You’ll remember this recent A&J episode. I hope you will! It appeared last month in newspapers. No, I’m not quite that hard-up for classic strips yet, but I want to illustrate something. This is why I can’t get ahead of deadlines, no matter how much I’d like to or how hard I try. The work expands to fill the time allotted! I first drew this yawner at a leisurely pace, well ahead of my weekly deadline, except I wasn’t quite satisfied with it. I didn’t like the last panel, which originally was this:
Janis’ body language was off slightly, and body language, to a comic, is almost as important as the written language. Oh, it was close. Under the pressure of deadline, I would have let it pass, but given the time, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I drew a fifth panel, to replace the above. So, I spent an arguably inordinate amount of time fretting about this one strip, and the next thing you know I’m racing to finish the others. Business as usual. By now, you’re thinking the same thing I’m thinking: I’d be a better cartoonist if I’d only take more time with my work. Well, that’s another topic, albeit related.
No Present Like the Time
By Jimmy Johnson
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74 responses to “No Present Like the Time”
We are truly appreciative of your work, this is what sets you so far above so many others in your field. It is admirable that you spend so much time on your finished product and in this particular example, yes I see exactly what you mean and you were right.
But, Jimmy, we notice you didn’t have to fuss with the other panels. The salmon sofa is always good with its cushy geometry; there’s Arlo’s slightly lidded (therefore sly) eye in panel three, his yawn in panel two that looks a trifle Disneyish, his index knuckles slightly longer like real knuckles—but above all, the deep love they have for each other. Arlo builds the energy of three panels, and Janis responds by taking over the last.
The first time I saw a clip of Sparky Schulz drawing, I was so surprised at how fast he was. But that didn’t mean he hadn’t been thinking about it.
So did you have to cut the last panel off the paper or just paste the fifth panel over it?
Another great insight into how the genuis mind works, thanks.
But the revised panel is SO much better! It was worth the effort in my opinion! 🙂
We appreciate your attention to such details, Jimmy!
21st! I just knew it! I’ll change my clocks.
So that means there’s no original strip to buy! Virtual reality—
Bravo, Jimmy!
I guess this is part of the reason that I love coming here. Sure the comments are interesting, but getting this kind of feedback from a genius is well worth the price to come here. Oh wait a minute, we don’t pay to come here!
I mentioned a while back that my wife was forced to change her website. Where are you at on your rollout? I think once you publish it, you will enjoy the finished product, but it can be a royal pain in developing it.
Very interesting post. Hope your new site will allow you to monetize your efforts here a little. You deserve a little return.
“The work expands to fill the time allotted!” Indeed. Much the same way as, to my continuing vexation, “expenses rise to meet income”.
There are many reasons why I continue to visit here, not the least of which is the insight you sometimes give us regarding your creative process. Not that we expect you to give away all your secrets, but I hope you can continue to do that periodically.
Every couple, Jimmy, knows how much meaning body language holds. The change in the last panel illustrates (tee-hee) that.
Methinks the unused panel would fit into the used sequence just before the final panel. Janis is [faking] a chewing out, and then, in the used last panel, she is settling into “I’m just fine with that!” mood.
Sixty years ago today, Queen Elizabeth II had her coronation. I remember it. Wasn’t eMb in England then? Perhaps he got to join the crowds on the streets.
https://home.bt.com/news/world-news/june-2-1953-millions-watch-on-tv-as-queen-elizabeth-ii-is-crowned-at-westminster-abbey-11363984318961
Wouldn’t 1953 be 62 years ago today?
The 3rd panel is a masterfully understated.
Jimmy, two panels have terrifically different meanings. The original clearly shows Janis isn’t letting Arlo get away with the move. The final, on the other hand, shows that she welcomes the attention. Neither is wrong, but definitely different outcomes. Overall, Janis’ increase in security over past years would tend to make the final result more likely.
Thanks for the explanations and the discussion!
Always interesting to see the process behind the finished product. Of course, the process is what makes the finished product so compelling. Thanks for sharing.
“…nibs, India ink, etc. Hopefully, there always will be originals—on archival quality Bristol board, of course.”
Good to know I’m not the only old fogey around here. 🙂 Hey, I still use a fountain pen for “important” writings.
Debbe, at least you don’t have to contend with this: http://consumerist.com/2015/06/02/couple-watches-as-four-foot-snake-appears-in-their-kitchen-swallows-an-egg-whole/
Thanks for the insight, Jimmy. It just proves that in most instances, a work of are is never finished, it is merely abandoned . . .
Jimmy, inspiration doesn’t punch a time clock, nor does it care about one. So sometimes all of us get our best ideas at the last moment. Thank you for caring enough about your art (and fans) to go for better rather than just good enough. The final version is much better and a more affectionate pose for both Arlo and Janis.
Yep, Dave. 62 years ago; my error.
JJ, I WAS THINKING ABOUT YOU THIS MORNING AS I INSPECTED THE KITCHEN IN THE NEW HOUSE. iT HAS BEen (darn cap lock, why don’t they put it somewhere else) staged for the parade next week and the decorator had put several roosters in the kitchen, mostly above the cabinets. I offered to contribute to the collection and the builder said that he would talk to his wife. She’s the decorator.
The change really made a huge difference, thank you for sharing the process, I really appreciate that. One of the reasons why I love your work so much.
However long it took to create the 5th panel, was time well spent!