In this episode of Riffin’ with Raff, Rob Raffety is joined once again by graphic novelist Olivier Ballou. They dive into the realities of creative output — what it really takes to finish a project when life keeps throwing curveballs. Olivier opens up about the third and most ambitious book in his Val d'Or series, and the creative methods he uses to keep momentum: deadlines, critique groups, and professional editorial feedback.
Rob reflects on his own challenges with shipping creative work and how Olivier’s approach offers a roadmap for completing passion projects. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone balancing creativity with real-life responsibilities.
Call the Raff’s Brain Hotline! Leave a message, ask a question, or suggest a topic: 571-408-8058
BUY Olivier's graphic novels on Amazon!
PLAY WITH Storyline - The Trend Guessing Game!
LISTEN TO or WATCH my previous conversation with Olivier!
CHECK OUT the Sequential Artists Workshop (as referenced in the conversation)!
Outline:
- Olivier’s graphic novel update: scaling up the ambition
- Rob and Olivier on the creative deadline dilemma
- Three tools to ensure project completion:
- Public launch dates and accountability
- Peer-led critique groups
- Paid professional editing sessions
- Rob’s project overload confession
- Strategies for focus and prioritization
- The role of community and exposure in creative growth
- Rob’s challenge: sticking to fewer projects with designated time blocks
- The value of seeing others’ work in critique groups
- Olivier’s character design and thumbnail experiment for Raff’s Brain
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