How to stay motivated during a long project?

A comic diary about my day working on my new graphic novel.

I'm often asked how I stay motivated and focused while working on a lengthy project like a graphic novel. It can take up to 18 months or longer from when the book is signed to its completion. So, I thought it would be fun to share what's happening in my day-to-day work on my new book.

This comic diary is based on my back-to-school schedule. I teach part-time at the university and run professional enrichment classes and workshops during the school year. These activities take up much of my time, so I organize my day to squeeze in as much book-making time as possible.

With a packed school schedule and a considerable to-do list, things can get super stressful. Waking up early and doing a short morning meditation helps me keep my anxiety levels at a "healthy" level, giving me enough fuel to stay productive without tipping over into panic mode.

This summer in Southern California has been crazy hot, and we've been dealing with a ton of mosquitoes. Every morning, I kick things off by lighting up a sweet floral incense. It helps me get into the zone of my story universe and keeps those pesky mosquitoes at bay.

I try to eat healthy, especially when things get crazy busy. This semester turns out to be extra busier than expected. I work about ten hours daily, including a half-day class on Saturdays. It's super draining, and I usually don't get enough time to recharge between different classes and work on my book. But eating healthy at least helps me keep my mental and physical health in better shape to get through the day.

As for Piglet, she had a mild case of pancreatitis a few months ago. We took her for a full-body blood test and ultrasound scan. Luckily, everything looks okay. But her cholesterol is a bit high, and we found out she was born with a tiny liver and adrenal glands. It's cute and sad at the same time! She is now on a low-fat diet indefinitely.

After lunch, I spend the rest of the day working on the graphic novel until the temperature cools. Then, I meet up with our neighbor for a walk. It's my favorite time of day. We catch up on our day, and since most people in the neighborhood are out for an evening stroll, it's fun to hang out with friends and play with all the dogs.

5 Tips to stay motivated:

• Establish a consistent daily schedule. Having a fixed daily schedule makes it easier to develop a sustainable and productive routine.

• Prioritize your mental and physical health. Staying motivated is easier when you feel good.

• Be kind and patient with yourself. In any creative project, there will be good days and bad days. It's normal to feel super inspired one day and struggle to find inspiration the next. Embrace the bad days as part of the growth process.

• Stay connected with a supportive inner circle. When working on art, such as writing or drawing, it's common to develop "tunnel vision." A supportive group of friends or family members can provide fresh perspectives and support.

• Take a break when necessary. It's okay to pause from time to time to recharge.

Read more about fun Art posts. Click the link to check out the Art Tips Collection.