Raff's Brain #114: Riffin' with Raff feat. Olivier Ballou - 3 SECRETS TO FINISHING WHAT YOU START!

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