BuzzFeed Comics went to New York CityComic Con this year to meet some artists! We asked some of the talented women there if they had any advice for women looking to get into the field. Here were their responses:
1."It's hard, but finding your NICHE is the most important thing. You have to learn to stand out amongst the sea of other artists online these days."
2."You're never too old to start! You can have kids and art!!"
3."Make sure you have a sense of humor and a jug of Purell."
4."1. Work hard.
2. Be nice.
Be visible.
3. Take care of yourself."
5."Don't be afraid to draw self-indulgently."
6."If you put your mind to it and PRACTICE A LOT, and do not quit at your first "NO!" or Internet or real life troll, YOU CAN AND YOU WILL MAKE IT!! Yes, you can do it."
7."Just draw, girl! Do your thing, you're unstoppable!!"
8."Make something that represents you that you couldn't find in other stories/art. Then others who might be looking for that same thing (or similar thing) can find it, and be inspired to make their thing. Like exponential inspiration."
9."Be brave!!! Being scared to try or fail will hold you back! Give it your all!"
10."Work hard and then work even harder! Be confident in yourself and never lose sight of your goals!"
11."Be proud of your work and revel in competition!"
12."Don't let others hold you back. Waiting for people to 'do the right thing' won't get you where you want to go in life. Sometimes you have to just roll up your sleeves and get s#?@ done!"
13."Word hard. Take no prisoners. Be cool to one another. Also... undereye concealer is your friend. No sleep!"
14."Don't take no for an answer."
15."Practice, practice, practice!!!"
16."I think it's really important to support female women creator[s] and start buying their comics and art."
17."Don't be afraid to get your work out there –you'd be surprised!– everyone wants to see & hear your voice!"
18."If you want to do it, you dream about it, and see yourself doing nothing else, just go for it. Work. Work. Work! Get better, improve, grow, and don't be stopped by what you are supposed to do, or what others think you should do. Just go for it. And good luck!"
19."Tell the story you want to read. Someone else will too."
