JESS SMART SMILEY

BILL WATTERSON ON CARTOONING

May 3, 2011

We all know Bill Watterson as the writer and artist of our beloved Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. I remember watching the news at my grandparent’s house in 1995, when it was announced that Bill Watterson had drawn the last strip and wouldn’t be drawing Calvin and Hobbes anymore. I remember rushing to my copies of Revenge of the Babysat and Something Under the Bed is Drooling and reading as much as I could, in an attempt to keep the boy and tiger alive in my own small way.

Recently I came across this painting by Bill Watterson for a fundraiser, and it looks like it’s even up for bid.

Anyway, the picture got me thinking about how great and unforgettable Bill’s work is and I pulled up this speech he gave back in 1990 to a graduating class at Kenyon College.

In his speech, Bill talks about creativity: what it is and how to nourish and develop it. He talks about being playful and about work and I couldn’t agree more with his message. At one point he says, “If I’ve learned one thing from being a cartoonist, it’s how important playing is to creativity and happiness.” Just like his Calvin and Hobbes strips, his statement isn’t just about drawing, it’s about life.

Jess Smart Smiley

4 responses to “BILL WATTERSON ON CARTOONING”

Alice

May 3, 2011

excellent quote. When we interview you for our podcast, we need to talk about creativity.

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1. Jess Smart Smiley
  
  May 3, 2011
  
  That would be fun. I think creativity is so misunderstood and it’s practical qualities are largely ignored, unnoticed, and/or forgotten.
  
  Reply
Jimmy

May 4, 2011

I remember when I heard that the last comic had come out. I wrote to Andrews and McMeel (his publisher) to ask if this was true.

I absolutely love the last comic he drew… full of inspiration and hope. Calvin and Hobbes was just what I needed when it came out when I was ten years old, it was just what I needed when it ended and I was 20, and it’s often just what I need now that I’m 35 and have a son. It’s timeless and lemony.

Reply
1. Jess Smart Smiley
  
  May 4, 2011
  
  Hey, Jimmy! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. That’s really impressive that you thought to write his publisher about the last comic. I didn’t even think of that!
  
  I love how I can open one of his books and be surprised every time. Whether it’s the punchline, or the way he drew a pattern on the lamp, or how Spaceman Spiff is going to get out of trouble this time, or simply because it’s a little boy being a little boy, there’s so much heart and truth in his work. Can you imagine what your life would be like, after creating and completing Calvin and Hobbes? I think we all wish Bill the best, wherever he is.
  
  Reply

BILL WATTERSON ON CARTOONING

4 responses to “BILL WATTERSON ON CARTOONING”

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