A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT & my 2013 year in review
It’s been a long while since I’ve written about what’s going on with me and Zen Pencils, so here is a long overdue catch-up post and a look back at 2013.
But first, I have a big announcement to make. Many of you have wanted this and I can now finally reveal that I’VE SIGNED A BOOK DEAL!!! Yes, I’m very excited to say there will be a Zen Pencils book collection out in 2014. It’s being published by Andrews McMeel, who specialise in comic collections, publishing iconic strips such as Calvin and Hobbes, Zits, Get Fuzzy and also other webcomics like The Oatmeal. It’s planned for release in the second half of 2014. The book will collect 40-50 of my best strips and will also include an exclusive fold-out poster. Pretty cool, right? It’s a dream come true for me and I still can’t quite believe it’s happening. We’re still in the early stages of putting it together, but expect many more updates in the new year.
Right, so that’s the big announcement out of the way and something to look forward to in 2014, but how did 2013 fare? This was the second full year of Zen Pencils and I’m glad to say it’s continued to grow and find new readers from all over the world. The comics and quotes really seem to have had a positive impact on a lot of people and I’m continually amazed by the response and feedback from you. I kind of create the comics in a vacuum, post them online and then they go off and spread like wildfire around the world. I’ll post a comic from Melbourne, then two minutes later I get an email from a reader in India, or Brazil, or Serbia, or Vietnam saying they really liked it and it cheered them up. It’s so cool and surreal at the same time.
I am very glad to say that I am now making a full-time living purely from Zen Pencils. My income comes from the selling of the prints at Society 6, poster royalties, advertising on the site, and recently the limited edition T-shirts. It’s hard to believe that the big dream I had when I quit my job two years ago has actually come to fruition. It’s kind of snuck up on me and I’m so settled into my new routine of working from home that a lot of the time I take it for granted – a friend of mine recently was like “You get to work from home and do whatever you want, you’re living the dream, Gav!” and I was like “Shit, I guess I am.” My new life isn’t very exciting or glamourous I’m afraid, but I couldn’t be happier. I basically just sit in my room and work really hard until a comic is produced. Sometimes I’m wearing pants, sometimes I’m not. So that happened in 2013, I fulfilled my lifetime dream and became a professional cartoonist (pats self on back).
One of my personal highlights of the year was my recent trip to Peru. A lot of you were kind enough to support my fundraising efforts for World Vision. It was an incredible trip – I know I haven’t posted any photos or written about it yet but I promise I will soon. I was a bit behind on the comics when I returned home last month so I’ve been focusing on getting new updates out since I got back. Another highlight was attending my first comic convention as a ‘pro’ here in Melbourne earlier in the year at Supanova, which was a great experience. I will hopefully leave my fortress of solitude more often in 2014 and attend a few more events – possibly even the biggest of them all, San Diego Comic Con. In an attempt to get out of my comfort zone and meet more of you, I’m having my first meet-up events in Singapore and Myanmar in January.
But of course, what made 2013 so incredible was you, my wonderful readers. Your continued support, encouragement, comments, sharing and feedback is what drives me to keep going and to keep getting better. The Zen Pencils community has been the best thing to come out of the site and is a big reason readers keep coming back. I’m not as active on the comments as I used to be, mainly because I can’t reply to all of them. If I reply to one comment, I feel bad for not replying to someone else. But I do still monitor them and whenever I am not feeling particularly motivated all I have to do is read my comment threads to perk myself back up (while ignoring the 0.00001% of troll comments). And don’t get me started with the emails! I’ve got a backlog of emails going back six months. I’m sorry to all of you who don’t get a reply from me – it’s just not physically possible for me to answer all the emails (not to mention the Facebook, Tumblr, Google+ and Twitter interactions I get). If I did answer them all, there would be no new comics being released! Keep sending those quotes though, because 95% of quotes I use are reader submitted. So please don’t think that just because the site’s getting more popular and I’m going to be J.K. Rowling-rich soon thanks to my book deal (highly unlikely) that I don’t care about my readers anymore.
From the bottom of my heart I would just like to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you. I hope you enjoyed the comics and that they put a smile on your face a few times, or maybe a frown if one of the quotes made you realise a harsh truth. Either way I hope you got something out of Zen Pencils this year and I wish you all the very best for 2014.
– Gav
PS: I’m not going on hiatus just yet, there’ll still be a new comic on Friday.
I love your website, and the notice of a book
publication is the best of the week! See your arts in paper should be wonderful! I will buy a copy soon as launch.
Keep all the greatest work you have doing, thank you for the best quotes and illustrations! 😀
Good news! Just got my “Thousands of candles” t-shirts. They’re beautiful.
Wow! Congratulations :D. I’ll buy sure to buy a first edition copy!
Good things DO happen to good people! Well done sir, and thanks for giving us something to look forward to every (almost) week. Great news about the book – that’s next years XMAS presents sorted!!
Your website is amazing. I look forward to your Zen Pencil drawings.. True skill and artwork. Keep it coming…
Congratulations Gav!
Wow, this is some exciting news! Congratulations and can’t wait for it!!!
You’re doing amazing work here Gav. Keep it up! And life doesn’t have to be extraordinary exciting and full of action. The fact that you’re doing what you love to do, and can live respectfully, that’s pretty much it. I mean, some other things too, but you know what I mean 🙂
Waiting for Friday’s new comic!
This is awesome to hear! Congratulations and looking forward to seeing what 2014 brings for you (and looking forward to the book).
We’re happy that you’re happy. 🙂 Congrats and enjoy!
SO thrilled for you. It’s amazing when you take that leap into something so unconventional and find you can make a living! That’s what I did with being a mermaid 😉 hehe too cool! I’m so happy for you, what a wonderful thing. I look forward to 2014 with Zen Pencils, and I can’t wait to buy the book. Mermaids love to read you know 😉
May 2014 be as good to you as 2013 seems to have been!
And yes – I will buy the book definitely.
Have a wonderful 2013!
May 2014 be as good to you as 2013 seems to have been!
And yes – I will buy the book definitely.
Have a wonderful 2014!
14 14 14 14 … duh …
Congrats and keep it up! It’s always an enormous pleasure to read you!
Wonderful news! I’ve been a fan since my son first introduced me to your work, and I will certainly be buying a first edition (hopefully). Your art is inspirational, uplifting and life-enhancing, and although the words are written by others, you give them greater depth and layers of emotion. Keep up the wonderful work!
Congrats!
I get a small feeling of disappointment every time I check your website and there is no new comic. But that is easily overcome whenever you publish something new.
Zenpencils is easily the best website I discovered in 2013.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Congrats, Gav!! Your work is amazing! No matter how many times I come back and re-read the same comic/quote it always touches me in some good and warm way.
Keep shining, buddy!
Hugs from Brazil!
Congrats. You deserve all the praise and success you’ve garnered. Not only because of your talent, but because you share meaningful messages and images that bring a little light in a world that sorely needs more positive input.
Keep it up 🙂
Best regards from Mexico.
Congratulations;
Best wishes from Turkey 🙂
Congrats! You deserve it. I want one copy of that book as soon as posible 😀
*Applause*
Congratulations on the book deal and for achieving the rewards that come from having the courage to let go of the everyday to chase a dream.
Long may your pencil remain sharp and zen like!
Hey Gav, congratulations on the book deal! We are looking forward to all your future work! Great job 🙂 Kind Regards, Jayne and Troy (from Peru trip)
Congrats!!! You really deserve to have your own book!!! I’ll definitely buy it, so please sell it in Canada!!
Wow…awesome news on the book.
Though I do hope there is at least one boob joke in there for old time’s sake!! haha
Looking forward to an even better 2014
Biggest congratulations! This is my first time commenting, but it seems like an occasion that warrants one. Best wishes for 2014, your best year yet? 🙂
Well done, Gav! I applaud your humble efforts to have obtained the right to live life fully on your terms 🙂
Ever since a friend of mine posted the Graduation speech comic (#123 I think) on facebook, I’ve been hooked. I always look to great artists with a great message in order to get myself going artistically.
I mean this as a compliment: I hope someday I’ll be able to make comics that I love about subject matter I love and to share them with people all over the world who love to experience such things. Thanks for being an inspiration, Gav. Got your 3 free posters hanging in my home studio to keep me going every day.
Here’s to your continued success in 2014!
woohooooo GAV!!!*patpat* on your back. so much to catch up soon. well done. you can tick this of your list and retire? lol. big hugs.
I’M SO EXCITED FOR THIS. You are incredible and are doing something really special here. I cannot wait to see where this takes you in 2014. Thank you for what you do and following your passion – you’re making a large community very happy and very proud of you. Enjoy 🙂
How wonderful that you’re getting published!! Congratulations, you deserve it. I will buy many copies for myself and as gifts.
Congratulations! Can’t wait to get my hands on that book.
Well done! Keep us posted on the adventure… 🙂
A heart-felt congratulations to you and best of luck with the book! You are an inspiration to me.
Gav, that’s insane news! Congrats!!!!!
From a fellow Melbournian you’re site is incredibly inspiring Gav. You really are living the dream in my eyes and I hope to one day be able to follow in your footsteps with my own website. All the best for Christmas and new year.
Congrats Gav, you’ve earned it. Well done.
And now I know what I’ll be getting everyone for Christmas next year! Congratulations, Gav. You and your comic make my world a better place.
Congrats, Gav!
Great news, Gav! It’d be such a delight to see the comic strips in a book.
The fact that you’re doing what you love adds so much more meaning to life. Have an inspired 2014!
WOOOOO Congrats!
Congratulations and best wishes, Gavin! Couldn’t happen to a better person.
Wonderful year for Zenpecils. 🙂
A big hug From Indonesia (^3^)/??
Congrats on the book deal! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on “living the life” too! It’s great to hear someone talk about what the experience is like and actually sharing how long it actually takes to make a dream come true. Have a great 2014!
Kudos to your efforts. I was really inspired by how you left your job to follow your passion. Hats off man!! *take a bow*
The comic strips give a new perspective to how we see classic literature. Awesome creativity. I have been your reader since about 6 odd months now. Love to read them. Keep up the good work! 🙂
Congratulations Gavin on signing a book deal! I’m so happy you are going to be ‘published’! 20013 has indeed been a terrific year! I think one of the best things about your cartoons and blogs is that they inspire us to demand more out of our selves and inspire us to be better people.
Wishing yo all the very best for 2014.
Congratulations Gavin.
Congratulations¡¡ De corazón ¡ siempre he admirado tu trabajo y esto es una excelente noticia
México .
Congratulations dude, your work is amazing, really, and I love all of it. I’ve spend some nights reading your comics and gathering motivation for my life. And I can only say: thank you, and keep doing this amazing job. <3
Brasil
Congrats on living your dream and Zen Pencils! Keep us update with your book. I’ll definitely get one copy.
Omg, a book. Yeah, consider it bought. It would be a pleasure and an honor to have a book of such great art and inspiring quotes.
Gav your life may not be exciting or glamorous but by keeping more people happy and helping them break limitations you’re living a wonderful life. It is the most beautiful life I’ve ever known. Here is the favourite quote from my master. “How deeply you touch another life is how rich your life is.” -Sadhguru
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES !
It is freaking amazing ! My drem have come true ! God has heard my prayer !
I cant believe youre finally publishing that collection book i’ve wished for !
THANK YOU – a tousand times !
I love ZenPencils !!!!!
Congratulations, Gav!
<3
'nuff said.
Firstly…congratulations! I love your work and it’s wonderful to see you use your talent to uplift.
I want to share something here: I clicked on a link through my FB page which brought me to an article in Forbes.com about why one should not “live our dreams”…it was to me personally a very poorly written article because as I was perusing the comments…I found the author meandering between the “pros and cons” even to the extent of blaming a 800 word limit and saying that he was thinking of balancing that article out with why one should pursue trying to find and live one’s dreams. I didn’t like the article and I agreed with the comments of those who told it differently.
Feeling slightly disturbed I kept scrolling down my FB page to come to your link. And you have shown that living your dreams is possible! I choose to take that as a sign and a message. So thank you! 🙂
I just realised that I’ve never even given any feedback here, despite having read all comics (and the intent of continuing to do it) and having bought merch from Society 6. I might not be a huge fan of each and every message there, but I hugely admire how adept you are in various visual styles and how much love and craft goes into the comics.
And while I haven’t my life where I really want it to be yet, many a quote has given me a gentle nudge in what I believe to be the right direction. Your work actually has influenced me for the better.
So from the bottom of my heart, many thanks, greetings from Germany and all the best for 2014!
This announcement made my day Gav!! 😀 I’m already counting down the days left for the book to get launched! (195 days, assuming 1st July is the release date 0:) ) And I hope it contains more than 50 comics 😛 😀
OMG I can’t wait for the book!
I will definitley be looking out for it and hopefully get a copy!
Congratulations with everything… you are a real life role model.
Sending you best wishes and much love from the Middle East.
Great news. Congratulations. I will be sure to get a copy. Really enjoy Zen Pencils.
Thanks so much for all the kind words everyone – after reading all the comments I feel like I’ve absorbed a massive dose of love and positivity, like I’m about to burst! You’ve all helped make 2013 very special for me.
Proud of you bro!
It sounds great. I can’t wait for this book. I’ll definitely be buying it.
Glad to hear that you’re living your dream. Keep up the good work.
Reading your jobs from the beginning. And I realize I haven’t comment till today. Thanks for inspiring and awesome times which you make possible for me and other folks.
I believe you’re gonna make much greater things in the future. Live long and prosper.
CONGRATS!!! That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy for you xxx
*Applause*
*Applause*
*Applause*
Dear Santa
All I want for Christmas (in 2014) is a Zen Pencils Book Collection by the incredibly gifted Gav! Thanking you in advance.
Gav-a-holic
You deserve it all! I can’t wait to see so many of the comics in print in the book!
Congratulations. You make the world a better place and you deserve every bit of your success.
I am SO HAPPY to hear that you are putting out a book! I will be sure to place an order when they are ready to ship!!
Gavin, Congratulations on the book deal. Your success is well deserved. Your art makes people all over the world happy… including me. Keep up the good work.
Congratulations Gav! Cant wait for the release 😀
Gavin, Congratulations on the book deal ! No doubt that I’ll be buying a copy.
You’ve done a fabulous job of inspiring people so far and continue doing so . It’s been a good 2013 for me as well, and one of the reasons is because I discovered your site and the right time ! 😀
Thanks ! and keep the creativity alive.
Congratulation.. 🙂
Congratulations…!! I love your work 🙂
Gav, congrats! would love to see a comic from your own speech 🙂
Now your life is just as inspiring as your comics! I’m glad I came across this post today, as it gave me the extra nudge of courage I needed to put in my 2 weeks notice at my corporate job and pursue graduate studies full time.
Gav, you reap what you sow- and you’ve sewn a whole lot of positivity. Enjoy your harvest!
-Pwn
Awesome news Gav!Congrats! Looking forward to your book!
I’m so happy for you Gavin. I can’t believe it was that long ago that you presented Zen Pencils to the Victorian Chapter of the ACA. Blew the room away.
I’m so happy for you
I love your work
I’m defy going to try buying a tee shirt, not I’m definitely buying the book.
Congratulations Gav. 🙂 I’m so happy for you. Thank you for inspiring us through your great artworks. I’m excited for your book. 🙂
That’s so exciting! Can’t wait for more details on the book! 🙂 (Finally, I don’t have to attempt to choose *just one* comic!)
Congratulations, I cannot wait for my own copy of the book! :))
Take THAT anybody who says you can’t make a living with art!
Hi Gav,
I just stumbled across your site yesterday when doing the write-up for the Alan Watts post and really like the concept (and name!) of zenpencils. Taking some time now and digging a bit deeper when it comes to your art&work I’m flabbergasted to see your seeds of the past two years turned into a decent plant in the meantime, considering your book deal and the fact you can actually dedicate your time completely to your passion and make a living from it…
Congrats and Happy New Year! 🙂
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