When I was a kid, I was scornful of people who read comics. Actually, I was scornful of lots of things. Some might have called me a bit of a snob. I prefer to acknowledge that I was a bit of a brat.
A few years ago, I friend got me interested in webcomics. There are a few I read regularly, and they tell quite a good story. Truthfully, I’ve always envied people who can draw, so to be able to tell a good story and draw is quite an accomplishment.
Anyway.
I love quotes. I have a notebook full of them, where I write my favorites. I have others printed and pinned up on my wall, and still others made into posters and framed.
Zen Pencils is a webcomic, where Gavin Aung Than takes quotes and turns them into comics. He’s done a variety of them, and has also published two books. His interpretation of some of the quotes has deepened my understanding of them, and also made me work harder to come up with my own interpretation.
I got to meet him at a book signing a few months back, and he’s a very nice guy. He quit a job he didn’t like to work full time doing his comic.
While many of the quotes he’s illustrated speak to me, his story has also influenced me. He worked hard, and kept working. But ultimately, he made the leap, quit his job, and was able to do what he loves. I find that combination of hard work and fearlessness to be inspirational.
I love to write, and think I’m a pretty good writer, but there are days when I’m tempted to delete everything I’ve ever written (not quite as dramatic as burning it, but these are the days of the computer). And then I remember that it’s not the most talented people who succeed, but the ones who keep trying and aren’t afraid to work for success.
That’s a fitting end this month of blogging, don’t you think?
“So maybe what you’re doing right now isn’t ideally where you’d like to be, but perhaps it’s just practice for your dream job in the future. It’s funny how things work out sometimes.”
-Gavin Aung Than
Doree Weller 
I’m making a trip to Barnes and Nobel today, I’ll have to check this out. Love the quote! Thanks for sharing. It’s been fun following you during the challenge!
Thank you so much, and I hope you enjoy. I love supporting other artists. There are two Zen Pencils books, and you can also check him out online. The name is a link, if you click on it.
A perfect ending to a wonderful set of Challenge posts. Thanks for sharing them with us!
Thanks a lot for following along!
I’m not very familiar with webcomics, which might surprise you, coming from me.
It does, a bit. But then, it’s a very different format.
Congrats on surviving the Challenge. I’m not familiar with webcomics. But, as a child, I loved Classics Illustrated (showing my age here) comics. I forget how many classics I couldn’t wade through became clear and enjoyable through reading those comics!
I’ve never heard of that, but it sounds cool.
This sounds like a cute comic to follow. I used to follow several comics growing up and even into adulthood and past that too (like Baby Blues for one). I too like that he did decide to pursue his writing and quit his other job. Congrats on finishing the challenge!
betty
http://viewsfrombenches.blogspot.com/
Thank you! It was fun, as always, but I’m glad it’s over!
Yay! We’re at the end of the challenge. I’ve enjoyed your reviews and learned a lot. I agree it’s been fun, but a lot of work too.
It is a lot of work, but I so enjoy it. I’m glad it’s over though.
Congratulations on completing the challenge!
@ScarlettBraden from
Frankly Scarlett
I didn’t even know web comics existed! Well done to him for living the dream and succeeding at it!
Debbie
A friend had to introduce me to webcomics because I didn’t know either.
[…] Z is For Zen Pencils– Have you read this webcomic? If not, you should. […]