EP 6 – Emily: From Office Job to Graphic Novelist
By Halogen TV | January 10, 2012 at 12:01 pm
What drew you to appear on “Jump Shipp”?
I was looking for a change in my life and after watching an episode I saw how heartfelt the show was and inspiring!
Tell us about your experience on the show.
It was an emotional rollercoaster. I really do love working in comics and it’s a very difficult industry to get into. But the chance to meet with Stephen was amazing. He has great insight into the industry and is an excellent editor.
What was the hardest challenge on the show?
The hardest part was to perform on command. Comics and drawing in general is really not something I do on the fly other than a random sketch here and there. It was difficult to be put under massive time and creative constraints and come up with something that someone would want to publish.
What made you want to want to pursue illustration full time?
It was something I got into my last year in high school. I had never really drawn full blast as a kid, but once I did find it, it was like opening up a new world. I saw things differently and I could never go back up the rabbit hole.
Did you have any apprehension about making the jump?
There wasn’t much hesitation in the moment. When it’s your passion you know it’s right. The fear and anxiety comes afterward when you realize that you did it and now you have to make it work.
What has life been like after the show?
I have a new job working in comics for BOOM! Studios. I get to read comics every day and I’m learning more about the industry than I ever thought possible. All the events during the show led me to this job so it’s like watching a weird “butterfly effect” to see how I’ve ended up here. I’m working on my next book and can’t wait to see it come to life.
What advice would you give others who are considering a jump?
I’m a cautious optimist. If you’re really unhappy know that you can make anything work for a period of time. I wouldn’t recommend skydiving without a parachute, but taking the leap really is much easier than you think. Just let go.
Watch Emily featured in episode 6 of “Jump Shipp.”
About the Author:
