Less Is More

In drawing, as in life

Hey, y’all! Back from a week off, which was lovely, but I did miss you. I hope you get some time to decompress. My mind is still a bit slowed down and relaxed, no matter how much coffee I pump in my body. It’s just August. Things will pick up soon, and I may long for the slower pace. But knowing me, I probably won’t. I’m happiest when I am busy.

I promised I would post unpublished drawings here. Recently, a lot of new subscribers joined us here (welcome!!!), so for their benefit, let me say that when I post something here that is unpublished, that means The New Yorker didn’t want it. I have a contract with them that is “first right of refusal,” meaning they get to pass on my cartoons first. So after they see my cartoons, and once I decide to put some out there—on social media or my newsletter—they won’t want it anymore. No resubs of work that’s been out in the world. Used goods, I guess! It’s okay, I am so happy to be able to show you guys drawings that may otherwise never see the light of day. I have tons. I do around 6 new cartoons a week (some weeks off) , and have been doing this for 40 years….you do the math.

So, here is a summertime cartoon, two versions, with two captions. I sent both in for consideration.

I was inspired by getting my haircut short for the summer.

The above one I drew first and they rejected it. Then I thought maybe the caption could make it clearer that it’s like in the hair salon, and so I changed the caption to the one below.

Anyway, which do you like better?

A huge proponent of less is more drawing, I was very happy with the simplicity of this drawing. And to be honest, I liked the idea.

Ah well! On to the next batch of cartoons! Submissions are due tomorrow, and I already have a few ideas ready to go. Wish me luck this week.

BTW, if you want to join as a paid subscriber, I would be very grateful! As a gift, I do monthly zoom gatherings during which I live draw and we talk about everything under the sun. It’s a community, and I love it. Next gathering is Wednesday, August 24th at 2pm EST. I sent out the link already, but will send another one to paid subscribers on Tuesday.