaps belonged at the table was, for him, a throwaway comment — but for me, it was a big deal.
Like most artists, I’m deeply insecure about my work. But compounding that is a deeply-rooted lack of self-worth — so for me, praise and acceptance can only come from another party. (If you’re thinking that would make life overly difficult, you are correct.)
It was a great motivator to keep at my comics projects. A little kindness can go a long way.