this is a stick

Signed prints available

This is about using whatever you have, like a stick, to do something big. You don't need the latest tools or the best laptop or a beautiful studio or a perfect sunny day to make something great. You already have what you need.

For example: my iMac is 6 years old and sluggish, my scanner is 10 years old and wheezes like an old man, my notebooks are mostly handmade from stapled-together office paper, and I draw on the dining room table. My tools may be far from ideal, but I make a full-time living as an artist. It's not about the gadgets or the apps or whatever we're supposed to lust after. It's what you make that counts.

(The original drawing is not for sale.)

Check for other available drawings and signed prints in the shop.

Comments

[Jian]

Aww. I love this graphic. It's so simple but very witty. I'd love to have it as a poster because I'm into music. Good job, Marc :)

[this is lemonade]

Love this one Marc! Really enjoy following your site and seeing what new drawings you've been inspired to do. I'd love to share this one with some young people I know. There's a simple but HUGE message behind it! It's put a spring in my step today, thank you :)

[chad]

great message. boils down to being grateful
for what you have and it'll be enough.

[amy]

this is truly one of your BEST! top 5 for sure. even though I already have an original and a print of yours hanging in my house i may have to add a print of this to my collection b/c the message is so strong and true and inspiring, and the whole thing is so clever! Hang on to the original - it's your essence.

[Hannah Stephenson]

Brilliant. I wrote a poem inspired by this piece (and also a ride on the bus):
http://www.thestorialist.blogspot.com/2012/04/green-lawn.html

[milann]

Glad you aren't selling this one. I laugh everytime i see this drawing. I'm a filmmaker working on an illustrated novel with a friend, you reminded us of our wings. Big hug.

[Marc Johns]

Thanks so much for the comments, friends.

Hannah, overheard conversations on bus rides have often inspired drawing ideas for me.

And Milann, I love what you said... "you reminded us of our wings". Lovely. Best of luck with the novel!

[Mea]

haha! love this picture. cute!

[pup]

Haaaaaaa!

I found these last weekend in a bizarre stationery shop in Ludlow - and I've just ordered some so I could send one to yoooooooooo!