So, there you are, staring at that dreaded page with the words nobody wants to see: “I’m going on hiatus.”

Sometimes, it’s just a quick break, and you bounce back in no time. But other times… well, not so much. Don’t worry, though! I’ve got a handful of tips that might just save the day (or at least make things a bit easier). Let’s dive in!

Know Your Scope
First things first: take a deep breath and plan your project before you jump in headfirst. One big reason comics go on hiatus? The idea kind of… runs out of steam.
If you’ve got a big, ambitious idea, that’s awesome—but you’ve gotta plan it out. Sit down and map out all the major beats you want to hit. Then, figure out how many pages it’ll take to get there. Having clear goals can make the whole thing feel less overwhelming.

Pro tip: run your ideas by a friend or even share them on a forum. And remember, it’s okay to trim things down. Simple is often better.

Find Ways to Speed Up Your Process
Here’s the deal: your comic doesn’t need every page to look like a masterpiece, especially if it’s a long story. If that’s your vibe, maybe try shorter one-shot comics instead.
Otherwise, look for ways to streamline. Check out YouTube for tips on speeding up your workflow. Maybe tweak your coloring style or simplify your line art.

Quick tip: embrace black! It makes your comic look dynamic and cuts down on shading time. Find your shortcuts, and don’t be afraid to use them liberally

Be Ready to Be Stubborn
You’ve launched your shiny new project. It’s exciting! People are commenting, you’re feeling the love, and it’s dopamine central.
But then… crickets. The comments slow down, the buzz fades, and it starts to feel like you’re shouting into the void.

Here’s the thing: the internet is full of silent ninjas (aka lurkers). Think about how often you’ve read something amazing without leaving a comment. Did it mean less to you? Probably not!
So, stay stubborn. Keep creating. Every page you make is a step forward—improving your art, your storytelling, and setting you up for future projects.

Set a Realistic Update Schedule
Life is sneaky. It has a never-ending stash of lemons ready to throw your way. So, plan for it!
Before you even start publishing, build a little cushion—a buffer of pages. Then, pick an update schedule that works for you. If once a week feels manageable, stick to that.

Also, think about your process. How long does it really take to make a page? Now factor in the “life happens” variable (you know, being sick, work getting crazy, or just needing a break). Be realistic—it’ll save you a lot of stress.

Plan Breaks on Purpose
Hiatuses aren’t the enemy—they’re just part of the process. In fact, planning breaks can actually keep you from burning out.
Think of it like a holiday. After each chapter, take a couple of weeks to rest, relax, and maybe build up your buffer. Your readers will totally understand as long as they know when you’ll be back.

I hope these tips help you out! And hey, if you’ve got any advice of your own, drop a comment below. I’d love to hear about your hiatus experiences or what’s worked for you.


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