Inside the Erotic Cartoonist's Studio (4): Self-care Matters and Fellow Comic Critters.

Hello watchers! As Christmas and a new year approach, it's not just about diving into artistic projects but also focusing on self-care. For a cartoonist, staying fit and healthy is key to keep those creative juices flowing. After all, if the machine isn't working, the art won't either. Let's dive into how I tackle this challenge.

Flow.

The artist's life is a beautiful dance with both joy and challenges. Sure, the freedom, the focus, and the absence of office tyrants are all perks. I absolutely cherish that! But, you know, there's that flip side.

Calling art a 'jealous mistress' is spot-on. It demands all your time, every ounce of it. In the immersive flow, hours slip away, and basic necessities like eating or calling your mom take a back seat. As a nocturnal soul, I find myself working into the silent night, forgetting the sun exists. Not great for my vitamin D levels, I admit! So, discipline becomes my ally as I strive for a healthier work schedule. Three years in, still trying, still hopeful. This new year holds the promise of a perfect routine, with seven hours of beauty sleep—I've got faith, no giving up here!

To keep myself in check, I've got this 'Karma' scoring sheet. It's my guide to balance—evaluating health routines, ensuring a bit of socializing, and indulging in joys beyond the comic realm. Over the past six months, my 'Karma' score has been a solid eight or nine out of ten. Feeling pretty proud of that, gotta say! 

Health.

Ah, health—the cornerstone of my self-care journey.

First things first, I've made a promise to myself: no early wake-ups unless there's a grand cause. As a professional comic artist, life can throw surprises, but early mornings aren't my vibe. I rise without alarms, though I confess achieving my coveted seven hours of sleep is a bit elusive. Resting enough hours is my ongoing challenge, and I'm actively working on mastering that.

After a brisk ten-minute home exercise routine, my morning ritual unfolds with a leisurely walk. I'm torn between the charm of nature walks and the bustling life of big cities, particularly Madrid and Barcelona. Madrid's Retiro Park is a favorite, with its enchanting corners and ever-changing seasons. It's a new adventure every time, complete with animal companions—cats and ducks. In Barcelona, living near Güell Park offers a taste of mountainous terrain, but the real magic is strolling along the beach. Clocking in at a minimum of 8 kilometers (5 miles) daily, walking is a joy, and it's the perfect time for crafting stories with my characters.

Now, let's talk food—a perpetual challenge. My brain craves daily fuel, and while sweets offer a quick fix, they're the worst long-term decision. This year, I've revamped my eating habits, embracing more vegetables, fruits, top-notch proteins, and cutting down on sugar and processed foods. Proud of these new habits, I feel the positive impact on my well-being. Yet, I'm not a fan of being overly strict with food. Improvement, yes; obsession, no. On my free day, I grant myself permission to indulge in anything I crave: sweets, cola, fast food, pizza—you name it. It's a once-a-week affair, and it doesn't hurt my overall well-being. Balance is key, right?

Social and Networking.

Social care is an integral part of self-care, even for a solitary artist like me. It's easy to get lost in the world of thoughts and creations, to the point where I can imagine enjoying a full month alone on a deserted island. But, alas, I am human, and humans thrive in society.

My social circle, comprising family, my partner, and friends, holds a special place in my schedule. Talking with people, sharing love, and receiving it back are essential for my solitary soul. It brings a sense of well-being that's hard to replicate.

On a different but equally important level, I cherish interactions with fellow comic artists. Comic conventions, editorial presentations, and impromptu hangouts provide a platform to connect with colleagues and exchange ideas and industry news. It's an enriching experience! While there may have been a time when I sensed competition among comic artists, I've also encountered unfortunate incidents like plagiarism. Once, a well-known Spanish gay comic artist copied my Anne-Marie series, changing the female characters to male. It was disheartening, but I didn't lose faith in artistic people. I confronted the situation, exposed the plagiarism on my blog and media, and the imitator eventually backed down. Despite such experiences, I've found great camaraderie among artists, even in the realm of erotic art. We each have unique styles and stories to tell, making the idea of copying unappealing. Cartoonists generally prefer to craft their narratives because, let's face it, copying is neither fun nor fulfilling. Moreover, these gatherings often serve as opportunities to connect with potential assistants. A reliable assistant is a lifeline, preserving mental sanity and providing the freedom to step away from the drawing board.

Hobbies and Culture.

Now, let's talk about hobbies and culture—a crucial piece in the puzzle of self-care.

I've come to realize the paramount importance of having a hobby. You might wonder, 'Why would I need another fun activity when I spend hours drawing and creating?' Well, the truth is, as much as I enjoy drawing comics, it can be demanding, and occasionally, unconscious fears creep in. Can I keep up with myself? In those moments, the specter of procrastination looms. It's like a termite to a beautiful, rare wooden table—I need to fend it off, or it could collapse my schedule and leave me feeling low. However, procrastination is not the cause; it's the effect.

This year, I delved into why I procrastinate. The main culprit? Fatigue, whether physical or mental. Hence, I'm prioritizing adequate sleep, holding onto hope that I'll crack the code. But how do I address mental burnout? Walking and socializing help, but for a complete mind repose, hobbies are the answer. They offer a creative outlet without the weight of responsibilities. So, I've carved out a day each week dedicated to my hobbies, in addition to my usual free day.

In a previous video, I shared my project of creating a dollhouse from recyclable materials. It's a work in progress, but bunnies can already call it home. Recently, I've embraced a new hobby: dolls. There was a time when I contemplated art dolls, but comics are my true calling. Yet, I realized I missed dolls when I found myself procrastinating while searching for a gift for my little cousin. Turns out, the gift was more for me. Meet Valentina and Georgina, Tina and Gina—my dynamic doll duo. Valentina is a bit dark and dominant, while Georgina is sweet and a bit submissive. They are friends with benefits, hehe. I adore them.

Culture is another pillar in my self-care routine. It's the universal means for humans to relax our minds. While I enjoy films and series, nothing beats the allure of a captivating book. There's always one on my night table. Additionally, I find solace in visiting museums, especially those dedicated to art and anthropology. I make it a point to explore at least one each month.

That's all for now! I need to wrap up what I promised you this month before I head off for Christmas. So, a very merry Christmas to you and a Happy New Year!!!