150. JIM HENSON: A puppeteer’s advice
Related comics featuring quotes by Bill Watterson, Chris Hadfield, Ira Glass and Chris Guillebeau.
Jim Henson (1936-1990) was a puppeteer, storyteller, director, writer, artist, experimental film-maker, savvy businessman and all-around creative visionary responsible for many of my generation’s fondest pop-culture memories. Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, Muppet Babies, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth (not to mention all the television shows and films Henson’s company provided the special effects for) … it’s hard to imagine growing up without the influence of this great man.
I’ve recently journeyed down the Henson rabbit hole again after reading the latest biography by Brian Jay Jones. It’s been nice to read the book at night then get on my iPad and watch Muppets clips on YouTube. Ernie and Bert have been my favourite. Henson (Ernie) and Frank Oz (Bert) were one of the greatest comedy duos ever. The Jim Henson Company has a wonderful YouTube channel with hundreds of videos.
Henson realised he was in control of his life at an early age. There was only one industry Henson wanted a career in and that was television. Puppeteering was just a means to an end for Henson, a way to get his foot in the television door. It was only after a trip to Europe where Henson discovered the rich history of puppeteering did he recognise the potential of the artform and decide to dedicate his life to it.
Reading Henson’s biography was incredibly motivating for me. Henson used an art form that was seen as crude, childish and primitive to create television and films that have brought joy to millions. At the height of its popularity, The Muppet Show was the most-watched program in the world. Henson (along with his fellow puppeteers) also created characters beloved by generations.
It made me want to revisit some of the characters I have introduced in Zen Pencils (not that I’m comparing mine with Kermit and Co.) and illustrate how they have changed my life. I thought combining Henson’s wonderful quote with my own story and characters was the perfect way to celebrate my 150th comic. So this is the Zen Pencils origin comic. I filled countless notepads with scribble at my old job, always dreaming that one day that those scribbles could somehow get me out of my situation. I guess I did kind of feel like the victim. I had pretty much drifted through life and did what I was told through school and university to get to that situation, never really taking control for myself. Once I finally did take control, everything changed.
I never considered reaching 150 Zen Pencils comics when I was scribbling at work nearly three years ago. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you decide to take control of your life.
Thanks for helping me reach this milestone, I couldn’t have done it without your support. I hope you’ll stick around for the next 150!
– If you want to read the Zen Pencils comics where the above characters appeared: The Shaolin Monk. The Dragonslayer. The Wrestler. The Boy Genius. The Lover.
– A big thank you to Liz Stevens for sending me this quote. Liz is a bona fide Jim Henson and Muppets expert and has written a book about Henson’s mastery of art and commerce. She also recently wrote this article on Salon about The Muppets which includes a mention of yours truly!
– Who are your favourite Muppet characters? Post your favourite Henson/Muppets clips in the comments 🙂
Discussion (126) ¬
I was always a fan of Fozzie Bear – He inspired my wacky, pun filled sense of humor and my positive outlook on life.
Congratulations on reaching 150 Gav. I am glad to see you still pursuing your dreams after all this time, you are an inspiration.
Fozzie’s jokes were the best – sooo cheesy. I also use to love the professor and his side kick but top guys were the grumpy old men.
That was really beautiful, man. Thanks for doing what you do.
We’ll stick around even after you retire. Your work is very healthy for the mind.
I just put in my notice at my full-time job. After 10 years of the corporate world, I want to focus on writing. Thanks for your uncanny timing and encouragement!
Congratulations on coming out of the Matrix! Welcome to the real world and the best of luck for achieving your dreams.
Thank you, Aditya! 🙂
It’s been a year? What’s happened?
So sorry for the late reply, I didn’t realize I’d gotten one! 🙂
Two years later, I’m still doing my own thing! It’s been great! I don’t miss the corporate world at all. I’m not making the same money I used to, but nothing compares to being my own boss and doing what I enjoy every day. I’m very grateful to my family who support me on this.
Thanks for asking!
Aww, I love your origin story – you’re livin’ the dream, man! It really is encouraging when you see others taking control of their lives. Even though I don’t know what I want to do with my life, I’ve had enough of working an un-fulfilling minimum wage job, and I’m off to travel the world 🙂
Love it!
Just love it! (as usual 🙂 )
That last frame sums it up for you and Jim’s ultimate unstoppable life calling
So grateful that you both listened to your inner talk and acted upon it
Thank you!
Nice pone Gav, and congrats on reaching 150! Tell me though, is that meant to be Acott or Fisher???
My all-time favorite Jim Henson movie would have to be The Labyrinth!
Thanks for this comic Gav. This rings true to the spirit of Zen Pencils.
Welcome back. 🙂
Think I have a new favorite comic! Or at least Top 5
I feel like him
Oh, this might be my new favorite! I’ve been wanting to read his bio, too. I think I will. Thanks always for the inspiration!
I have to be honest. Up until January of this year, I was firmly in the “must go to school and get a decent skill for a better paying job than what I’m now qualified for” mindset. However, since I’d discovered this site and the quotes (most particularly those advocating taking control of one’s life and making the leap into one’s dreams), I’d been chafing at the restriction of living a life which had no draw for me and which, on some many levels, *frightened* me.
In January, I was finishing chemo treatments, and one day, while housebound after my third or fourth cycle, it hit me. I could LIVE my dream. Really live it.
I’ve since given up on the school-for-a-better-job dream. I’ve been drifting too long, and since I can’t have my Navy dream come true, it’s up to me to now make sure my writing/publishing dream comes true. Since January, I’ve been working on my writing, making plans for how I’ll begin publishing (I’m going to do the Indie thing), and started preparations for making my writing a career.
I think, if you hadn’t done this, I’d still be forcing myself into the school-for-a-better-job mold instead of pursuing my dream job.
Gav’s story is inspiring but what is even more inspiring is the number of people who comment here and tell their own stories about how they’ve been inspired to chase their dreams.
Welcome and good luck!
I love to read to comics als well as I like to read the comments.
Of course we’ll stick around! Thanks so much for all your inspiring work.
Thought you might enjoy The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson, if you haven’t seen it already: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yUl6xlYIbAw
Here sir, have my like.
This really spoke to where I am at in life, being in college and not really sure where I am supposed to go after here. I needed this, thanks man.
I love your work! I feel that, oftentimes, these strips point out following passions in arts and expression of self, and I love that.
Coming from a different perspective, however, your work also inspires me to continue dedicating time and effort into my chosen field of neuroscience while also balancing it with my other love of adventuring and rock climbing.
Maybe sometimes people see sciences, law, and politics as creativity-crushing, dream snatchers. But, for what it’s worth, your works have inspired me to pursue sciences and adventuring because I see both as an expression of who I am, what I love, and the difference I feel I can make in the world!
Carry on!
I could not agree with you more. I love the arts and the way it inspires people, but I too am a science field oriented person. Zen pencils has inspired me to follow my dreams of changing the science field and not settling for a corporate job. I love the arts and the sciences I think they both can go well together.
Of course, I think that scientists are romantic. Mucsic, arts, … help them to create in their job.
Yes, completely agree! I am going through a similar awakening process myself. And it’s hard, damn! But I know I gotta do it. Because there’s more joy and fun in being creative and do what I’m good at and what I love. Thanks for encouragement Gav!
I hope this particular comic would turn into a t-shirt some day!
I am grateful that you decided to take control over your life. What we don’t realize is that our lives are not only our own, but that they also affect everyone we come into contact with in some way. Yours has influenced mine in a very positive way, and I thank you for that.
-Zak
I’m sorry, but I do not considerar “sticking around” as a possibility. For me, it is an honor to be invited to share the quotes and your wonderful artwork. I have lived my entreprenurial dreams several times without much success and, at 54, feel ready to try again. And guess whose comics I eagerly await every week as source of inspiration? Thanks for what you do for all of us!
Sorry, it is consider, but the spanish auto-corrector kicked in and changed it.
I love your notepads of drawings – exactly what mine looked like growing up. Full of Simpsons, TMNT, X-Men, Batman, etc. Reminds me of all the notebooks and folders at my parents’ house full of my drawings.
Thanks Gav, you’re an inspiration!
Happy 150th! Another great quote and great comic. I really admire you for pursuing your dreams. I’m still not quite sure what I want to be when I “grow up.” I don’t exactly love my job, but for the last few years it has allowed me to work from home which I do love. Being free of the commuting grind has allowed me to pursue some other activities that I enjoy.
You asked for favorite Muppet quotes and clips. One of my favorites, and it fits so well here, is from the end of the first Muppet movie. As they begin to sing the final song, Kermit sings “Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.” That’s the key isn’t it?
Bravo!
Congratulations on reaching 150 comics. You made inspirational quotes even more impactful by itching in our photographic memory… I have got goosebumps at times. Keep writing and spreading the light!
ever so inspiring!
okay, in this comic, i cant help but ship Gav (the char) with Rising Phoenix. They look cute together :3c
I got goose bumps when all those characters from previous comics just flew out of the book! 😀
An amazing start to my Friday:)
Thanks!!!
Wow! Amazing quote, amazing story (your story Gav) amazing comic, and an amazing milestone!
Congratulations comics and Gavin! 🙂
I am so glad you keep this theme running strong and regular in your comics Gav, it just drills it into my head to take control of my life and keep going for my dream life and true passion.
However I think with this comic and quote, we don’t necessarily know exactly what we want to do as a child, although so do, so it takes everyone to a different point in their life when they know what their true passion is.
The key is, that as soon as that thought has popped into their head, they make the decision and take action from then on, that is the turning point, just when you know, just begin making waves towards it!
Thank you for that Gav and Jim.
That speaks to my life-situation right now.
Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words everyone. It’s so cool to hear that some of you have decided to take action and make a change in your life. I’m not saying my way is the only way, but it worked for me and I hope that you’ll get the same satisfaction and fulfilment that I have found after you take control! – Your pal Gav
Man, I really am gathering the courage to finally make something like this. I suppose I don’t believe enough in myself yet.
Actually, I work right now in the videogame industry making 2D illustration/graphics, and my contract is ending on 31st May.
I would want to make a big step like you did after that. Hope it works.
Inspiring, as always.
Dude have a watch and a llama for this!
This comic needs to be for sale. Go!
My favourite character is Animal form the Muppets.
Congratulations on your 150th comic! Being your avid fan, this takes the cake! Makes me think of my own life. Thank you!
Just discovered you trough Neatorama. Wow, what a heart warming site. Thanks for all those touching panels!
Congrats gav!!! You should be so proud you are very inspirational and I love what your doing!!!
Keep it up old friend.
P.s whos the teacher 😉 xxx
Gav!.
I can’t stopping smiling and feeling encouraged reading the comic,and what a wonderful way to end the comic. All those Zen character’s together,just so perfect. I had to make the last scene my facebook profile cover pictures,check it out https://www.facebook.com/AkinwaleSola
Thanks for all the inspirational quotes Gav. You motivate me everyday to follow my dreams. And congratulations on your 150th comic…waiting for more of them in future…
This is really sweet. I love how your signature characters come flying out, unleashing your passion 🙂
Beautiful comic Gavin. Congrats on 150, here’s to the next 150!
In every creative class, or after-hours club, or comments section, there’s the guy who makes a paraih of himself because he has no sympathy for people who hear ‘you suck’ whenever someone says ‘your work sucks,’ because he tells himself he sucks everyday, so that must be the price everyone should pay because art is such a privileged to make that everyone SHOULD suffer for it.
I’m that guy. If this quote was put on a wall next to a picture of Ayn Rand a lot of artists would assume it was her’s and respond that successful artists need inspiration, perspiration AND luck.
I still work a day job so that my wife can pursue a career that will support me trying to be a writer.
I still wish I had been paid to write something like this
http://www.cracked.com/blog/4-rags-to-riches-success-stories-that-are-full-crap/
Nobody would mistake that quote for Ayn Rand because it lacks sufficient venom at all the mean people keeping the special genius down. If anything the quote from Henson paints an opposing scene: stop feeling that other people are keeping you from doing what you think you would be better off doing. Don’t blame them, start working towards it yourself.
I don’t think you can knock the words knowing their source – Henson was nothing if not dedicated to hard work, sacrifice, and self-criticism. (In fact, to the point of fault – he sadly, and literally, worked himself to death.)
I believe what the characters in the comic represent however are not a timid artist offended that someone says their work sucks. The boss berating the cartoonist is hardly critiquing work – he doesn’t even see the work, he just sees someone doing something he doesn’t think they should be doing in the first place. Ultimately the message is to stop allowing others to tell you want to do, while realizing it is your responsibility to stand up and change things yourself. Nothing there contradicts the other harsh realities attached to trying to make it in your chosen career.
Your work is amazing. It always fills me with joy when I see you post a new comic and very, very often, i tear up with emotion while reading them. You have a way to give incredible life to already powerful quotes – you transcend them! Thank you for doing this and I am very happy for you that you are doing something you love after struggling through boring jobs.
Wow did I ever need this comic today.
Thank you.
Started the day with this one. The short story you have penned down and drew down is the exact story of mine and I am sure many around. Such an inspirational work – dear. You are awakened one to create such great piece of art and inspiration for many.
In this insecure world of ours, it is such a relief to see some motivational and coming straight from heart work.
You make my week every time I see a new update. I’m so glad you’ve found your dream, and help others find the inspiration to do theirs though this.
And my favorite characters were always Grover and Gonzo. Both blue, both weird, even to their own muppet group.
Holy cow, you really knocked it out of the park again! I’m a bit misty-eyed right now.
I love how you put your personal story into this one, it TOTALLY fits, almost like a superhero origin story.
Heya Gavin —
I’m touched and flattered that you found my bio of Jim so inspiring. Thanks for this (and all your other) terrific work.
Congratulations!!
And thanks for those never ending inspirational quotes…
May I mention how much I love the first drawing of the angry boss with steam coming out of his ears?
Did that really happen? The part where you were caught drawing at work and your boss lost his temper at you?
Hey Gavin! or Zen, what you preffer :).
Waves from Brazil, hey, this comic of yours made me realize, by these times, as i am hatching as a writer, that our characters that gives life for us, in return of we giving it to them.
It is a solely thank you, and, as loyalty,
Let’s stick with our fates, whatever our fate is.
A good Hug,
Luiz
Congrats for reaching 150th!
May I print this one to remind my students?
My school is http://www.campuhancollege.com in Ubud, Bali
Woah!
Comes at a veryy opportune moment in my llife!
Thanks! 🙂 As always, love your work!
Am I the only one that finds the Irony in this? A puppeteer telling others that they control their own lives.
An artist who worked hard for himself for years and sacrificed a great deal to make it, more accurately.
Ok Gavin, this is it. I’ve been voyeuring your site for over a year. I admire very much your cartoons and the citations you employ. Although deeply enjoying it, I never thought I’d have something interesting to say. But your 150th quote on Jim Henson gave me the information that he did so many things that I enjoyed in my childhood. Specially “The Dark Crystal”, a movie that some years ago I tried to remember, but I juts couldn’t. So thank you for remembering it to me, and thank you for your fantastic work here at Zen Pencil!!! I’ll be around when you get at your 300th quote. Cheers!! = )
150 comics, and I really like all of then. Congratulations and keep with your amazing work, please!
Gavin, thanks so much for creating another fantastic strip. I remember shedding a tear when I heard that Jim Henson had died. He is one of the true magicians: he created beautiful illusions in order to show us the truths in the world. You have a wonderful ability to take just the right words from some amazing magicians and breath new life into those stories. Fantastic.
Gav, First congrats on 150 and please keep going for you are a true inspiration. Coming to such a realization in your work of not being a victim, this poignant in life, for all of us; even during moments of difficulty and challenges. The fact remains do we live in the past or have the resilience to continue forward, YOU DO, YOU DID and you inspire people. Thank you for stating what many of us need to hear. Your works and comics give me impetus to keep moving through a Move drama from NM back home to CO working/writing/educating people on TBI. THANK YOU THANK YOU
I really needed this. Thank you
You probably should look into doing like, your own comic series at this point? With your own words? Zenpencils is definitely reaching a Tom Dobson level of circlejerk, especially with this strip in particular, so why don’t you branch out your proverbial wings and do something different?
Also your Dobson-like hatred for critiques is somewhat unsettling.
TROLL ALERT!
Move along everybody. Dont stop to feed him. Dont even make eye contact.
Didn’t you just feed him by acknowledging he exists?
RISING PHOENIX! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
I’ve always known that everyone is control of their own life, but what if, in spite of knowing this, you screw up anyway? That’s what I’m always afraid of, and my life’s only just begun.
I needed to hear this today. Thank you.
You amaze me time and time again! This quote is so beautiful and perfect for me right now. I have finally taken control of my own life and now I’m helping others do the same. I’m working more than I ever have before, but I love every single minute of it! Thank you for all that you do and we can’t wait for the next 150+!
Best,
Brittany
http://www.Soultiply.com
Thank you for the inspiration!!! I was at the point where I had forgotten that I am in control of my life and was kind of letting things happen to me…and reading your comic was like a (very much needed) knock on the head. So I’m sitting here, grinning like an idiot, and feeling happier and empowered. Kudos Gav, Love your work!
Hey Gav,
Whenever I open ZenPencils.com it still shows the previous comic on the homepage. I have to go into the archives and then click ‘Last’ to see this comic.
Do you think its an issue with my computer or is there something buggy on the site?
Wow – perfect timing on this. I’m in a verge of something new (while still in my desktop job). I hope this pans out well.
I don’t hate my job, I just like a new flavor in my daily routine. thanks for the inspiration.
It’s nice to see your personal journey in your comics. You’ve created a lot of great characters! It was nice to see some of them again.
Style by Joules
well, in my country Chile i can’t live of my dreams ,what then?, i have no choice but to be a slave forever….
btw, this is real life , how the hell people can live by doing things they love? is welll..it makes no sense
I love, love, LOVE The Muppets! My favorite is Gonzo. He’s just so wacky!
I’m thrilled you finally did a Jim Henson quote!
Hi,
Love what you are doing- so wise so young- so talented-I envy you!From an old lady in another country
“What good is free will when you don’t even have the will”
Gavin, congrats on the first 150 and don’t let the haters get you down. Keep up the amazing work.
THANKS EVERYONE 🙂
Love this Gav!
eh.. girl wrestler looks like Jess lahhhh
You amaze me time and time again! This quote is so beautiful and perfect for me right now. I have finally taken control of my own life and now I’m helping others do the same.
I saw this strip a couple of months ago and it really changed and reinforced something in me. I gave my notice last week to dedicate myself to what I love which is illustration and animation. I feel alive and sort of out of a dream where my whole existence was numb. Thank you.
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I SSSOOOO love the way your characters flew out of the book and came alive!
Each and every cartoon of your is very well explained…. Really creative and beautiful presentation.
Thank you for the inspiration!!! I was at the point where I had forgotten that I am in control of my life and was kind of letting things happen to me…and reading your comic was like a (very much needed) knock on the head. So I’m sitting here, grinning like an idiot, and feeling happier and empowered. Kudos Gav, Love your work!
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I SSSOOOO love the way your characters flew out of the book and came alive!
You amaze me time and time again! This quote is so beautiful and perfect for me right now. I have finally taken control of my own life and now I’m helping others do the same..
Love this Gav!
I saw this strip a couple of months ago and it really changed and reinforced something in me.
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It was part of my life
Thank you, this is particularly inspirational!
THanks for comic.
nice article.
If you would keep young: be cheerful, keep working, and love one another.
Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed
Thank you Gavin for your “JIM HENSON: A puppeteer’s advice” comic post
http://vuelosdelalma.blogspot.com/2013/11/kampung-inggris-pare-kediri.html
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Power isn’t control at all–power is strength, and giving that strength to others. A leader isn’t someone who forces others to make him stronger; a leader is someone willing to give his strength to others that they may have the strength to stand on their own. Beth Revis