Hello, fellow creators and imaginative souls,
I'm Scott Kurtz, a cartoonist hailing from the vibrant city of Seattle. Back in the electrifying days of the 90s, I played a vital role in helping kickstart the amazing world of webcomics. With an unlikely stroke of the pen and a huge stroke of luck, my journey as an artist took flight.
Throughout the years, my artistic quest has been a colorful tapestry, woven with diverse experiences and hard-earned wisdom. From my early foray into the digital frontier, witnessing the inception and expansion of webcomics, to dipping a toe into published comics, animation, and live events, it has been an extraordinary ride.
Now in my 50s, I'm embarking on a fresh career path in kid-lit with a middle-grade graphic novel series. This new direction has made me reflect on the true essence of living a creative life. For me, It's not about personal accolades or commercial success, but rather the joy of storytelling. For the first time in my life, I’m starting to lean into the reality that the treasure at the end of this map is the journey itself.
Lately, I feel compelled to share what I've learned not only to inspire others but also to better understand it myself. By offering insights and experiences, I hope to help fellow artists on their creative paths, while also humbly embracing the opportunity to continually learn and grow alongside them.
In the world of freelance artistry, there are no water coolers or office spaces to turn to for camaraderie and advice. As independent artists, we carve our paths with a strong sense of freedom, but we also face isolation and unique challenges that demand resilience and perseverance.
This Substack will serve as a platform where I can candidly share my thoughts, experiences, and observations on navigating the ever-changing landscape of creativity. My hope is that my words resonate with you, inspire you, and remind you that you are not alone on this path. Each creative expedition is different, but we all share the common desire to thrive in a world that offers no obvious route to success and a system that seems engineered to stifle our success.
So whether you're an aspiring artist seeking guidance or an established creator looking for inspiration, I hope this substack can help you find solace in the shared struggles and triumphs that come with the pursuit of creativity.
-S.
On to a new great adventure!