A Big Creator Update
Hello Family!
Well, there's no real easy way of saying this so let's just tackle it head-on; For the last few years I've been struggling mentally but because money was tight I kept putting it off. Well, it finally got to a point where I needed to do it and found a therapist who shed light on more than I was expecting.
Where I was anticipating discussions about my chronic depression, what I've been dealing with my entire life, instead I got a bomb dropped on me, that I'm actually bi-polar. Needless to say when I heard this all the negative connotations of it came to mind. Then, the inevitable second-guessing every interaction I've ever had with anyone.
Needless to say, this was a huge deal for me and it's something I'm working on but it's going to take some time. I've opted for now to try and manage it without medication. I understand this choice is different for everyone but I'd like to at least try before resorting to prescription solutions.
I'm sharing this because you all are like family, you have shown love and support for our work that has meant the world to me and Simon. It's only fair that I open up and share what's going on so you understand what's happening behind the scenes.
I know a lot of people abandoned our comic because it got too serious, and while I stand by our comic being about life, so sometimes it will be serious, I do understand how people tuning in for a fun, uplifting experience would be frustrated or annoyed by the serious stuff. The good news is I hear this feedback and Simon and I are working to return to the form of years ago where we just have fun with it. I hope through this we can earn your trust and support back. Things are very difficult for us financially because of outrageous housing insurance in Florida which only adds to the stress so your support matters more than ever!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope sharing this doesn't change your opinion of me or our work. We've always wanted to make something people could relate to and would make them feel good and I hope we can continue doing that!
If you've any advice or suggestions for our comic, please feel free to DM us! We'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for everything. This is just another life challenge to take on and I'm ready for it! Big hug!
-Bryan
Comments (15)
I really appreciate the kind words here. Thank you all <3
I’m sorry for your news update and I’m glad to be still with you, whether the strip is funny or serious, it’s yours to share and for us to enjoy. It hasn’t changed my thoughts, just given me a deeper awareness of you. Take care and please be well, I hope I help. Hugs and cuddles and spiritual support!
It takes strength to be open and talk about this. We’re here with you as you find your footing on this new path. BEARHUG And about your stories… I understand the need to find balance, but this is YOUR art. You tell the stories you need to tell. It takes talent and skill to be able to be so damn cute and adorable and make us cry. You’re both doing such an amazing job.
While I haven't personally had to deal with health news that huge I do know that having a diagnosis is a big change and for me it made things easier to deal with. I think you are the best person to decide how to manage it, and with the rock-solid support of Simon you will find what works best for you. I hope you can have fun with the comic, I think creating should be fun, but I do understand that sometimes art can come from pain and LGBTQ+ art perhaps more so. The visual novel Arches deserves its content warning and it is an amazing piece of work. Seriousness does have its place and I will never fault you for taking a serious turn in the comic when it's needed. We know that there is a loving family at the centre, this isn't a dystopia. Serious things do happen to all families so it fits with the comic. Rest assured, I am also behind you all the way.
They do say art is therapy and something you're compelled to do and that thing that compels you isn't always happy go lucky. Maybe that helped you bring you around to getting some help and understanding yourself. If so, all of the seriousness was important and if not at the very least its your muse you need to follow *hug*
I take my comics very seriously. The current rerun of Calvin & Hobbes is about the burglary or their home and the adult's reactions. I can't forget Pogo's "We have met the enemy and they are us." Some cartoonists stay at the humor level. Some go deeper. I'm glad this comic goes deeper sometimes. Oh....good luck as you struggle with figuring out who the new you is. I wonder how you'll rate the struggles of coming out with that of integrating "bipolar?"
*Big Hugs*
Papiiii! Is complicated and hard to understand how to deal with news like that... When I got my diagnosis I got in a place more or less like yours. You have the support of us, thanks for consider us tu familia :3
We love you all and will always support you .I love being a supporter to help you do what you love. I love all the comics you all make and hope to see AJ & Magus in animated form on tv one day. Is there a way to have a virtual tip jar on any of the formats with the comics or here?
I have been struggling too man, it's not been easy, especially in my case where I decided to move 1,500+ miles away from my family and friends who have been a bedrock for me. I've been diagnosed in the past with depression and anxiety, and I thought moving to a new environment would help, but I am not sure. I still have the name of that therapist, and I too have contemplated reaching out to her, moreso now that I have a laptop. Be strong, you have a lot of folks out there that care deeply for you and the family.
I hope the diagnosis helps you build strategies for helping in the hard times. Finding something like that out can definitely be scary, but it can also help you grapple with the beast the better you understand it. Best of luck to you. 🫂 And for the record, I think a balance of fun and serious stuff for the comic is probably appropriate for the gay experience.
Glad to hear you found something to help. Depression is really difficult to struggle with due to the societal reactions. That said, big fan of the work, even if I might have to throttle back patreons due to my job situation, so please don't ever take having to throttle back as a sign of a lack of emotional support. Good luck and I hope this helps. Thank you for what you do and also for helping to destigmatize reaching out for help, when needed.
I have depression, and I get it, so you have my support. I love the comic when it's silly and when it's serious. I'm here for the long haul and so are my bfs.
Wishing you all the best, Bryan and Simon.
I absolutely love both the serious comics and the funny comics. The serious ones are relatable and help people know they're not alone. I'm sorry people have bullied you over those :(