Gail doesn’t have a degree in Comic Book Writing. She can’t draw either. However, what she did have was a love of comics and a talent for telling stories, and from being a hairdresser, she’s now in charge of one of the most beloved comic book heroes ever. Here’s how she did it.

1. Have a paying job: Even Superman worked to pay the bills. Gail learned to be a hairdresser, so that she could support herself while trying to break into the industry.


2. Learn: Take classes, and learn about how a comic book is being produced.


3. Get involved: Gail talked to other people who loved comic books, and it taught her a lot.


4. Explore: Most of her inspiration is from the world around her. Don’t lock yourself in your room.


5. Work hard: Gail worked during the day, and wrote her stories at night after she got home.


6. Be brave: At some point, you’ve got to show people your work, whether a critic or a potential publisher. “When it’s private, it’s a journal,” says Gail. “It’s scary, but you have to overcome it.”


7. Make yourself heard: Industry people have to know you exist. Gail says that the good part about the internet is that it’s much easier to show your work to lots of people. Put it online, and tell people it’s there.

And if you think that being from Singapore is a disadvantage, think again. “Don’t let that stop you,” encourages Gail. Singapore’s making its name in the comic book world, with companies like Imaginary Bestfriends. And with the internet, everyone is just a click away.