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In her book The Creative Habit, Twyla Tharp asks her readers to write their “creative autobiography” by filling out a questionnaire in one of the book’s exercises. I thought I’d fill it out and share my answers with you guys in a series of seven posts. Do yourself a favor – ask yourself these questions and replace my answers with yours.

17. Who do you admire most?

Doug TenNapel, Bill Watterson, and Jeff  Smith.

18. Why are they your role models?

They’re all great cartoonists and great storytellers. I like that they use their platforms to entertain as well as preach.

19. What do you and your role models have in common?

For starters, Watterson and Smith are Ohioans just like me, and TenNapel and I share the same faith.

From an artistic standpoint, we all have a love affair with ink and a brush. I haven’t found anything that gives me the line quality of a good ol’ brush or brush pen. I love the linework of these cartoonists, and I get a certain sense of satisfaction when I see their influence in my work.

20. Does anyone in your life regularly inspire you?

Yeah, I’m pretty blessed to have some creative friends. Chris, Matt, Josh, and Johnny inspire me the most.

21. Who is your muse?

My wife, Kari.

22. Define muse.

I think that a muse is much more than an artistic inspiration or influence. It’s so much deeper than that. A muse is something or someone who provides the catalyst for your creative work. Before you can even be inspired or influenced creatively, you have to be touched by “the muse”. My wife is my muse because she provides so much comfort and happiness in my life. Because she provides those things my mind isn’t clouded by doubt and depression, and I’m free to create.

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Read Part I
Read Part II
Read Part III

How would you answer these questions?