We recently had the pleasure of conversing with Roselinath, the talented creator behind the captivating comic series “Division 5.” In our interview, we delved into the inspirations that fuel Roselinath’s creativity to the ambitious goals set for the series.
1.What initially inspired you to become a creator, and how has that inspiration evolved throughout your creative journey?
I really love creating! I’ve always had a drive to tell stories and make characters since I was young. I’ve found the things I make inspire others, or help encourage people to start their creative journey.
2.Can you share a specific moment or experience that fueled your passion for your current creative project?
When I first posted my comic, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I didn’t even know the existence of a webcomic community, or just how vast it was. I didn’t expect people to enjoy my comic, since I was new and quite inexperienced at making comics. But I began to make friends, meet people who are much more skilled than me. And it gave me a drive to want to make my webcomic into a physical comic book! I started to receive so many comments and even fanart! It made me feel reassured I could totally bring my comic to life. So I reworked over 175 pages to make it for physical format, and did all the research I could about how to run a Kickstarter. It was 500% funded, way more than I projected. All the support from that event never made me doubt my comic was iconic.
3.What challenges have you encountered as an indie creator, and how have they shaped your approach to your work?
You’re going to meet tons of other creators in your journey who are going to say this or that, or even judge your work with ill-worded unsolicited criticism. I learned that I just need to be my authentic self, do things at my own pace, and never look back. I take my time making my comic now!
4.Are there any particular creators who have significantly influenced your style or approach? How do you incorporate those influences into your own unique voice?
I don’t think there’s any specific creators whose influence is in my work. If anything, I spent the time looking at several random creators to see how they format their comics for vertical and traditional format.
5. How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and adapting to feedback from your audience or collaborators?
I learn to sort through which advice is actually helpful and which isn’t. Not all criticism you receive is constructive. I have to take into account if the person understands the story, genre, and tropes happening. If multiple people have the same feedback, then I begin to take into consideration if I need to change my writing, adjust panels, and so on.
6.Can you recall a memorable success story or milestone in your indie creator journey that stands out as a turning point for you?
The moment I held the proof copy of Division 5: Volume 1 in my hands is one of my best success stories I have. Nothing feels so surreal like seeing years of hard work held physically in your hands. At the time, Division 5 was the #1 sci fi comic on GlobalComix too!
7.What role do setbacks or failures play in your creative process, and how do you overcome them to keep moving forward?
I feel like the genuine answer is have a good cry and then move on! Once you get it out of your system, try to see where things went wrong and improve them. I was upset when I first made Division 5 and my opening was actually stopping a lot of people from wanting to read it. I finally sucked up to the reality that I was infodumping at the beginning! So I took it out, and suddenly my comic became not only super readable, but everyone became invested in it once they got past the opening.
8. How do you manage your time and energy to sustain a consistent creative output while juggling other aspects of life?
I feel like this is one of the toughest things to answer for creatives. We’re like cryptids who stay up all night working on our passion projects. But the best answer I have is you need to develop time management skills, discipline, and routine. Discipline is the biggest thing to have.
9. Have you found any unexpected joys or rewards in the indie creator community, and how has it contributed to your overall experience?
Getting comments! And fanart! And people joining the discord. It’s allowed me to meet so many people. I can’t believe how big the Division 5 Tribe is now! Just the sense of having a community, and creating a community without realizing it is a great feeling.
10.If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring creators, what would it be based on your own lessons learned?
Just make the comic! Don’t stop yourself because your art “sucks,” or your writing “sucks.” Your art and writing WILL improve as you make a comic. Don’t let anyone else stop you either. You might have one of the best untold stories out there.
11. What are your thoughts on All Ages of Geek? What are some things we should change/do? What are something you enjoy about our website?
I really enjoy the variety of topics All Ages of Geek covers! This is my first experience with the team and appreciate being reached out to. Thank you and you’ve definitely got a fan now!!
12. Goals for 2024?
To make my second comic book ever! Division 5: Volume 2 is going to be a physical reality this year!
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