Needed this. I’m not even a published author, but I know the feeling of the first one after the first js hard. After being published on Substack reads, I felt an insane amount of pressure. I found solace in reminding me what got me started in the first place- writing letters to my son about being a dad. It was grounding. Thank you for your vulnerability.
I think you hit on something that a lot of artists (and many others) face. Trying to live up to your own succes, whatever that looks like. That's good advice that I want to try and absorb: "I found solace in reminding me what got me started in the first place."
I pre-ordered your book! I may give it to my grandson, or I may keep it for myself because I feel like we are friends. Then I will have to get a second one. I watercolor, but not professionally. I am so touched when friends and family want one of my paintings, and I gift them. I appreciate the agony of selling your stuff! We produce show lambs (for FFA and 4H kids for fairs). We invest a bunch of money, expertise, labor, love and time in producing a top notch living product to sell and then wait to see how each kid continues to grow them out and then exhibit them. Sometimes, things can go wrong in our breeding decisions or with our clients’ ability to follow through with their project properly. It can make us question ourselves. But, just like you, we persevere. It’s love, dang nabbit. Your cartoons are wonderful and I want you to continue. I am fairly certain I will want your second book, as well, so continue that, too.
Oh my. I couldn’t get past the first graphic. It made me ponder how I make it to the finish line and it doesn’t count and I get to start over and how I just smile and let life bounce me around.
Success at something is usually just the first step. I’ve never seen the ‘final peak’ to summit or the ‘last hurdle’ to clear. Every time I reach a goal or achieve an outcome, it’s always been ‘good, now time to get to work’. It’s very hard to stay motivated, and to find the drive to push on. I’ve tried to look at it as part of the iterative experience of growing and developing whatever it is.
From the outside looking in via your articles, you found the drive by doing what you enjoy (cartooning), and found a new challenge by moving from one panel cartoons to a book, or writing for this audience. I say keep up the good work, if only because it’s what you enjoy doing. And if you can layer on some economic validation and success along the way, all the better. And keep an eye on the prize of honing your craft and sharing your art. 😀
I appreciate the idea that success is just the first step. So hard to think like that. I thought I was done! But of course I want to keep going and do more. And it makes it easier knowing I love this work. And I won't say no to economic validation either!
The “ideal and reality boulders” cartoon is such a perfect illustration of what I’ve been writing about this week myself. It’s such a gift to see it in pictures! Thank you for your gift ✨
This reminds me of when I finished writing my first book. I had ideas for more and thought, "Why not?" (that is what got me the first book.) Oh, I did not expect the pressure of having to go through the same process for a new story and the fear of, "Is this as good as the first book??????"
Stumbled upon this today and absolutely loved it. Something that I could relate to. Keep the pressure at bay and continue to do what you love. Best wishes for your book.
I really appreciated this piece, Avi. To me, you are the rock star cartoonist I actually know who is "always" in the New Yorker! Well, frequently, anyway (to me). Huge mazel tov on the book!
I feel all of this so much, thanks for sharing and for the art you make. It feels inevitable that many of us are our own worst students, it keeps us curious and striving (...yet also gloomy and lethargic). Just keep swimming 🐠
Needed this. I’m not even a published author, but I know the feeling of the first one after the first js hard. After being published on Substack reads, I felt an insane amount of pressure. I found solace in reminding me what got me started in the first place- writing letters to my son about being a dad. It was grounding. Thank you for your vulnerability.
I think you hit on something that a lot of artists (and many others) face. Trying to live up to your own succes, whatever that looks like. That's good advice that I want to try and absorb: "I found solace in reminding me what got me started in the first place."
You and I both. Easier said than done.
Congratulations!!!
Thank you for so generously sharing your experiences.
Thank you, and of course!
I pre-ordered your book! I may give it to my grandson, or I may keep it for myself because I feel like we are friends. Then I will have to get a second one. I watercolor, but not professionally. I am so touched when friends and family want one of my paintings, and I gift them. I appreciate the agony of selling your stuff! We produce show lambs (for FFA and 4H kids for fairs). We invest a bunch of money, expertise, labor, love and time in producing a top notch living product to sell and then wait to see how each kid continues to grow them out and then exhibit them. Sometimes, things can go wrong in our breeding decisions or with our clients’ ability to follow through with their project properly. It can make us question ourselves. But, just like you, we persevere. It’s love, dang nabbit. Your cartoons are wonderful and I want you to continue. I am fairly certain I will want your second book, as well, so continue that, too.
So interesting, and thank you! Reminds me that so much is out of our hands as well. I hope you enjoy the book!
Welcome back. I missed reading your comics.
Good to be back. Much appreciated.
Oh my. I couldn’t get past the first graphic. It made me ponder how I make it to the finish line and it doesn’t count and I get to start over and how I just smile and let life bounce me around.
thanks for sharing the struggles in your journey. i love your writing and drawing style. best of luck figuring out the book!
Thank you!
> But I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I’m trying to enjoy the ride.
Amen to that. 🙌
Amen
Success at something is usually just the first step. I’ve never seen the ‘final peak’ to summit or the ‘last hurdle’ to clear. Every time I reach a goal or achieve an outcome, it’s always been ‘good, now time to get to work’. It’s very hard to stay motivated, and to find the drive to push on. I’ve tried to look at it as part of the iterative experience of growing and developing whatever it is.
From the outside looking in via your articles, you found the drive by doing what you enjoy (cartooning), and found a new challenge by moving from one panel cartoons to a book, or writing for this audience. I say keep up the good work, if only because it’s what you enjoy doing. And if you can layer on some economic validation and success along the way, all the better. And keep an eye on the prize of honing your craft and sharing your art. 😀
I appreciate the idea that success is just the first step. So hard to think like that. I thought I was done! But of course I want to keep going and do more. And it makes it easier knowing I love this work. And I won't say no to economic validation either!
The “ideal and reality boulders” cartoon is such a perfect illustration of what I’ve been writing about this week myself. It’s such a gift to see it in pictures! Thank you for your gift ✨
Is your agent, moving your book for different countries? Any translations?
Not as of yet, I don't think, but it's something I'd love to happen.
Welcome back and we’ll done, Sir!👏✍️
Thank you thank you
This reminds me of when I finished writing my first book. I had ideas for more and thought, "Why not?" (that is what got me the first book.) Oh, I did not expect the pressure of having to go through the same process for a new story and the fear of, "Is this as good as the first book??????"
Right??? Going through the saaaame process again? Its quite a thing.
We are that dude pushing the boulder up the hill who I can't be bothered to google because the timer for dinner just went off.
😂
Stumbled upon this today and absolutely loved it. Something that I could relate to. Keep the pressure at bay and continue to do what you love. Best wishes for your book.
Wonderfully insightful and few talk about this. Thank you for doing so. The cat cartoon is superb! Never enough--yup. 👍
I really appreciated this piece, Avi. To me, you are the rock star cartoonist I actually know who is "always" in the New Yorker! Well, frequently, anyway (to me). Huge mazel tov on the book!
I feel all of this so much, thanks for sharing and for the art you make. It feels inevitable that many of us are our own worst students, it keeps us curious and striving (...yet also gloomy and lethargic). Just keep swimming 🐠