Marc Johns

Ever imagine what inanimate objects would say if they could speak? Marc Johns does. His simple, whimsical drawings explore the fabricated personalities of pens, blobs, fish, and even a pipe that’s trying to quit smoking. These charming and humorous illustrations have been featured in the New York Times Magazine, WIRED, Newsweek and his own beautifully designed book, Serious Drawings. Hear what this animated artist has to say about inspiration in his 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Drawings, sometimes funny.

2. Who is your creative role model?
My influences are constantly changing. Right now it’s Maurice Sendak.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Read, write more, draw more, learn web coding, get organized, sleep… Wait! Can I have more than an extra hour?

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Hornby Island. It’s so beautiful and unspoiled and peaceful, it’s awe-inspiring and rejuvenating.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Since I spend my days sitting down in front of a computer scanning and blogging images, or at a table drawing, I think it’d be nice to do something physical for a change. My brother is a carpenter, so it’d be great to do what he does for a day.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Drawings, of course!

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
My art books. They’re like super talented friends that I like to visit every now and again for a big dose of inspiration, or a kick in the butt.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be yourself. Your uniqueness is a thousand times more fascinating and valuable than your ability to conform.

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
, for all the wonderful links that are shared every day.

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
I often feel that an idea sketched out in a notebook is pretty much done, and the challenge I have during final execution is to not over-refine it. When everything is balanced and it effectively tells the story I set out to tell, and nothing more, then it’s done. When I start thinking about adding extras, I have to put the drawing away.