Ooooh, Mr. Important Cartoonist
So I appeared on a panel last weekend at the ProBlogger Event, which is an annual conference that brings together all the blogging enthusiasts of Australia. After speaking on a panel called ‘Taking a new blog to success’ I am glad to report I didn’t make too much of a fool of myself. This was my first time speaking in front of such a large crowd and despite my initial anxiousness, I had a lot of fun and hope to do more public engagements in the future.
The theme of the event was ‘From little things, big things grow’ and it allowed me to reflect on the growth of Zen Pencils. At the start of the year, I was just a frustrated dude who wanted to draw comics. I remember thinking before publishing my first post “What the hell am I doing? Who is going to read this? I’m making a horrible mistake!”
Well since that day on January 30th, this site now has hundreds of thousands of readers visiting it each month. Zen Pencils brings together a community of like-minded people that contribute intelligent and informed conversations who sometimes disagree, but don’t let the discussion turn into a petty, name-calling fight (I’ve only had one troll leave a comment). I’m so thrilled because it’s shown me that there are people out there just like me, who enjoy using their brains and discussing science, art, literature and history but also don’t mind the odd pop-culture reference. It proves that the claims of society dumbing down is not true. It proves once again that comics can be used to communicate real-world issues and topics and not just superhero soap-operas. It proves that from little things, big and beautiful things can grow.
Well done Gav, you have our undying support x
Well done, Gavin — keep doing what you’re doing, congrats from HI! π
I’ve lurked your site and read all your comics, but you’ve inspired me to post. I love your comics and your website and your blog posts. I’m on the brink of starting my own comic with a group of friends and a blog with my mom, and your comics have helped tremendously to motivate and inspire me. Thank you so, so much π
Never under estimate your ability to influence people Gavin – you are a very talented young man π Love your work.
Awww well done!! Your work is always an inspiration! Keep up the awesome job!! π
Gav,
Aside from all the inspirational quotes you use for your comics, I think you are by far the most inspirational of all. Thanks for keeping us all going π
Katie Holmes xo
I was about to say pretty much the same thing as KL, so +1 from me!
I left Problogger completely inspired by your courage, attitude and success! I can’t wait to see more of your work and get to know you better.
Best wishes,
Caylie
Thanks for the lovely words of support, and hello to first-time commenters π
You’ve earned the support Gav.
Never sell yourself short.
Congrats! You really are a great example to the rest of us.
I think the correct term is Mr Big Deal cartoonist actually Gav… xx
Wow, Gavin!! How exciting!! I look forward to each new comic, and have referred a bunch of friends. I know they like the quotes, and especially the artwork.
Again, Congrats!!
F@#*ING AWESOME BRO! You’ve grown at an exponential rate and inspired and entertained hundreds of thousands in the mean time bro! Just proof that having faith, following your dreams and working hard results in great things!
Much love and support man well done!
Good on ya Gav, well done mate
Wow, congratulations! :)) Long live comics and blogging.
Hi Gav,
Thanks for sharing it and thanks for keeping your readers happy and inspired. Looking forward to see u grow better and big.
Regards.
Great work Gavin π It must have been a wonderful experience. Glad you had a good time. It’s nice to see that people are been appreciated for their work and talent. After all, it is true that ‘from little things, big and beautiful things can grow’ π Best of luck!
Gavin!
Awesome work mate.
I hope to one day make a blog that is even half as successful as you have! You are definitely an inspiration to many of us.
Congratulations Gav, so happy & proud of u! Follow ur dreams, believe & amazing things can happen.
Jess xx
Amazing work Gavin π
I’m just a week old visitor to your blog and I must admit that I’m addicted to it. One of the reasons could be that I have interest in creativity and that I like reading and writing on personal success and motivation. I’m also thankful to Heramb wo’s been vocal about your work. It is him who introduced me to ZenPencils…So a bit of thanks goes to him as well.
Best wishes from New Delhi, India
Thank Heramb for me Mousumi π
You just keep on grooving my friend! Will there ever be a cameo of Pete and Teddy (I’m thinking more of Teddy) in Zen?
mmmm Teddy and Zen – I don’t think so π
Ha! You could always look at it from a more human side to Teddy – perhaps realising that he is unhappy with his lot in life? On second thoughts, you’re right – as his arrogance would come blazing through at the end and he wouldn’t have learned anything!
Still… loving Zen and loving how you’ve finally done a Stephen Fry quote.
Awesome Gav, would you mind writing a post on your talk??? Would love to hear about how you grew this blog by “From little things, big things grow”!
Brian
Brian, it was basically me just telling the story of how I started this site (leaving my job etc) and then taking a few questions.
wel done Gavin, keep on going!
your pencils are great.
best wishes from the Netherlands
Hey Gav,
You’re awesome, keep doing what you’re doing.
All the best from sunny South Africa
Amazing work Gav π Quoting you – “itβs shown me that there are people out there just like me, who enjoy using their brains and discussing science, art, literature and history but also donβt mind the odd pop-culture reference”. Hell yes! I myself had been looking for a platform like this. Keep blogging!
Congrats Gavin!! Best wishes for things to come too!
Congratulations! You deserve it, you took the plunge, risked and work really hard to build this undertaking.
Keep at it, wishing you the best!
Awesome! My husband and I just bought some prints: Theodore Roosevelt’s The Man in the Arena and Henry David Thoreau on happiness. We love them! I can’t wait to hang mine up in my office. Thanks for doing what you do. You do a terrific job and I’m glad to see your success. -Lisa
Gavin,
I am inspired by your work. It is not just cartoons or drawings or pretty pictures with poignant words. They depict emotions that all artists share and encourage those who feel lost in the murk of mediocrity. Congratulations on your accomplishment and being able to talk about it. I hope it leads to bigger and more beautiful things!
Congrat, Gav!
-a US reader
Congratulations!
“Iβve only had one troll leave a comment” How many times do I have to apologize for that? haha
Looks like you did great Gav. Keep it up.
Wonderful message, I completely agree.
i found out your blog a few months ago, and it gives me so much inspiration, sometimes i finish reading your cartoons all in tears. love it, Gavin!
Weiyan from Beijing(see, you’ve got fan in China, hehe)
Gav, a friend’s link of your piece on Kurt Vonnegut’s Life of Art started me going to ‘previous’, and your pieces on Muhd Ali – well, I never really liked the man before, but your drawings and articles with the links were we well-integrated and absorbing, he’s now in my book of heroes, too! And then I got to the history of Zen Pencils, now I’m sold. Consider adding one more new fan to your list…Great Job! – Mike Ho, presently in Canberra, back to Singapore soon!
Thanks Mike, glad I could change your mind about Ali π
I am listening to you right now on the panel via the Virtual Conference. Great job! Very interesting story,
Thanks!
” It proves that the claims of society dumbing down is not true. It proves once again that comics can be used to communicate real-world issues and topics and not just superhero soap-operas. It proves that from little things, big and beautiful things can grow.” 100 per cent!
Wish you more and more success!
I am sharing your post/story with some young people on Facebook.
Great!
Man you are amazing, the way you spread your message is amazing, i like and admire your creativity(i wish i could draw like you :)), my masterpiece is a sticky man π ) …..God bless you dude so that you can share your message with the world many many years from now :D.
Thank you Vio
It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. Charles Darwin
Allabout Educations
Well since that day on January 30th, this site now has hundreds of thousands of readers visiting it each month.