Gutter Thoughts 022
Gratitude is the Process: Stoic tools to help comic creators stay focused, consistent, and inspired (Part 3)
This is Part 3 of Gratitude is the Process—a 5-part series on how Stoic gratitude helps comic creators push through rejection, burnout, and creative blocks.
You can start from part 1 right here (it’s the mindset reset I wish I had when I started).
The Stoic Quote of the Week
“Progress is not achieved by luck or accident, but by working on yourself daily.”
— Epictetus
Have you ever stared at your comic project art and felt stuck?
Most artists face creative blocks at some point. But what if the best way forward isn’t pushing harder? Instead, it might mean pausing and practicing Stoic gratitude. Stoicism teaches us that gratitude isn’t just about feeling good. It's also about cultivating a deeper sense of appreciation. It's a practical tool that helps us unlock creativity, reconnect with our art, and overcome obstacles like doubt, comparison, and burnout.
Today, I'm sharing six simple Stoic gratitude practices. These will help reset your mindset, break creative blocks, and bring back joy to your art.
Let’s get started!
Accept that you CAN draw and you're already talented.
Stoicism teaches us to accept reality. If you're drawing, you can draw. Everyone can get better, but that doesn’t mean your current work isn’t valuable.
The important Stoic idea here is knowing your drawings don't need to be perfect—they just need to support your story. Take the artist ONE, who made "One-Punch Man" and "Mob Psycho." His original drawings were simple (some even say bad), but they clearly told his stories. He understood that clarity mattered more than style. The more he drew, the better he became. Getting better comes from regular practice.
So remember, your talent already exists. Tell your story with confidence and let your drawings support it.
Start each morning with gratitude before you draw.
Stoics believed morning thoughts shape the day. Spend a few minutes writing down three things you're thankful for about your art, your progress, or just being able to create.
Your Stoic morning gratitude could include:
Being thankful for yesterday’s efforts.
Appreciating recent small breakthroughs.
Valuing your freedom to create.
These moments set clear and positive intentions and get you excited to draw.
Value your unique artistic style instead of comparing.
For artists, comparing oneself can quickly become harmful. Stoicism teaches us to focus only on what we control—our actions and creative choices.
Instead of comparing, appreciate what makes your art unique. Your quirks and imperfections are actually your strengths. Celebrate the things that make your art yours.
Your art doesn’t have value because it looks like someone else’s. It’s valuable because it genuinely represents you.
Use walking meditation to find gratitude and clear your mind.
Stoic philosophers often walked to clear their thoughts and reflect. Walking can boost creativity and gratitude.
If you're stuck creatively, try walking mindfully. Pay attention to:
Your feet touching the ground.
The rhythm of your breathing.
The simple beauty around you.
Walking gives you new views, helps you feel grateful, and opens your mind to fresh creative ideas—exactly what you need to break free from a block.
Thank your past self for your progress so far.
Everything you've drawn and every mistake you've made has brought you here. A Stoic appreciates the journey that shapes them.
Stop and think about past projects. Honestly thank your past self for the effort and hard work. Recognize how much you’ve grown and learned.
Being grateful for your journey gives you energy and helps you keep creating.
Find gratitude in the imperfections that define your style.
Stoicism sees imperfections as natural parts of life. Similarly, your artistic "mistakes" actually define your unique style.
Next time you feel stuck or too critical:
Sketch for 15 minutes without judging yourself.
Later, look at those sketches with curiosity and gratitude.
Appreciate the unique choices you made.
Creative blocks become easier when you see imperfections as valuable parts of your art style.
Remember, creativity grows stronger with Stoic gratitude. Keep practicing gratitude, and your art will keep getting better.
If you’ve been enjoying these reflections, take a break and check out something I’ve been pouring my creative energy into. Boom Kid is a raw, heartfelt story about power, identity, and loyalty.
This Week’s Creative Sparks
Here are the shows, books, movies, comics, and more that have sparked my creativity this week:
Video Game Spark: The Alters
A good friend of mine, someone I really trust when it comes to games, told me he was playing this, and the way he described it immediately piqued my interest.
You’re stranded on an unknown planet, completely alone. The only way to survive and get back to Earth? Duplicate yourself. Each variant of you specializes in a specific task, helping you adapt, explore, and stay alive.
Within the first 10–15 minutes, I knew this game was for me. The sci-fi elements, emotional storytelling, and engaging gameplay make it not just addictive but deeply rewarding.
Yes, it’s a great video game. But it’s also a work of art. Every time I play, it feels like I’m directing my own HBO series.
Highly recommend this one to everyone—gamer or not.
Music Spark: Let God Sort Them Out by Clipse
I spent this past week deep in this album. Every track feels vibrant and cinematic, like watching a TV show unfold in your headphones.
The storytelling is out of this world. And what I love most is that The Clipse hold nothing back. They speak their truth, even if it means ruffling feathers or calling people out.
It’s albums like this that remind me why I fell in love with Hip-Hop in the first place.
That’s a wrap for this week’s Gutter Thoughts. Thanks for joining me on this creative journey—hopefully, something here sparked an idea or inspired your own work. Until next time, stay grounded, stay creative, and keep pushing forward.
Let’s Connect
Enjoying Gutter Thoughts?
Imagine having newsletters like this crafted specifically for your brand or business. Whether you’re a creative storyteller or a brand strategist, I’ll help you turn your unique voice and ideas into engaging, value-packed content.
Ready to level up your email game? Let’s talk about how we can co-create emails that captivate your audience and drive real results.