50. NEIL GAIMAN: Make good art
Neil Gaiman (1960-) is one of the best fiction writers in the world in my opinion. His work covers novels, short-stories, children’s books, comics, film, television – pretty much the whole pop-culture gamut.
This quote is taken from Gaiman’s commencement address at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, which was all over the internet last week. In an absolutely beautiful and inspiring speech, Gaiman shares the best tips that he wished he knew when he was first starting his writing career. It’s required listening for anyone passionate about the arts and I’ve bookmarked it so I can watch it whenever I lose my direction. Seriously, if you haven’t seen it, stop what you’re doing and click here.
I first read Gaiman’s work over 15 years ago, although I didn’t know who he was at the time. It was Spawn #9, which stood out from all the other Image, testosterone-filled comics I was reading because it was um … well-written. I kept reading the rave reviews The Sandman was getting but I wasn’t ready for ‘adult’ comics yet (I was 14 and hooked on the proportionally-challenged, gun-pouch-wearing superheroes of the new Image universe.) By the time my reading tastes had matured and I started university, I couldn’t afford to buy all of The Sandman collected editions. However, one of the (only) good things about my college was that their library had a comic collection, including all of The Sandman books. Reading the series over the course of a year (they were popular so it was difficult to loan them) was one of the highlights of my three years at university. The series lived up to the hype, opened my eyes to what comics were capable of and helped me score dates with goth girls. After that, I moved onto Gaiman’s novels including the hilarious Good Omens (co-authored with Terry Pratchett), Anansi Boys and the brilliant American Gods. He’s one of my favourite writers and if you see this Mr. Gaiman, thank you for not only making good art, but for making great art.
- Neil Gaiman’s official blog. I especially recommend this recent interview Gaiman conducted with one of my other favourite writers, Stephen King.
- Thanks to reader, Albert, for first sending me the link to the commencement speech.
- I’ve never liked using the term ‘graphic novel’ to describe adult or mature comics. I know Will Eisner created the term and who am I to argue with him, but whenever I hear people use it, it’s like they’re ashamed to admit that they read comics. I actually heard someone say “I don’t read comics, I only read graphic novels.” They’re the same thing, you moron!
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Fantastic strip!
To this day, #9 is the only issue of Spawn I own.
The movie ruined the comic,
While the movie kind of was a downer, it didn’t take away the sheer badassery of the comics.
I think, anyway.
I paused for a moment !
The piece just makes the quote more touching !!
You make good art
I’m trying to get one of the four volumes of Absolute Sandman for Christmas every year – I’m up to two now.
I’ve watched Neil’s talk 5 times already, and I’m taking his advice in a big way – I’m building a website that *I* would love to see and be part of. I’m making good art, as only I can do best.
http://mixuptheweb.com/
And Gavin, you’re gonna be a part of it. If we could get Neil too, that would be awesome. I’ll ask him in a while when there’s some meat on the bones.
Keep doing your stuff, Gav!
There are Five Absolute Sandmans.
But only four lights.
What a fitting 50th.
Gaiman is tied for my favorite author (with Terry Pratchett). The man just spews out genius. Please please do a Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett series, the amount of inspiration I’ve gotten from those two guys has made my journey as a physician much much easier.
Heh. Gaiman and Pratchett tied for first place? I bet I can guess YOUR favorite novel of all time! (And it’s a pretty good choice, too, isn’t it?)
Been seeing that thing all over google plus!!! Great job!
This is so great! I haven’t heard about this speech, but you sure got me interested in it with that drawing. Good job!
P.S. One of the nicest things in this strip was all the drawings the little boy drew in the hospital. Some of my all-time-favorite characters are there! That was a sweet surprise. Waiting for the print!
Love the obscure TinTin reference on the wall too…
Epic!
hi, i am happy to see this place.
He likes it! Check out what Neil tweeted:
http://zenpencils.com/wp-content/uploads/neiltweet.jpg
Excuse me, I just pee’d my pants and should go clean up.
Congrats Gavin he recognized your work! =) Neil Gaiman is my all time favourite author, the man is just a genius! And the way you did this is really awesome!!! would love this in poster form. Keep up your awesome work!!
This is Epic man..!! So glad you included Neil Gaiman in your strips..Keep up the good work…Cheers.
Epic sure was the right word to use about this one Gav!!
PS – That’s awesome. Must feel pretty great to hear that one of your idols now idolises you!
persistence wins ! right
Maaaannnnn!!! THIS. IS. AWESOME!!!!
The Dreamlord himself.
Congratulations!
The goodness you put out is just coming back to you Gav- don’t ever be suprised – you deserve it!!
This totally made my morning! Thanks for the awesome strip, keep up the awesome work!
I just saw Neil Gaiman’s tweet praising your work! Bravo! Hope you’re ready for the many new followers his recommendation will bring – and which you richly deserve!
Here via Mr. Gaiman. This is amazing work.
man When I saw that set up with the computer and desk it scared me, thats my exact setup, I was genuinely feeling extremely down about my website and the progression of it all but this was perfect for the situation. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I so far like all of your “pencils”, but this one is really inspirational as well as funny.
Neil Gaiman is amazing and so is your comic. Love the boa and the last panel.
Hey Gav, I discovered zenpencils through twitter today.It grabbed my heart man.These are sort of things that truly ‘push the human race forward’.Keep it coming.
This is amazing! Thanks for introducing me to this guy!
Reading it in my head while lookin at your beautful drawings… it sounded like a song xD
I don’t know why but that just seems like a good sign, I think… I hope^^
Anyway great job, it’s very inspiring as usual and congratulations on getting recognized by the author himself. That’s AMAZING!!!
Watched that speech when it hit the web last week, and this really brought it home, definitely well done.
Saw the speech on YouTube yesterday. This definitely captures the essence of the speech. Nice work again, and nice to be recognized by the author!
Congrats and keep “Making Good Art”
Loved it!!!!!!!
Keep it up!
Amazing ^_^
Amazing!!! I’m gonna send this to a friend who sometimes can’t sleep… and during the night he draws…:)
Funny and inspirational at the same time! Thanks.
I used to draw funny pictures on whiteboard in office and one colleague encouraged me to draw a webcomic. I was hesitating first, but then I found a new passion!
I think everyone should do some kind of art – it allows us to use whole brain, not just the cold/logical/analytical hemisphere…
Sorry that I can’t participate in watching the video. I’m deaf, and the video at the link isn’t captioned or subtitled. Oh well! Maybe someone could create a transcript of Neil Gaiman’s commencement address?
Just love all of your comics so far though!
Never mind, I found a transcript online of the video!
http://gointothestory.blcklst.com/2012/05/neil-gaiman-commencement-address.html
Ah! So, you “did” Neil Gaiman. Awesome, Man!! I’m currently reading American Gods, I guess you can estimate my joy. You do make a good-art.
Ah! So, you “did” Neil Gaiman. Awesome, Man!! I’m currently reading American Gods, I guess you can estimate my joy. You do make a good-art. And Neil Gaiman retweeted it. You lucky son of a gun.
i love this site………….
I thought he would like this. I hope you’ll do more Gaiman quotes.
Just a brilliant artwork you’ve done here! i’ve recently watched Gaiman’s speech you’ve quoted here and thought it was truly inspiring. Your work make his words even more remarkable. Although i’d had chosen a more inspiring one, I’ve been also surprised by your skill to draw that particulary part of his talk
Oh I love this. The speech was fantastic, this is a gorgeous response to it.
Great interpretation of a great speech!
“I don’t read comics, I only read graphic novels.”
I went out with a girl who said this to me once. I shook my head and laughed at her. As if the medium could only be appreciated by children. I wish that we wouldn’t feel like putting on these airs as we grow older. There are good things in childhood which should never be relinquished.
Allow me to also thank you for this comic strip. I found it only a few weeks ago but love it and am subscribed. Please keep up the great work!
Hooray! Tintin’s Moon-Rocket makes it to the kid’s wall of fame.
Gavin,
This comic made me cry, but in a happy, fullfilled way. Thanks for making a great art with Gaiman’s great advice!
The average amount of awesomeness in webcomics all over the world just went up because of this. Amazing work.
I am in awe that my friend has the capacity to create a strip like this. I LOVE the boy who blew up the cat, his expression is priceless. Brilliant quote, brilliant artist.
Thanks Gav.
Keep ‘em coming!
hi
i am here for you………….
i am happy to see this place guys…….
I would love to see this one available as a print. Wonder if you might be able to strike a portion-of-proceeds-to-charity deal such as you seem to have with Kurt Vonnegut?
If you did, I’d be all over this – would love to hang it in my writing room.
Thanks for making good art!
That was awesome, Gavin! You definitely brought Gaiman’s speech to life.
Thanks, just the rally talk I needed today!
This is great! You pictured what changed my life to the much, much better =)
Thanks a lot for this comic – for me it is truly touching.
Incredible drawing and structure of the strip. You are getting better and better each time you make new art`s. Keep it up GAV!
I discovered your website a few days ago thanks to stumbleupon and I’m going to do this as informally as possible.
You’re a cool guy Gav and I greatly respect, admire and appreciate the things you’re doing with this website. It invariably opened the world to somewhere bedroom window (which is an unfortunate irony since I haven’t left my house in ages)…..(okay i exaggerate it’s been months).
My long term plan is to look at everything you’ve done and really learn about these people, their ideas and use it to expand my mind and consciousness to something far beyond the ideas of becoming a doctor.
Love what you’re doing and I think you should keep in mind that no matter what happens, you’ve done great things for me (and probably a ton of other people) and you should remember that if you’re ever feeling blue.
Stay fresh GAT (pretty appropriate nickname using your initials? I think so.)
increíble trabajo, de ahí surgen los grandes artistas! (:
Loved this, Gav. It’s so great that Neil G. saw it too.
Thanks everyone. I’m so happy that a lot of you were inspired by this comic – you make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Now all of you: go make good art!
Great work! Very well done!!! This totally choked me up.
Thank you for sharing this. The comic really made my day as it really illustrate how I’m feeling like now =D so let’s Make Good Art!
wow good encouraging advice
Awesome! very inspiring
can you make a header for me ?? it will be great if you help to improve this my site.. this is my friend a music site thank you
Haha, just noticed the drawings in the hospital room have Coraline and the Graveyard Book (which is my absolute favorite!)
Love your blog by the way!
This is awesome!
Good art it is 
Are you planning on making this into a print? One of my friends is an artist, and I would LOVE to buy this to hang on her wall for when days look down.
Wow, I would love a print of this! Make it happen
I’d love a print of this too (actually I’d probably buy two or three prints of it)
Hey Gav,
Your site is awesome. Glad you did this one, it led me to the video.
That’s just cool Neil himself loved your work! Congrats!
You’ve inspired me to do my own quote day. Not comic style, more painterly/sketchy single frame. Hope to post soon. Thanks.
If the IRS is after you, write “the Perils of Big Government” not “of Capitalism.” This is, as I can see, very confusing to a lot of people these days.
When will this be available in print form?
I tremendously appreciate this, without art we have nothing. Besides as the saying goes, earth without art is just eh.
I want this on my wall. What will it take for me to make that happen.
Congrats!!! you made your #50 awesome interpretation of a phrase.
When I had cancer about 15 years ago one of the things, I spent a lot of time in bed and drawing. I even eventually did a series of drawings on cancer. I’m not sure it is “great art” but it does greatly help me enjoy life. Great work piece of work here.
Gav – please oh please oh please when will we be able to purchase a print of this? You have brought to life the words of one of the people I admire most in this world, and you’ve done it perfectly. I need this hanging in my studio, a constant reminder, through your good art, for me to keep doing so too. Fantasticly perfect.
Cool work man. I definitely pinned it, and I’m looking to link it when I post the video on my blog. Awesome!
I agree completely with your last note. The idea that when a comic is popular enough and receives enough critical praise it might be lifted out of the slums or ghettos and become a graphic novel turns my stomach the same way as when I hear people talking about real human beings the same way.
Comics should be proud of being comics. I am proud of Neil Gaiman because he will proudly tell people he wrote comics. The ability to tell a story through sequential art is a gift. It’s a gift whether you plot it out and have someone draw it for you or whether you can do the whole thing yourself. It’s a gift even if you aren’t quite so good at it today as you will be tomorrow.
LOL…
This was really inspirational. Thank you!
PRINT COMING SOON – this week!
YAHOO!
YES! YES!
Keep writing great books, Neil! As a school librarian, I can assure you that there will always be enough room on my library shelves for your books!
You should make a print out of this, I would totally buy it. Maybe twice, for some reason.
You Sir, are brilliant.
Wonderful. Do you have any graphic novels that you’ve written? If you do, put me down for 2.
Awesome work, my man. I’ll be back here weekly to see these inspirational updates.
And if you’re ever in London, we’d love to do an interview with you.
http://www.enterthekeep.co.uk
Peace from South London!!
No, no other comics published. Thanks for the interview offer, great videos.
Hey,
I hope you keep making these, and keep making them as well as all the ones you’ve made. It’s a great way to share thoughts and emotions and your work is really appreciated.
I found out about this site a week ago and I’ve already seen all of the quotes.
I’m just writing to let you know that your work really is appreciated by a lot of people. I know how knowing this will help you keep on doing this with great joy. And if somebody else is reading this – if you like somebody’s work – tell them, it is really important that you tell them.
Wish everybody a great end of the week,
Yasen
Thanks a lot Yasen
The print is available:
http://society6.com/zenpencils/50-NEIL-GAIMAN_Print
Man, I get so choked up every time I come into your site, your way to portraying the quotes is just amazing, and they’re all so true… and you totally deserve the recognition by Mr Gaiman himself.
And you just put into words what I always thought about the Graphic novels – Comics distinction. It’s like they’re afraid to call them comics for whatever reason – after all these years and all the evolution in comic writing (including the works of people like Mr Gaiman or Alan Moore or Frank Miller), it’s just a disrespect for the art form and the people who do it.
Anyways, keep doing great art! =) Greetings from Argentina!
A little late to the party: love it!! Gaiman’s a one of a kind.
Great concept and amazing impact…
Awsome and amazing work.
Why don’t you make a comic strip on Neil’s ‘I hate love’ thing?
It’d be brilliant, really.
Awesome shit, by the way, I love Neil, and your Invictus comic did justice to the poem. Its my absolute favorite poem ever since I could read, and you don’t know how good it felt to see what you created.
IT WAS AS AWESOME AS A T-REX WITH A BAZOOKA.
T-REX with a bazooka…I laughed out REAL HARD!! Love it.
Actually, a Graphic Novel has a definitive end, while a comic can just keep going. They’re different things.
I think the doctor and the politician are the same lady
great one, thanks for mr.gaiman and zen pencil
Thanks for the link. Incredible, funny, inspirational, and just about any other positive word you can think of for it.
You know, actually, it’s my motto in life “Do what only you can do best” … I believe that every person should try to do smthg that he’s really the best in… it doesn’t matter if we 7 Billions on earth, there’s always a thing to do for everyone.
Fabulous illustrations!
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Thanks
Mast hai Yar
Thank you for all your work. You have a very awesome selection of quotes and you’ve visually represented them nicely. It has been very inspiring going through all your art. You make good art yourself.
Really absolutely beautiful and inspirational.
But what if the hardship, the tough thing in your life, is that you can’t make good art?
tumblr is a cool place for artists, I think you would like it.
Oh I love it!!!
Oh man… this is SO inspiring!!! Thank you Gaiman. ¡I’ll see you!
I just stumbled on this and I think it’s fantastic! I love your whole project!
F#$% this eight year Depression, let’s make good art.
This is a beautiful comic. I was an art major in college and I love to see things like this. Thanks for the inspiration.
Sean @ Denver IT Support
each time i used to read smaller articles or reviews which as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this piece of writing which I am reading now.
This has got to be one of my absolute favourites
I love Neil Gaiman and I love your interpretation of this idea! Thanks again for putting your art out there.
Found you today through a Pinterest post of “The pale blue dot”
I sent this to my wife who is in the middle of a major life transition (going from Corporate code monkey to self-employed writer). It’s now on a sticky plastered on her mirror. I pray that it keeps her truly inspired.
I love this guy. I watched the video of this speech, the whole speech is so great. Neil is indeed a good voice to listen to while you are drawing.
This makes me think about the daily grind and what we value to pursue.
I mean you get given a lemon – so make lemon juice
Cat exploded, my favorite:=)
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