True Believer

by Lucy Bellwood

True Believer is a story about having the courage to do what you love.

Through exhilaration and grief, the comic follows Lucy Bellwood's early experiences as a cartoonist in Portland. It is a meditation on where art fits into our lives, and what it really means to create and tell stories.

36 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2012

About the author

Lucy Bellwood is a professional Adventure Cartoonist based in Portland, Oregon. Her comics projects have covered a range of expeditions, including rafting trips through the Grand Canyon, cutting-edge oceanography in the Pacific, and an expedition aboard the last wooden whaling ship in the world.

She is the author and illustrator of Baggywrinkles: a Lubber’s Guide to Life at Sea, an educational, autobiographical account of the worlds of modern and historical tall ship sailing, drawn from her time working aboard 18th-century replica tall ships. Her second graphic novel, 100 Demon Dialogues, explores the relationship between creators and their imposter syndrome through a series of relatable conversations with her inner critic.

Lucy contributes comics journalism work on climate change, gender, and history to The Nib and all-ages fantasy stories to Cartozia Tales. She also speaks extensively about the realities of making a living as a full-time artist through essays, conference talks, and podcast appearances.

Reviews

[Matt Graupman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lushly illustrated, "True Believer" is Lucy Bellwood's rallying cry for all comic artists; part manifesto, part love letter, her commitment to the medium is completely inspiring. The book touches on friendship, mortality, and the uncertainties of growing up, but it never loses its focus on the comics. With her obvious passion and talent, Bellwood is clearly on her way to an acclaimed career in the cartooning world.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Lucy Bellwood through another artist (who I will be reviewing in the future!) and I am so glad I did. Her work is genuine, uncompromising and often happens to be about something I love: sailing! I am particularly a sucker when it comes to hearing stories about how people find the courage to pursue their dreams full time. Read this, get inspired and then get out there: pursue your dreams!

See more of Lucy’s work on her website at: http://nauticry.wordpress.com/

Who should read it? Everyone who needs a reminder that life is too short postpone doing things you love.

Check out all my reviews and more at www.ReadingToDistaction.com or @Read2Distract

[sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring. Heartfelt. Full of connection, especially if the reader themself is a creator, especially if the reader knows loss. This book sits on the shelf adjacent to my workspace as a reminder: creations only have as much meaning as we endow them. To see how beautiful and important they are, we must first find their message, then truly believe.