How High

Good morning.

If you're still getting this in your inbox, I believe that officially makes you a TCE-head. Congratulations on your dedication to whimsey and occasional melancholy.

This is actually the first one of these comics I made, when I was still dabbling with the idea. I don't think there's any point in hiding the strong link between this comic and a comic like (very much like) asofterworld. And therefore not a surprise that melancholy does soak into the process.

But also, something like TCE wouldn't exist for me if I didn't ask myself the same question as the comic. What if I cared a little less what 'you' thought? That question of what will people think (often very specific people) has been a limiting factor to my creative work since I was in my early 20's and realised that I was not, in fact, going to produce perfect award winning work on the first try. That some of what I made would be Bad. It's not an uncommon revelation or fear - the unrelenting popularity of a certain Ira Glass monologue makes that very clear - but it was enough to make me ashamed of the work, and when I did do the work I did it in secret.

Every new year I see the same question asked on health and fitness forums. 'I'm new to the gym, what should I do so people don't judge/laugh at me.'. Every new year I see the same response. 'Nobody in the gym is watching you. Just do your thing and don't be afraid to ask for help.' I think that's good creative advice as well. It certainly helps me write these posts.

Have a good week!

A.