Far Side's Gary Larson On The Key To Growing As An Artist

Summary

• The far side
  creator Gary Larson's advice: true artistic growth comes from within; As the artist learns more about themselves and their art, their creative abilities will in turn develop.
• Frustration and anxiety are part of creative development; dedication and refusal to give up are the main qualities of a successful artist.
• Gary Larson's assertion that creative evolution happens within should reassure artists everywhere that they have the tools they need to succeed in their creative endeavors.

Gary Larson, creator The far sidewas a prolific artist, his commentary on how illustrators grow throughout their careers is incredibly valuable, especially for those who want to follow in his footsteps and those in the early stages of their careers. As Larson himself explains, his iconic artistic style developed in the usual way – with time and patience.

In The Complete Far Side Volume TwoLarson wrote about how feedback informed her artistic progress: specifically, it didn't, at least for the most part. He advised that instead, in his practice, creative development—at least in his environment—was an entirely internal process.

Larson's perspective on growing as an artist should hopefully be a balm for countless creative individuals still trying to find their voice, define their style, and actualize themselves in their chosen art form.

Gary Larson explains that growing as an artist means growing as a person

Cartoonist, Know Yourself

Although Larson specifically discusses cartoonists, his judgment that artistic development comes from a process of self-exploration is relevant to any creative medium.

Although it may not be obvious at first glance – as it often is The far side – Gary Larson brought his soul to the reader with every cartoon. He often did so in a quixotic, unapproachable way, so that there would be readers with a greater understanding of the artists who could recognize him in every writing, every illustration, every line. Clearly “Larson” quality The far side perhaps the most admirable aspect from a creative point of view.

Unlike Wu Tang Clan's ODB, there is “no father [Larson’s] style.“That is, he was a fully actualized artist; whether any panel succeeded or failed in evoking a response from its reader was not for lack of attributes that did so. The far side unlike anything else in syndicated newspaper comics. According to Larson, the development of his unique style was not a reaction, but a natural process opinion, criticism or any outside influence. He then stated that this is the case for everyone in his field.

Larson wrote:

If cartoonists improve over months and years, it is only because we are developing from within, exploring ourselves, our characters.

For him, it was the main arc of his creative journey, so to speak. Although Larson specifically discusses cartoonists, his judgment that artistic development comes from a process of self-exploration is relevant to any creative medium. Given the solitary nature of many artistic pursuits, this may seem daunting at first, but ultimately should be a relief to emerging artists who must strive to develop the tools they need to succeed rather than hope they will be given them.

Gary Larson's simple reassurance should encourage budding artists

Time + Effort = Progress

Gary Larson says that every day is an opportunity for an artist to gradually improve or make a big leap forward. But it just so happens, as long as the artist takes the time to realize their craft… then time is on their side.

“We just get better with time,Gary Larson added, concluding his thoughts about creative progress. From this, writers, musicians, and all artists can have some confidence that they have what it takes to make it big in time. For creative types, time is often considered the enemy – but in fact, it is a fundamental, immutable variable that every artist must learn to embrace if they are to fully realize their ambitions. Of course, it's not just time that pays off, but consistent, dedicated effort and an unwillingness to quit over time.

In other words, Gary Larson says that every day is an opportunity for an artist to gradually improve or make a big leap forward. But that's the way it is, as long as the artist takes the time to practice their craft—whether it's five hours or five minutes sitting down to write, or even thinking about it in the shower or driving to work—then time is on their side. Only those who allow themselves to be discouraged are in danger of wasting time.

The Far Side creator on the role of feedback in his creative process

Gary Larson in the Driver's Seat

Of course, many artists will ask what role feedback from mentors, peers, fans of their work, and critics alike should play in creative development if it is considered primarily an internal process. Gary Larson's answer to this question: not much. Arguably, this may be the most controversial aspect of Larson's artistic advice, but also the most variable from person to person. At least for cartoonists and for Larson in particular, reviews had little effect on his work.

As Gary Larson explains The Complete Far Side Volume Two:

Of course, there is editorial opinion, but mostly at the beginning; Once you've transitioned from your student permit to your license, editors offer friendly, quiet suggestions as you go along. It's only once in a while that they'll actually scream and get behind the wheel.

This passage, saturated with the author's trademark humor, emphasizes that Larson works largely in isolation. Considering what their readers like The far side – or worse, what they didn't like The far side – most likely could have spoiled the whole project. Instead, Larson continued to do what he did, evolving both his humor and his portrayal over time, though never losing his quintessentially “Larson” character.

Frustration And Dissatisfaction Was An Important Part Of Artistic Development

The far side Gary Larson and Restless Creativity

Gary Larson's advice is so valuable that it should encourage artists to believe in themselves and dedicate themselves to finding their own unique style, as Larson did.
The far side
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For any budding artist frustrated with creative productivity, rest assured, this is actually a good sign. Creative people are a restless bunch by nature; For example, Gary Larson, who is literally restless in the sense that he spends his nights drinking coffee and drawing The far side. In fact, frustration and dissatisfaction fuel the engine that drives creative improvement. For Larson, it was a matter of cartooning and redrawing all night, swapping out one funny title for a hopefully funnier one.

Ultimately, not giving in to frustration and not letting anxiety stop you from writing leads to any success. This is certainly easier said than done – but one need only look to Gary Larson for a powerful example. Although animation was not Larson's first career choice, it became her vocation and her legacy as she identified the skills she already possessed and committed to working at it with unwavering determination.

For emerging artists, it's important to look to predecessors like Gary Larson for perspective—but as a creator. The far side He announced it himself there is no substitute for learning more about themselves and their craft through the process of doing the work. Sitting on the page or with a guitar in hand and finding out what comes out of it. Gary Larson's advice is so valuable that it should encourage artists to believe in themselves and dedicate themselves to finding their own unique style, as Larson did. The far side.