Art Critic
As someone who puts her cartoon artwork out there in the world, I am subject to criticism both online and in newspaper print. So I have to deal with it the only way I know how… I draw a picture.
As someone who puts her cartoon artwork out there in the world, I am subject to criticism both online and in newspaper print. So I have to deal with it the only way I know how… I draw a picture.
Uh-oh…
Was it someting I said?
Joe, I think it was me.
Or possibly me, actually *worried*
Gary Larson did the same thing. He was a little less subtle about it though. Check out his book, “The Prehistory of the Far Side” He has a whole section about his response to his critics.
My dad used to say, “Nils Iligitimus Non Carborundum. ” Don’t let the bastards wear you down.
-Rob
No, no… it warn’t you guyses… unless you write letters to the editor in my local paper.
I LOVE the “Don’t let the *boneheads* get ya down” quote, Rob… Head up-tongue out-Move forward!
What that boob is doing isn’t criticism. It’s simply sharing his (un-asked for) opinion. Just like a waitress telling you her favorite dish. It’s fine, it’s probably true with regard to the person saying it, and it’s largely irrelevant beyond that.
Strangely, though, having some anonymous person say “this stuff stinks” is nonetheless bothersome. Enough to damped a good mood. Fascinating that some people seem to delight in doing so.
Brig,
In other words:
We’re so vain, we probably think this comic’s about us. We’re so vain(So vain), we got to think this comic’s about us. Don’t we! Don’t we!(Repeat)
What an old Poophead!! I like you’re work and your story is comprehensible and concise while being interesting! Can’t ask for more from a cartoonist. Well, actually, being funny is good too, but you’ve got that covered. Just remember you do have loyal fans even if we are kind of quiet!
I like the design for the old grouch. very grumpy looking.
I canceled my subscription 3 years ago and only miss the paper for the first time today. I got to move and need to wrap the coffee cups.
Thanks for having a consistently up to date website with a free comic every day. The dialog with every strip is a bonus the fishwrap readers miss out on. Squid Row is nestled right in between Questionable Content and Girls With Slingshots on my Google Reader.
Brig is delightfully expressive with her characters – which is great considering the non-verbal aspect of communication…
Well we have to counter that one poopyhead with good comments, then!
Squid Row is one of my favorite comics, both in print and on the web. I am involved in your characters’ lives, I know all their names and I get upset when bad things happen to Randy or Ryan. 🙂 YOU DO GOOD WORK!!!
You guys is makin’ me tear up! Your words have touched me… really… I need a moment here.
…
Thank you, thank you all! I must admit that being criticized in a public forum really is gut-wrenching. And yes, Crow, they were just “boobish” and mean comments… but they are none-the-less hurtful… and did mess with my good mood. I work hard at providing a thought-provoking, and not-always-laugh-out-loud but amusing comic strip. AND I am blessed with readers like you all that enjoy Randie and the gang… and I am truly happy and smiley at this show of support! I want to give you all a hug! (Consider yourselves virtually hugged!)
Hey, Brig…
I’ve been where you are. I still am there, in fact. My novels get reviews and feedback all the time. I please the vast majority of my readers, but somehow, when it’s YOUR creation, just one negative comment can cancel out a hundred positives.
I’ve slowly and painfully learned to just let it go. It helps to think of it this way: If what I did pleased everyone, then what I’ve done is so bland that it didn’t upset anyone. So if I want to make a mark; leave an impression, then I must have people who don’t like what I’ve created.
After all, Brig, while you obviously want people to like what you’ve done, I’ll bet you’d still take a negative reaction over no reaction whatsoever. At least when you’ve gotten a negative reaction, you’ve reached that person on some level.
As a friend of mine once said,
“We’ve got a word for people like that in Australia. . . . . @$$hole!” 8^)
Pete… yah… I am learning to grow that thick lizard-like skin. It’s kinda ugly, like I’ve been out in the sun for too long, but it’s necessary if you’re gonna be in the public eye. I will cling to the kind words.
DCS & Ruth: I wish my local paper could print your response in the Letter to the Editor.
In fact, I wish they’d print all your responses everybodys!
I think you would do pretty well in the comic sections of the newspapers. I think you’re writing is great. I’m terrible at witty dialogue and your art has made extraordinary quick leaps and bounds since the first comic. I love your art!
And I wish Ryan was a real-life guy, ’cause he’s super cute. 😉
Thanks, Anna… your kudos make me smile greatly! And you know… oh, and I think you made Ryan blush… you saw his paperdoll… yah?