I Make Relatable Comics To Explain What It Is Like To Live With ADHD And Autism (24 Pics)

I have always been fascinated by comics because they combine storytelling with a visual form. For a long time, I admired not only traditional comics but also webcomics, which can very accurately describe life situations. I thought it was an ideal way to spread awareness about mental health, not only informative but also linked with humor. It also helps me gain a bit of perspective on my own problems.

The characters in my comics usually represent me and how I cope with the struggles associated with ADHD or autism. Many ideas come to me during the day, which I try to write down so I don't forget, and then gradually transform them into a visual form. I try to do it in a simple and clear way to entertain the reader and make them able to relate to it. Since it's not a classic comic where the story follows, it's a slightly different process. I focus more on improving my drawing of expressive facial expressions and conveying feelings and emotions through the character.

The biggest challenge for me when creating comics is capturing the right emotion and facial expression, just as I imagine it. I like to learn new things, so I always try to work on my skills and character creation. Sometimes, one can also run out of inspiration and ideas, so I try to find it in everyday situations. Often, getting inspired by other forms of art helps me, so I try to read and watch movies. I also listen to the experiences of other people with ADHD and autism, which can be very inspiring.

I always strive to use as little text as possible on my images while still conveying a strong message. My focus is on visually expressing the main idea, with text serving only as a supplement. I also enjoy using the technique of sketchnoting, which involves using visual elements to capture factual information. I try to use this technique mainly for posts that contain more technical information about ADHD and autism.

I admire many comic creators on Instagram, whose work I find very entertaining. It's very difficult to choose just a few, as there are so many inspiring people in the world. However, what has really encouraged me in my own work over the past few years are the Heartstopper comics by Alice Osman. These comics are the perfect example of what I imagine a perfect comic to be. I also admire her ability to create characters that people immediately fall in love with and her skill in expressing so many feelings and emotions through her comics. Her characters evolve, and in one comic, there are several iconic moments that will mean a lot to the LGBTQ+ community for years to come.

Currently, I have two Instagram accounts about ADHD and autism - one in Slovak, which is my native language, and one in English. The biggest success for me is when my profile and my content help people with mental disorders feel less lonely, reassure them that they are okay, and encourage them to seek professional help if necessary. I believe I have managed to create a safe environment where people are not afraid to express their feelings and start talking about mental health.