We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Beetle Moses a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Beetle, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
There’s no way to fully overcome it. It took me a pretty long time to get to a point where I felt my drawings were a true reflection of who I am as an artist. It’s a normal part of the journey of an artist to make work in the style of other artists they admire, but you will always feel that lingering imposter syndrome feeling in those phases. Mimicry is a typical and – I’d argue – important part of an artist’s development but it’s not a destination. I took pieces of the things I loved and over time they helped me reach an artistic destination which feels like me. How can I feel imposter syndrome when I’m doing my thing? Despite my best efforts, I’m me and my drawings reflect that. That said, I still have a lot of growing to do, so I’m actively seeking work that challenges me, and the imposter syndrome will always be around the corner when I’m in new territory.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a webcomic artist, and as of recently, a syndicated cartoonist through King Features, which one of the oldest comic syndicates in the US. I’ve been an illustrator my whole life, basically as a hobby, but only as of 2022 I’ve been drawing comics as my full-time thing and posting them to social media. I’ve been extremely blessed with a reader base who are as cool and supportive as I could have asked for. Which is not to say I haven’t put the work in; I’d say undoubtedly I’ve spent more hours drawing in these last two years than the rest of my life cumulatively. But the readers and my followers have made my job fun and motivating even on days where I just don’t feel like drawing. I couldn’t say exactly what it is about my comics that has clicked with people, but I like to believe they are unique in their aesthetic and tone, and most importantly, funny. At least I think they’re funny.
The latest scoop in the world of Beetle Moses is that I’ll be a guest at two upcoming fan and comic conventions, OMG!Con in Kentucky, and the first ever Webcomicon in Michigan. Art in the internet age can be really solitary work so I’m really excited to get the chance to interact with readers and other creators in person. Also, I’m currently working on a graphic novel, which I’m really excited about. I’m not exactly ready to share much info on it quite yet, but it’s coming along and I think my audience will be excited about it too.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The only skills you need as an artist, in my opinion: honesty, vision, and actualization.
Honesty, as I mentioned before, is the only way to combat imposter syndrome. It’s the only way you’re going to reach untapped territory as an artist. It will also serve to set you apart from other artists, which should not be a goal in and of itself but will be a positive byproduct of your honesty to yourself.
Vision is an important aspect which many times the artist themselves are unaware of or indifferent to, but it’s palpable and the audience can feel it. This is your reason for creating and the message your art is delivering. I’m not talking about direct messaging, I’m talking about the undercurrent of the work. It works hand in hand with honesty. It’s the part of your individual experience which is shared through your expression. I don’t think this is something an artist can easily work towards, but it’s a question which can help provide meaning to yourself about your own work when none may be apparent.
Actualization is probably the most important of all. You have to actually make it. Don’t procrastinate, don’t think too much, don’t worry who will see the work or how they will receive the message. When an idea strikes, work fast and capture it before the feeling is gone again.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
There is such a wealth of information and philosophy about visual art and right now I’m trying to get my hands on as many as possible. Some books I’ve read in the last year which have given me a lot to think about and work with: The Art Spirit by Robert Henri (series of letters and notes written by one of the greatest art teachers of all time to his students), Understanding Comics and Making Comics by Scott McCloud (holy grail of comic analysis and guidance, essential reading), and one I’m reading right now called Ways of Seeing by John Berger (provocative thoughts on the philosophy of visual art). I’m still reading that one but enjoying it so far. Also rereading comics I like, in particular ones I’ve collected over the years before I was treating comics as a career, has been interesting and helpful in figuring out what styles and tones I’ve found interesting and how I can channel some of those ideas in my own work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/beetlemoses
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/beetlemoses
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beetlemoses
Image Credits
Beetle Moses
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