Doujin Work

I was reading Doujin Work and stopped to wonder why does its portrayal of making doujin feel so inspiring.

Doing something you like and improving at it. In particular, I think it’s inspiring how Najimi starts from zero. It is made clear that she has absolutely no “talent” at the craft, but she presses on determinedly and starts getting better, eventually.

Small projects with impending deadlines. Working to complete a project of manageable size in a strict timeframe seems easier from the motivation perspective. You know the work will be over when the deadline arrives, regardless of good it is or whether it’s even ready. It reminds me of school homework, which I usually got done even if I didn’t like the subject. Forcing yourself to release your work at regular intervals could be powerful motivator. ZUN makes his games this way I think. Mangakas work series at a harsh and steady pace. In the end, it does not matter so much what you got done, but that you did the work and got better.

Working alone in secrecy with gigantic projects might not really be effective, although it’s better than nothing if that’s the only way you like working.

I think it’s also refereshing how the characters (and perhaps actual doujinka) don’t really think that much about money. Even Najimi seems to think so most of the time. It’s a hobby to pour passion into while going to school or working daytime. Everyone starts doing their creative work as a side project, there’s no shame in having to work a job.

Direct contact with fans probably is really nice for many creators. As well contact with other creators. The world of doujin can bring this earlier than the traditional road of a creator I guess.