Growing up with a love of The Beano, and despite early ambitions of becoming a cartoonist, Alex went on to study English Literature at Bristol University. However, as someone always looking to challenge the status quo, a growing interest in web comics saw Alex step away from the world of high art and literature, to focus on drawing and developing his own characters and stories.

Landing a deal with South Korean company Webtoons to produce Doris McComics – a series he started at university – Alex was able to build a small yet loyal readership. But when relatable comics picked up pace as a popular new genre, Alex took a U-turn in response, creating Webcomic Name as a parody in 2016. This also meant building a new audience from scratch.

Now with a dedicated and growing fanbase, the success of Webcomic Name has become Alex’s most-popular title. But this isn’t something he’s phased by, as he simultaneously manages several other projects in the background. In order to maintain working full-time, Alex’s role is one of many parts – from running an online shop and website to writing books and working on other series. “Your audience is the closest thing you have to a client,” he says, “Your client is [also] your popularity, which can be a dangerous thing. Your sense of validation comes from being popular.” We hear how he went from being paid “£30 to £50” for two weeks’ work, to being able to dedicate himself fully to his own projects.