Penny Arcade Strip Search
I wasn’t going to mention this, but I need to get it out. After much hemming and hawwing, I finally broke down and entered the Penny Arcade Strip Search competition a couple of weeks back, not expecting anything to come of it. But when I was accepted into the second round (500 down to 100), I started to get my hopes up a bit. The more I thought about it, the more I was sure this could be my ticket out of the minor leagues into the big time. Strip Search was going to be my chance to fast forward to the top of the industry after all those years of obscurity. I saw myself sitting in a big office facing the Seattle skyline, with my feet up on the desk. Scott Kurtz in the next room offering me sage career advice, a whole staff of advertising and PR experts at my disposal. I envisioned that I could quit my day job and that now, finally, I had the ultimate validation. My dream to be a self-sustaining online cartoonist would now be within my reach after all my struggles.
Then came the fall. I was not accepted into the third round (100 down to 40). Initially, I was kind of stunned, I thought – was there a mistake? I looked at some of the other creators who were accepted into the next round. There were illustrators and bloggers, why weren’t they all web comic creators? Wasn’t this a web comic competition? Did they accidently send me the wrong email? I had convinced myself that I was going to get through so thoroughly that I wasn’t able to fully accept that I hadn’t made the cut. This hung with me for a few days. I started to feel low, it felt like an invalidation. How could they not accept me? Haven’t I worked hard for two whole years, making the best strip possible? Why hadn’t they picked me? I actually began to wonder if I hadn’t made a mistake trying to pursue this as a career. I started to doubt that what I was doing was worth it. There is another side of this business you have to really be careful with and that’s self-doubt. It can really work you over at times.
Finally, I began to rationalize. Penny Arcade only has room for 12 people out of 500, so they have to be ruthless in their decision-making, I understand. It’s not their job to cultivate people’s dreams, they are looking to put a show together, they are not responsible to protect individual egos. That duty is mine alone.
So wish me luck, dear readers. I’ve come this far and I can’t turn back now. Everything I’ve achieved up until this point has been with my own determination, God-given gifts, and hard work. I don’t need a big, successful company to validate me, that is putting the emphasis in the wrong place. It may take me years to get to where I want to be. Many people have tried, failed and given up. I told Robert Khoo that I’m the best because I’ve seen so many fade out, but I’m still standing. I’m a survivor. I will survive, and eventually thrive. That’s a promise.
Discussion (57) ¬
Don’t be so hard on yourself Mark. The fact that you put out some amazing comics three times a week and have a solid fan base should should be an awesome boost for you to keep this going. Don’t give up!
That really means a lot to me to hear you say. Cartooning is a solitary business, we’re just fortunate that we can connect to readers and other creators via the web. Your words really hit home with me, Sareen, thanks so much!
If it makes you feel any better, your comic is one of my favorites.
Josh, thanks so much for saying that. Gives me a big boost, I really appreciate it!
Anytime compadre.
Thank you for this post.
I’ve been in between both elation and self-doubt about making it to the third round and seeing how important the competition to a cartoonist like you and your emotions in response to the disappointment really has given me the right kind of reason to work my hardest at advancing. I can already hear your imagined voice telling me that I need to do this for people like you. That this industry and one of it’s top jobs needs to be respected and earned and while I haven’t accumulated the amount of content as much as you over the last two years I know that moving forward regardless of making strip search, that I eventually will.
I know that this is a somber post and it’s weird that I’m getting inspiration from it but for some reason it did.
Now back to drawing.
Richard
Appreciate the response, Richard. Glad I could give you some inspiration. The important thing we as creators need to do is keep our perspective. Try to separate our personal feelings from the business aspect of this whole thing. Win or lose, never quit, and never surrender. Get out there and show them what a great cartoonist is all about, Richard! Good luck!
I fart in their general direction! Long live Zombie Boy!
I’m just glad your bodily functions are on our side, Patrick! Lol. Thanks so much for the nice words!
their loss. Fools!
ROLFE
That’s one reality show that’s not a part of my reality.
You will do it, Mark! You are one of the people I look up to. As a self professed self doubter, you make me work harder and aspire to be better. 🙂
All I can say is that its an honor to hear that, Carlo. I’ve seen you making some really incredible strides in your work, and I see someone who is willing to put in the work, experiment and take chances. Bravo!
It’s awesome you made it to the second round though! 😀
Thanks, Daniel. I am proud of that.
This sounds similar to my abrupt end in the editorial cartoon contest. I thought for sure I would make it to the finals. I knew there were several stronger candidates but I didn’t expect to go out early.
That being said, at the end of the day I realized as should you that you have done an amazing job of cultivating a following. People who actually engage with you on your work. Sure there are many webcomic people who have tons more hits or notoriety. But you have fans.
Bearman, I can’t tell you how much this message means to me. You’ve helped me realign a bit, and see this situation as it truly is. Thanks so much for your encouraging words, its nice to know that I’m not the only one who has experienced this kind of scenario. I really appreciate it!
Wow!.. This has me tearing up.. You have always had my heart Mr. Stokes! The seeds that you’ve sewn to all of us armatures is beyond words. I would have never known you were down at all because of your faithfulness as an artist and dear friend. To me, that’s talent in the purest form. Not only knowing the craft but having the character to back your passion! Something will come up! You will always have us to back you! That’s a promise! Muah!!!
Michelle, you will never cease to be a bright spot on my horizon. Your heartfelt sentiments are truly appreciated. We are all in this together, and there is such heartfelt sharing of love and talent in this community, it is an awesome thing. Your words of solace mean the world to me, thanks so much!
Several years ago I was part of the Zuda webcomics competition and, similarly, had my hopes up on being “discovered” or at least creating an audience for my work. My dreams were crushed when my comic was largely ignored or blasted by the majority of Zuda’s readers and judges (a lot of whom wrote particularly scathing reviews on their blogs); it was a vicious thing to endure, but I still survived it.
“Hitting it big overnight” is rarely the best way to go, since growth is such an important part of being a comic creator. We grow the more we do this, and the audience for our comics steadily grows as well (just for fun, check and see how many commenters you have that have been hanging around your comic for years now). It’s just something we work our way up to, however long it takes. Not even Penny Arcade sprang from the womb overnight.
You’ve accomplished a lot just by doing this for as long as you have been.
Aidan, thanks so much for your thoughts. I’m starting to realize why a lot of creators avoid these kind of competitions. There is something to be said about cultivating readers who are guinuinely interested in your work, and that is far more powerful than that herd who might be familiar with you solely on the fact that you are momentarily in the spotlight. I had no idea about your Zuda deal, but the fact that you remained steadfast and continued forward really says more about you than the results of a fleeting competition ever could (where is Zuda now, anyway?) I really appreciate your words, and they truly do inspire me to follow your lead and keep moving forward.
There are no overnight successes. Just keep plugging away. Never give up.
Appreciate that, Howie. That’s the only way to do it. I’ve been working on Zombie Boy for 25 years now, and I haven’t given up yet! Quitters never win. Thanks for stopping by and the encouraging words!
The way I see it, you don’t need them. You’re already making great webcomics. You’re already half-way there. You are not, in fact, living on a prayer.
Michael, it means a lot to me to read this message. Your encouragement is worth more than any competition gold!
Sorry to hear that you didn’t make it but stick with it. Even if you didn’t make it this time, next time you’ll do better. Each day you practice is a day that you’re getting better and when the time comes again, you’ll be ready. Good luck and keep at it!
I will, Dustin. There are only two things that I can do – toss it all and just give up, or put my head down and work harder. I choose the latter, because giving up is not an option. Thanks for the nice words!
I share the pain Mark. It happened to me a while back when Amazon was doing a cartoonist comp with one of the syndicates (can’t remember which one…) I got into the second round and then was dropped. I felt all the emotions you describe and then I looked at what they chose and I had to distance myself from the whole experience. In my life as a creative person rejection comes with the territory. It never feels good but you learn to brush it off. I have rejection letters from every syndicate. I might frame them someday 🙂 The hardest part sometimes is pulling your boots up and trudging back into that field and begin plowing again… but it must be done! You’re comic is great btw, so take that penny arcade!
I understand rejection comes with the territory of finding success in the creative world. But no matter how much you prepare yourself for the worst, it still stings! It hurts even more when you reach a certain level and thenget rejected. A little distance from the source of the rejection is probably a good thing at this point.
Many thanks for the optimistic words and support, Leroy. As bad as it sounds, its nice to know that I’m not the only one who has been ushered into the inner office before getting the boot. Thanks for sharing your experience, and for making me feel better about the whole thing!
If those are the people you need to get your validation from to get head, then do you mind if I hold you down and slap THAT right out of you?!?
Your not even to the half way mark, sure, with some exceptions, some comics come out of the gate swinging, but for the most part, it takes time to build a readership and garner attention. The way to success is not through a “chosen few”, although it is nice to have their accolades [I’m not poo-pooing them by any means], but there’s plenty of proof you CAN do this of your own volition.
I’ve said enough. I neeb to geb this foob oub of my moub now! [blinks]
Validation is a crucial element here, Jynksie. We all want it. We all need to feel that what we’re doing is worth that effort. And there are limited outlets to achieve it, that’s why a contest like this is so seductive. Skip a few years of hard work and dedication and go directly to the top of the web comic food chain with a instant major audience? Where do I sign? But curiously, I’m beginning to see that maybe that isn’t the most effective path to take. And I’m not saying this because I’m not among the “chosen few.” I’m saying this because you have to build a foundation for your work, you have to put in the effort to cultivate a following, you can’t expect that golden ticket is going to replace years of fan interaction, brand building, or presence. My good friends and fellow web comic confidances are showing me the reality of this situation. Thanks for the slap, Jynksie, I needed that!
I have to say that I’ve often admired your persistence, not only in terms of producing a quality comic, but also in how you’ve been encouraging to the rest of us in this little community of creators. Our little community is better place with your voice. From my perspective, it’s also good to see someone in the community that is familiar with the old school strips, and draws inspiration from comics of the way-pre-internet era… but I digress.
As far as those webcomic guys who are at the tippity top, it seems that now they probably get as much bank from selling “how they do it” as they do producing a webcomic. Some of these guys have been producing strips since the era of 28k modems, so they could never really claim overnight success.
So true, Jerry. An overnight success ten years in the making! This is a business for the long haul, and nothing ever happens fast. It’s a slow progression of little victories and set-backs, but I think the important thing is to stick to it. Easy to say, hard to do. Also, it helps if you’re enjoying yourself, too. Your comments are really helping me feel better about this whole thing, Jerry, thanks so much for that! You are a great talent and a true friend!
Zombie Boy is a really wonderful strip. It never fails to make me smile! I’m so glad that you put all that effort into it. I just want you to know that your talent and hard work are admired and appreciated. You may not be meant for Strip Show, but you are totally meant to be a pro webcomic artist! Zombie Boy is one of my favorite strips. Keep up the great work!
I think someone mentioned this earlier, but you should be very proud of making it to round two. That competition is fierce.
This message really means a lot to me, Betsy. That you get enjoyment out of what I do gives me so much positive energy! You’re helping me refocus my perspective on this whole thing, and I really appreciate it! Thanks so much for your generous words!
My comic becomes such a focus on my time that I forget everybody else isn’t as invested in it as me. It’s really hard when people don’t share the same love as we do for our comics. Your love of your comic really shines through your work, Mark. I look forward to it three times a week and you haven’t let me down yet. Thank you for being a shining lighthouse in a sea of webcomics. 🙂
I definitely understand where you’re coming from on the investment issue, Tim. You have to have very thick skin and more patience than a herd of elephants to do this job! And I do love what I’m doing, I appreciate that you look forward to it. And thanks so much for the wonderful compliments, it means a lot!
You’re absolutely right. Not making it through is not a commentary on the merits of your work. Likewise getting on the show may mean that the contestants “click” for television. They may look interesting, have outsized personalities or compelling backstories.
It’s just like getting an illustration gig, your work is good, but your style may not be what the art director needed for that particular assignment.
Complete aside, I’ve seen you work it on the twitters and you’re really consistent with your updates. I don’t think you need help from a reality show to build a solid base.
I’m starting to get a glimmer of that, Susie. Today, I’m feeling a great wave of support from some of my best friends and favorite creators, I’m truly thankful! Who knows what the criteria is for that show? That only matters to the people behind it and those contestants left standing. I’m reluctant to imagine such a thing as instant success, anyway, so I’m with you on the whole solid base thing. Thanks so much, Susie, for taking time to share your thoughts and also your kind remarks. It is truly appreciated!
You’re the tops in this minor league good Sir.
James, your support has always been a great honor, and I’m truly thankful for your generous words!
Your words hit home, Mark, and I truly appreciate your honesty. It’s hard to put yourself out there just to face the scrutiny of those who may not exactly have your best interests at heart.
I understand where PA is coming from. It’s nothing personal for them, but in this day and age, with technology, everything is personal. If someone from Latveria says she hates me comic, I’m gonna feel the pain all the way over here. It’s what makes us artists; the fact that we can hold up a mirror to ourselves and cast our reflection upon our readers.
You’re gonna make it one day, Mark, not by being an overnight sensation (which takes forever I’ve heard), but due to your perseverance, passion, and willingness to give your all.
We feel when you’re excited and elated over a certain strip. it shows visually. Your readers share your excitement, and we identify with your anguish. That’s connection is what’s going to propel you to the forefront.
I guess for me it was how much I had built it up in my imagination, something I swore I wouldn’t do from the very beginning. I was supposed to treat it like an impossible dream, not really paying much attention to it at first. And then when I went to the next round, that’s when it started to become an actual “thing.”
Sharing ourselves is a part of this process that is becoming more and more apparent to me, especially after this post. I guess I didn’t realize what kind of genuine support system is out there, honestly. It’s nice to be able to express even some of the less wonderful aspects of this business and get some true support back. Perseverance is not an easy thing, and you know more about that than a lot of others. We can’t lose sight of where we’re going by focusing on all the rocks under our feet.
I’m so appreciative of your words, George. I’ve always seen you as the hero who landed on Mars before the rest of us astronauts, setting the example of how to survive in that harsh atmosphere. That you took time to give me your esteemed opinion is a blessing. Thanks, George!
George, if someone from Latveria hates your comic, it’s probably Dr. Doom. That guy can never take a joke!
Don’t get discouraged Mark. You’re an inspiration to those of us toiling away well below you. You’re great and you’ll make it. Your strip keeps evolving and getting better. Keep pushing. I along with others will always throw support in your corner.
As an artist you understand how much of ourselves we put into our work. It’s hard to separate our feelings from our art, right? This is one of those times I let my active imagination get the better of me. Your support is really appreciated, and I take every word you say to heart. Thanks so much, David!
The reality is that your comic strip is one of the best. The art is great, and so is the writing and the characters. I bet, if anything, your strip was judged too mainstream for the competition.
That’s an angle I never imagined before, Peter, lol! Or maybe they pulled names out of a hat, who knows? My blessing and curse is an overactive imagination. It can be a wondrous thing, or torture, whichever way I apply it. Thanks so much for your faith in me and my work, and your very kind remarks, it means a lot to me.
Well, maybe you didn’t get that fast-track-ticket but you’re well on your way, Mark. Keep up your great work.
Your words are most appreciated, Joao! It’s really helping me feel better about it all to have your support behind me. Thanks so much!
Aw, I am so sorry you didn’t make it through the rounds! You have made such an excellent strip, and I love your work. Trust me, there are so many people out there who appreciate what you’ve done to make this lovely comic happen.
Your well wishes are most appreciated, Elizabeth! That kind of support helps give me the energy to continue the journey. Thanks so much!
Sorry you didn’t make it through to round 3, but the fact you made past round 1 is very awesome. I’m sure they had their reasons to pick who they did, and it was probably a very difficult decision to make. Who knows what other awesome webcomics/artist had to be left behind?
Keep at it, Mark. You have an great webcomic, and an awesome work ethic. Putting out 3 strips a week must be difficult. But we do appreciate the effort you put into it. Especially when an appearance by Gorr can make a rough day seem a little brighter, if only for a few moments.
Thanks for the encouragement, Saeed. No one knows the trials and tribulations of this business better than a fellow web cartoonist like yourself! It IS a difficult job, and it does take a level of commitment many steps above a hobby. Gorr actually brightens my day, too. I get a thrill out of creating and drawing his strips. I truly do love doing this or I would have given up already. Your very thoughtful words make the journey a lot easier to make. Thanks so much!
Mark,…I can recall sending stuff out in the late 90’s and promptly getting rejected….then I recoiled and stopped drawing for many many years. I’ve only recently considered starting up a new comic at the age of 48, but I still struggle with myself as I am now my own very worse critic. I’ve been stuck in analysis paralysis mode for 3 years now. I tell you this, because the most important thing is doing “exactly” what you are doing right now…..and THAT is sticking with it and staying the course.
There is never a clear understanding about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to contests and the judges that are involved in the decision making. You’d be surprised at what may set one body of work apart from another in a judge’s eye.
Your work is fantastic Mark. Understand that. Realistically,..let’s be honest here,….I bet “Peanuts” would have trouble finding a huge audience today if it were starting now. You have a good audience,..and that should tell you something already.
I want to be a cartoonist full time too and I would OVE nothing more than to walk into my office one day and pack up my stuff and dance out of there! I have to show my work first, gain an fan base and then do a lot of creative thinking as to how to make it work. Some prayers would help me too. The older you are,..the harder it is due to the amount of money needed to pull it off. Now I have to think for 3,….so the pressure is immense. BUT,..that’s life.
There is little doubt about it, I do have to get you on my podcast; and we will hook up soon. I bet we could talk for hours! Anything I can do to help spread the word about your strip,…I’ll do it.
The rejection was a lot less bothersome than all the self-doubting I subjected myself to because of it. I built the event up so high in my mind, it was a given the fall would be spectacular. I’ve had rejection before, never really took it very seriously, but I think at this point in my life these things are not as flippant as they were in my early years. I really appreciate you taking time to write those encouraging words and sharing your experiences. I am having fun and I have to keep in mind that it should be enjoyable, or what’s the point? I would enjoy speaking with you on a future podcast, I’m sure we could figure out a few things to talk about, :-).