How to Start Creating Your Own Comic (Even If You’ve Never Tried)

Let’s get this out of the way:

You don’t need permission to start making comics.

Not from a publisher.

Not from a big audience.

Not from anyone.

If you’ve got an idea, you’re already further than most people.

The rise of web platforms like Webtoon and Tapas shows that creators can publish instantly, without a publisher. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter have funded thousands of indie comics directly from fans. Dav Pilkey started making comics as a kid and built a massive audience later.

Point: The gatekeepers aren’t required anymore.

Now here’s how to actually start.

Step 1: Start with the idea, not perfection

Your first comic doesn’t need to be a masterpiece.

It just needs to exist.

Think simple:

• A character

• A goal

• A problem

That’s it.

Don’t overcomplicate it. You can build later.

Early works from major creators are often rough. Robert Kirkman’s early indie comics, like Battle Pope, had a simpler structure and pacing compared to his later work.

Point: Skill develops after starting, not before.

Step 2: Write it like a moment, not a novel

A lot of people get stuck trying to build an entire universe right away. Don’t. Start small. One scene. One interaction. One problem. Comics are about moments. Focus on something that would be interesting to SEE, not just read.

Even massive comics like Spider-Man are built from small, impactful moments (a single fight, conversation, or reveal).

Point: Readers connect with scenes, not encyclopedias.

Step 3: Use what you have

Can’t draw?

That’s fine.

• Partner with an artist

• Use simple visuals

• Even rough sketches work to start

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress.

Sarah Andersen built a following with a minimalistic style. Collaboration is standard in comics; writers + artists are the norm.

Point: Lack of resources is not a blocker; it’s normal.

Step 4: Finish something (anything)

Most people don’t fail because they’re bad. They fail because they never finish. So make something short:

• 1 page

• 4 pages

• 8 pages

Complete it. That alone puts you ahead of 90% of people who “want” to make comics.

Stan Lee emphasized consistent output over perfection. Most aspiring creators have unfinished projects, not bad ones.

Point: Finishing puts you ahead of the majority immediately.

Step 5: Put it out there

This part is scary. Do it anyway. Share your work. Post it. Talk about it. That’s how you grow. That’s how you find your audience. And that’s how you get better.

Here’s the truth most people won’t tell you:

Every great creator started with something rough.

The only difference? They kept going.

Pont: There’s a simple pattern across every successful comic creator:

• They started before they were ready

• Their early work wasn’t perfect

• They finished things anyway

• They shared it

• They improved over time

That’s not motivational, it’s observable.

If you’ve been thinking about making a comic, this is your sign to start.

Start messy. Start small. Just start.