Frustrated Artist Alert!!
February 25th, 2007GAAAH! I am unhappy with my progress. I’m sure this happens to every artist/cartoonist who carefully sets out to define his style, researches the subject and proceeds to over-think the project to the point of meltdown…
I envy young kids that just sit down and draw for the sheer simple pleasure of it. THEY don’t worry about composition, style, quality of line - NO! They just draw and smile and draw some more, then proudly show off the results to anyone who will look. Sigh…
I would adamantly proclaim it is impossible to cartoon birds if it wasn’t for the likes of Patrick McDonnell, Nathan Suh, Andy Runton… and any number of cartoonists out there. I won’t give up trying only because of the inspiration their artwork provides. Thanks guys!
I’be been trying the realistic yet simplistic approach and it just isn’t clicking. Steve is going to read this and think “Oh no, here we go again!” He would be referring to the year-long development cycle I had on Toyzville. Yes, I drew the first strip a dozen or so times before I was happy, so SUE me!
Anyway, here’s a peek at what I thought was going to be artwork for the very first Boids… back to the drawing board!

February 25th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
Hey Larry,
how are ya? Cut yourself some slack, will you, please?
If I could draw the way you can and do, I’d be a happier fellow.
*looks at Brock*
You know, I’m already looking forward to a competition in which I could win a sketch of the Boids!
Hope Steve is doing alright as well? *waves*
Greetings from Germany
Stefan
February 26th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Jeez, Larry, it looks GREAT! I don’t know what you’re procrastinating about.
Seriously, there’s nothing wrong with it. Now get to work before I set an angry pack of badly drawn pit bull terriers on you. Grrr…
February 26th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Oh great. Here we go again…
February 26th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Seriously though, for those among you who do NOT know the Lar-meister, he does kick himself in the head far too often. If any of you have seen his Year of the Dog site over at dogeachday.com you KNOW the dude has the mad art skilz. He’s just not happy unless his drawlings is PREFECT. So as much as I suffer for his affliction, YOU people benefit. As will The Boids, once I get his shoe out of his ear…
February 26th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Okay, after I typed this up, I DID go back to the drawing board. I’m getting happier - thanks for the support. Of course, the way I am, I’ll be unhappy with my work in another week or so. It is a viscious cycle… I’ll post my “happy” art soon.
February 28th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
Here’s something that I hope will cheer you up. Those little kids you mentioned who just draw and dont care about composition and stuff can only make good art by luck and raw talent. It takes the knowledge of these important aspects of art to create something that you know a certian group of people (usually an artistic movement) will enjoy. Whether its going completely with or completly agaisnt the composition, style, quality, etc. etc.
It takes a person who knows these things (I’m talking about you Larry) to make a really good peice of art. It takes someone with this special knowledge to stop and think “This art sucks. But if I put some red over here, and maybe a dash of green right over there, it will look beautiful.”
YOU have the knowledge Larry! YOU have the idea! YOU have the talent! YOU can do this!!!!!!
P.S. I have not yet read the next entry by you, so you may not need that. hmmmm oh well maybe someone who does will read it.
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