Age of Animus turns two today! Wow! Two years. At once, I’m amazed that it’s been two years already and at the same time it feels like I’ve been at it for so much longer.
I’ve been taking baby steps so far, steadily getting better (I hope) and building this great big world to play in. Now, I find myself at the threshold of the most terrifying step: pushing harder to get the site out there. You see, up until now, for the most part, my audience has been friends and family (and spammers, but I don’t really count them). No matter how supportive, it’s hard for me to fully accept your words of encouragement and praise. I expect there’s a certain level of bias involved because of how close you are to me. Part of me is fearful of the reaction I’ll get from strangers visiting the site. Can I handle the criticism?
I’m aware that I have weaknesses as an artist. I never learned the proper way to hold a pencil and I lack a fluid movement when I draw curves. It’s part of the reason why I prefer working digitally. I was drawing on paper yesterday and my lines weren’t as strong as I would have liked. On the computer I would have just pressed Ctrl+Z to undo. Working with layers, it’s never too late to fix a mistake. But with a marker, the slip-ups just glared up at me.
I’ve said it before but it’s funny that when I started, I thought the Funnies would be a supporting feature of the site and that my main focus would be on short stories set in Pelaria. Two years later and it’s clear that the Funnies are my main focus. I keep saying I need to write more. Well, I’m happy to say that I’m working on a new short story for the site. I hope to share it soon.
I think I mentioned previously that I decided that I’m at least going to look into getting a table at Comic Con next year. That will be the real litmus test. This third year working on the site will involve building to that. I’m still reluctant about paying for ads. It’s mostly fear, but I can’t help but wonder if people will actually see them. When I’m sitting at a table at a con, I’ll know for sure that people will see me for better or for worse. It’s a direct return on the investment if you will.
For now though, I’d like to thank those of you who have shown your support by visiting the site. It’s been a great two years and I’m anxious to see what year three will hold. One thing is for sure, I’d love to hear more from you! Don’t be shy!
And yes, I did buy a birthday cake for the site. It was scrumpdiddlyicious.