Hugh MacLeod
Cartoons drawn on the back of business cards
October 15, 2004
I’m writing a book. It’s an expansion on a web post I published this summer called “How To Be Creative”.
(NB: The Book Outline is here)
The premise is very simple:
“So you want to be more creative, in art, in business, whatever. Here are some tips that have worked for me over the years.”
I didn
I'm a cartoonist.
I sell limited-edition prints.
I wrote a book.
I'm CEO of Stormhoek USA, which markets South African wine in the States.
I also draw private commissions.
Prints |
Opening | Current |
|---|---|---|
Bluetrain |
$900 | |
We Need to Talk |
$650 | |
Portfolio #2 |
$300 | |
NY NY |
$275 |
Thank you Hugh — it’s lovely to get up in the morning to something that gives you the warm tinglies (ahem) I mean jolly good show old chap keep it up.
I identify so much with that doodling-at-the-bar guy except that I had to wait until I’d realised that I’d had enough alcohol for one lifetime and spent sometime getting to know myself again to feel able to pick up a pen and start drawing again.
Now I do a lot of my artwork on the train — the other day a fellow commuter turned round and said “is that for something special.… or just a hobby?” Yeah, that’s the question.
Im not an alcoholic artist, but boy are they inspiring! Im on the verge of my own adventure, dumping the corporation to create my own dream, a dream that includes stimulation, freedom and fun. Wow!
Thanks scribber for underlining that the risky decisions are so right! xx
Robert Frost once observed that happiness makes up in height what it lacks in length.
Any tragedy and hopelessness one manages to survive is usually an improvement in character, stature, and life. What a privilege!
PS: The difference between water and Vodka in Slavic is the letter K. — Voda means Water
(smile)
I couldn’t agree with you more here, Hugh.
I’ve had some of the same lessons you’ve had and can testify that education IS expensive. I have written extensively about the Age of Participation, the practical side of chaos and creativity. The thing I like most about what you’re saying is that real education — the expensive kind — doesn’t come from a logical book. It comes from doing, and there’s no replacement thereof. As a creative person, your life would have been just as chaotic (and expensive) had you known the things then that you do now. It’s just the way things are.
Best to you and your project. Here’s hoping we can meet one day.
“College Town”? Hmmmph. Let’s get one thing straight. Cartooning is a cool job. Maybe I like sitting alone in a room, drinking gallons of coffee and talking to my cats, ok?
No surprise about the book. I knew it would come. “Sex and Cash” would be a great title. Can’t wait to see it in the bookstores.
Reading this made me smile today!
Thank You!
Thanks! ..geo…
I’m glad you are the way you are.
You lack slack. First you start out BEING creative, next thing YOU ARE A CREATIVE. You need to learn to SLACK OFF and GET PAID! I can’t tell you how many pink boys like yourself have come to me asking how I’ve done it, whether I’m giving some bum a haircut or stamping out false prophets. Hurry up, TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
“Cartooning as a day job meant chaining yourself to your table, scratching out a living in silence, interrupted only by frequent trips to the coffee shop.” — Sounds wonderful to this cartoonist!