I really enjoyed this piece especially how you described that “anticipatory feel.” It’s such a subtle but powerful part of the creative process and you captured it in a way that felt very real. Even the idea of a “no meeting week” changing that rhythm was interesting to read about. Do you find that this waiting period actually fuels your creativity more or does it sometimes make it harder to stay motivated?
That’s really interesting “work as play” during those off weeks sounds like such a refreshing shift in mindset. It almost feels like taking the pressure off brings you closer to why you enjoy it in the first place. Do you find those weeks influence the kind of ideas you come up with differently?
I don't think so. I really never know what's going to happen on the paper until it starts to happen, and what happens doesn't seem attached to anything but luck.
That’s a really honest way to put it and kind of refreshing too. I like the idea of just letting things unfold on the page without overthinking it. Do you feel like that unpredictability is what keeps it exciting for you after all these years?
I love that the idea of the surprise being the real reward. It makes the whole process feel alive in a way that planning never could. Do you ever look back at a finished cartoon and feel surprised by it yourself, like it came from somewhere unexpected?
Very interesting. In olden times, I would complete a short story (for children's magazines), go to the PO with a self-addressed stamped envelope and the story inside, and relax for a few weeks until it was feasible that I might hear back (again, by mail). One magazine always wrote to say they were considering a story. During those golden times, a final acceptance was always possible.
I really enjoyed this piece especially how you described that “anticipatory feel.” It’s such a subtle but powerful part of the creative process and you captured it in a way that felt very real. Even the idea of a “no meeting week” changing that rhythm was interesting to read about. Do you find that this waiting period actually fuels your creativity more or does it sometimes make it harder to stay motivated?
Thanks much for your comment. The no meeting weeks are a bit energizing, yes. Work as play seems even more so each day of those "off" weeks.
That’s really interesting “work as play” during those off weeks sounds like such a refreshing shift in mindset. It almost feels like taking the pressure off brings you closer to why you enjoy it in the first place. Do you find those weeks influence the kind of ideas you come up with differently?
I don't think so. I really never know what's going to happen on the paper until it starts to happen, and what happens doesn't seem attached to anything but luck.
That’s a really honest way to put it and kind of refreshing too. I like the idea of just letting things unfold on the page without overthinking it. Do you feel like that unpredictability is what keeps it exciting for you after all these years?
Yes, that's really the major thing. -- the surprise (when it happens).
I love that the idea of the surprise being the real reward. It makes the whole process feel alive in a way that planning never could. Do you ever look back at a finished cartoon and feel surprised by it yourself, like it came from somewhere unexpected?
Very interesting. In olden times, I would complete a short story (for children's magazines), go to the PO with a self-addressed stamped envelope and the story inside, and relax for a few weeks until it was feasible that I might hear back (again, by mail). One magazine always wrote to say they were considering a story. During those golden times, a final acceptance was always possible.