Having a Comic Block?

I am not really sure if this concept is already in the dictionary but I guess, we all know what this implies. “Comic Block” like Artist’s Block, is when a comic artist suffer from lack of motivation or inspiration to continue conceptualizing and/or drawing his or her story.  You are suffering from a “Comic Block” if you have at least one of the following symptoms:

You already know the sequence of the story, but you are unable to draw the scenes (for each panel/frame) because the scenes are too difficult or uncomfortable to draw.

You can draw the scene but you are not sure if you should continue with the story or episode you fabricated. You have questions like:  Is the next episode / page consistent with my overall story? Does adding the page help progress my story or would it just confuse the readers?

You know both the sequence and you are confident that you can draw the scenes but you are just too lazy to start.

You are not lazy nor ignorant of what should be next but you know that the next page is not interesting at all (and would be less popular to your readers).

If you have any of these, then you may be suffering from a Comic (or Manga) Artist’s Block. BUT don't panic!

So, the big question is, how do we BEAT this block?

Here are just a few tips that might help (which can also be applied to Artist’s Block):

(1) STOP drawing. Stop thinking about deviantArt. Stop looking at your sketch pad or your tablet. Just stop for a minute, and step away from everything that relates to art. Instead, play the piano or other instruments. Go out with your friends, socialize. Cook. Do anything that will keep you preoccupied for the meantime. Do this for at least a day. This will help your mind rest from endless “plotting” moments. XD

(2) After your “Stand-Still Period”, watch tv or read a book, a magazine, etc.  This time, you have to rest your hands, and just let your mind wander with the different images or thoughts from tv or from your favorite book or horoscope magazine. Imagination always stems from something else. You can even watch the trailer of your favorite anime or even your most hated anime. Read the newspaper if you want or your old mangas or comics. This will keep the juices flowing.

(3) After resting both your mind and your hands, you can now continue with your comic. Think about your story first. Think about your finished pages. THEN, think about what the next page should be. Divide the page into three, do your paneling, etc. START DRAWING and do not rest until you draw at least half of the page. Resting will distract you even more.  Thus, the best way to finish the page is to go on and on. Your story is yout own lifeblood.

(4)   After every page, REST. Sleep if you want. Exhausting one’s mind will make you lose interest in your own comic, and that is the real tragedy. Remember this always!

So, umm, that’s it. I hope this help. Thanks for taking your time to read this!