[One of Shrigley’s pieces that he did for The Guardian etc.]
[More thoughts on the “Mastery” riff:]
Glasgow artist, David Shrigley is one of my favorite cartoonists. And I have very few of those.
Unlike a lot of my cartoonist heroes (Steinberg, Gorey etc) David can’t draw to save his life, at least, not in the conventional sense. His formal drafting skills (the ones he chooses to show the world, anyway) are just plain bad. I mean, REALLY bad.
And you know what? It doesn’t matter. Actually, it may even be a good thing.
You see, the whole point of Dave’s work is NOT about the drawing. It’s ALL about his ideas.
And his VERY crude drawings work brilliantly for that. In fact, I’d wager that if his drafting skills were more formally developed, his cartoons wouldn’t be nearly as sharp, as interesting or wickedly subversive.
His is a great example of what I like to call “circumventing one’s limitations”. Turning weaknesses into strength. Shrigley is a master of that, he really is.
And yes, I think if you’re to achieve mastery in your craft, your job or your career, you have to learn how to do what David did: Circumvent.
You also have to be determined and relentless. David is all that as well, as this interview nicely demonstrates.
Even if you can’t draw to save your life. Even if you didn’t go to the right university. Even if you’re not that good at making money. Even if you have an average IQ. Even if you can’t get venture funding. Even if you weren’t born insanely talented at something. Even if you have to wait tables or bartend for a couple of years.
Circumvent, relentlessly.
Exactly.
The New Republic
Len Schlesinger
Tony Hsieh
Seth Godin
Brian Clark
Maybe he sucks at everything but minimalism. And yet, he makes that work for him.
I dunno, I’ve met him a couple of times before, he’s a really sharp guy. He’s probably great at a lot of things, just doesn’t make it too apparent to us mere mortals
Brilliant examples, unfortunately most people find it easier to come up with excuses rather than circumventing obstacles.
Too bad… life can be so sweet when living out our dreams or even trying to.
“life can be so sweet when living out our dreams or even trying to.”
Very well said Marti.
ps: His work reminds me David Lynch
[the filmmaker. he draws some odd animations as well]
I guess I’ll be the dumb one who admits I didn’t get it. Is it death by thinking inside the box?
Hugh,
I wanted to thank you for your site, art and sharing of your opinion. It’s not only refreshing but also inspires me to keep going toward my personal goals. Thanks and keep up the inspiring work!
What a determined and relentless interview! Thanks for this post.
I was overjoyed to learn about his lyrics rendered musically by many bands in the “Worried Noodles” album. A welcome surprise of inspiration.
Great post and excellent art throughout the site.