October 15, 2008
choosing the book cartoons
[One of my all-time favorite cartoons, from The Hughtrain.]
As the book now stands, there will be about eighty or so cartoons in it. I don’t have the exact number so far, a lot has to do with the actual design of the physical book– dimensions, page numbers, layout, cost of production etc. all factor into it.
Choosing the cartoons has probably been the hardest bit of the editing process so far. Besides the 1,800 or so cartoons on the blog, I’ve got– Wow– AT LEAST another 4,000 unpublished ones just sitting around in cardboard boxes.
I wanted the cartoons in the book to offer a pretty thorough overview of my work– who knows, this might be the only book I ever publish, or whatever. So I wanted to include cartoons from all my various stages in the last ten years. From the early days in New York, to publishing “How To Be Creative” and “The Hughtrain”, to my recent work.
The other thing– I’m older. A lot of my best earlier work has a lot more f-bombs and sexual references than the cartoons I’m drawing today. But I wanted them in the book anyway, regardless of how it may misrepresent my more “mature”, present-day self, or undermine the “corporate” side of the book market. Thank God my editor agreed with this approach. Whittle down the edges too much, of course, and eventually you have nothing left.
The good news is, whatever my petty concerns might be, the people at Penguin, both Editorial and Sales alike, seem very excited and gung-ho. I’m feeling that way a bit, myself. Rock on.
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A wee chuckle to start your day off right etc.
I think a lot of your earlier work from the New York phase of your life speaks to people who have had, or may be in the middle of having, their own New York phase — even if it isn’t actually in NY. So I’m very pleased to see it in the book.
Whichever ones you choose, they will knock the socks off of any reader.
Because don’t forget that with this book/format, you’re bound to reach a great number of people who’ve never heard of you before. And I can remember the first time I saw your art: I was blown away!
xox
this reminds me of the scene in jean cocteau’s orphee, when the poet, asking what he needs to do to win the favor of the critic, is told “astonish me!”
That’s the one i use as my business card. I LOVE the reactions it always gets. I have the sheep/wolf one too, but this one is so much fun.
Your book is going to be totally fucking amazing, I’m sure of it.
Hugh, will any of the 4,000 unpublished cartoons be in your book?
“Cartoon” never seemed like the right word to describe your work Hugh. Perhaps “artoons?“
bonnieL
So cant wait to see the book Hugh and all the best. Oh and late happy B day from yesterday, hope you had a fab day mate and wish you all the best for the year ahead
Chris
Count me among those who also use this cartoon on my personal business cards, though I had no idea you also used it, Hugh.
excited about the book as well.
when does it come out?
’would like to do a review of the book when it is released, for the magazine that i work for now. …maybe in our march 09 issue?
lemme know what u think.
In response to your Tweet a few minutes ago: As part of your ‘Tribe’, I’ll be glad to help launch your book.
Hugh,
You sound very cute. Are you nervous, btw? It’ll come out well.
I’ve enjoyed How to be Creative very much. I have it filed. Will look through it again.
Have a great day.
Hugh, is this particular cartoon available for hi-res download? thank you! I look forward to the book.