There are no new ideas. It’s your perspective that makes your art fresh.

Ever since I’ve started pitching kidlit books, I’ve had a pretty strict “no potty humor” rule for myself. But, doggone it, farts are hilarious.

Rejection happens at all levels. Agents reject you. Publishers reject you. Reviewers reject you. Bookstores reject you. Readers reject you. It’s not a matter of if, it’s when. It will hurt. Every time. But every setback makes you stronger for the next one. KEEP GOING.

YUUUSSSSSSSSSSS!

Holy poop-balls, the He-Man movie looks like it might actually be good!

When I create a character that I love, I have a hard time giving them flaws. It feels like I’m doing a disservice to them. But flawed characters are vital to great stories. How your character responds to their flaws is what will create an emotional connection with the reader.

Stephen King is one of my top five favorite authors. Maybe top three. I know that’s a pretty basic preference, but there it is. Dude can spin a good yarn.

If the creative process is keeping you energized, you’re on the right track.

Indiana University. That’s it. That’s the post.

For the past few weeks I’ve been coordinating the color of my Apple Watch band and watch face with the clothes I wear to work. I’m not sure what happened to me.

THINGS I WILL ALWAYS LOVE: • Ghostbusters • The Legend of Zelda • Chicken pot pie • My wife and kids • Gel pens

One time, a kid at a Christian school told me, “I know I’m supposed to pray without ceasing, but sometimes I just wanna use my imagination.” I said, “Dude, your imagination is a gift from God. USE IT OFTEN AND WITHOUT SHAME.”

Years ago, Michael Jantze told me, “Your sketchbook should be full of fails.” I think about that all the time. He’s absolutely right.

BREAKING: I’m going to bed.

Your weirdness is a gift. I’m sorry if anyone has caused you to doubt that.

Your style is an amalgamation of all your favorite artists. There is no shame in redrawing (or even TRACING) your fave artists so you can get a better feel for how they put lines together. These practices will payoff in dividends when you create your own art from scratch.

“Done” is better than “perfect”.

A blank page can be super overwhelming. But, I’m telling you, once you start throwing some ink down the momentum will build. It’s OK if those first few lines are apprehensive. They’ll steadily—and QUICKLY—become more confident. Next thing you know, you’re off to the races!

Hey! If you’re getting ready to go to bed, don’t forget to start the dishwasher.

If you’re stumped on an idea, doodle. Just let the pencil go wherever it wants. It’s a great way “flush the system”.

Now more than ever, kids need books, movies, and TV that is smart and doesn’t talk down to them.

I hereby give you permission to draw whatever the heck you want!

I used to abhor deep-dish pizza. Now I love it. Change is possible.

Sketches are supposed to be loose and messy. Somewhere along the way, the internet decided sketches are akin to beautiful, finished pieces of art, but I’m here to tell you NO. They are not.

I’ve been hard at work on a new book pitch, and I created a little writing tool that I think may help you as you brainstorm your books. Check it out: open.substack.com/pub/thewesmo... thewesmolebash.substack.com/p/five-core-...

New year, new Bullet Journal. Let’s go!

Preorder TRAVIS DAVENTHORPE GETS A LIFE! today with Cover to Cover and get 26% off! Use coupon code PREORDER26. Don't wait as the discount ends Jan. 10. Details at www.covertocoverchildrensbooks.com/new-year-pre...

Happy New Year to everyone except my friend, Steve! Steve doesn’t acknowledge the passing of years, so to Steve I say , “Happy 1983!”

Ya’ll, I’m pretty psyched about our new coach and coaching staff. No idea how the strategy will play out, but they all seem like truly decent and interesting people. #Crew96

I remember the first time I was allowed to stay up and watch the ball drop. Such a liberating feeling to be given that kind of privilege as a child! As a 45-year-old, I get that same feeling when I go to bed at 10PM on NYE. Full circle moment.

I didn’t rinse my travel mug very well, so my coffee this morning had notes of Dawn dish soap.

I’m working on a book pitch, and I’m at the point where I’m trying to decide whether to scrap it all or stay the course.

It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for me. Wouldn’t mind a nice, long straightaway through 2026.

I hope that the comics I’m creating now will make future generations of Molebashes proud.

The older I get, the more I appreciate the New Year. There’s something refreshing about turning the page over to twelve new months of possibilities.

The art you leave behind will tell your story to your descendants for generations to come. No pressure or anything.

Merriest of Christmases to all who celebrate!

Curiosity is fuel for creativity. Ask questions. Search for answers. Explore ideas. You’ll find inspiration under those rocks.

If you’re having a hard time starting a creative project, it could be that the first step is too big. Break the work down into the smallest tasks that you can.

Pretty sure I won’t hit one of my creative goals by the end of the year. That’s OK. I’m satisfied with the work I’ve completed so far, and I’m feeling very confident I’ll finish the work in January. Instead of doubling up the work to hit the goal and stressing myself out, I move the goal posts back.

There are artists whose art provides commentary on current events. And there are artists whose art provides escape from current events. Both are essential.

A buddy of mine and I had dinner with one of our cartooning heroes. He brought his sketchbook for us to flip through. It was absolutely gorgeous, and I’m proud I let myself be inspired by his talent rather than discouraged.

Comics are relevant.

Creating art for public consumption is risky. There’s always a chance it won’t be well-received. But I don’t know anyone who has regretted taking a chance on themselves.

It’s December 17 and I haven’t listened to any Christmas music yet.

Didn’t hit your creative goals this year? There’s no shame in that. Eat a cookie and set a new deadline.

I create comics with the hope that someone will connect to the story and characters in a very special, tangible way. Not everyone will have that connection. In fact, most won’t. But I like to hope for at least one. :)

When did you realize you were a professional artist? For me, it was when I started getting freelance gigs from large organizations. In hindsight, I was a pro much earlier than that. I just wasn’t ready to believe it.

ARTISTS: What is your favorite/most-used tool in your creative arsenal?

Rest is a vital part of the creative process. And the holidays can be a great time to recharge. I’ve been advocating making a plan for 2026, but it’s totally OK if you need this time at the end of the year to just catch your breath!