#59: Drawing

I love to draw when working conceptually or sketching ideas. The final result of that process would almost certainly be messy and contain lots of stick figures spread all over the place.

That’s not a brave thing to do, is it?

Charlie Mackesy isn’t just the author of one of the most beautiful and inspiring books ever written and drawn. He is also a great speaker and storyteller on stage. In one of his talks he tells the story of when he met the Queen Mother. This is how the conversation went.

«Then she was smiling at me. What do you do? And I said, I draw. I try to draw. And then she said, that’s a very brave thing to do. And it was like getting hit with a wet fish in the face because I had never considered it as a brave choice. I just did it like Forrest Gump walked, I drew.»

So what are the lessons from that story?

First, Charlie learned in that moment that what he saw as the most ordinary was actually brave in another person’s eyes. What a blessing to have someone reflect generously on what you do. So speak up and tell others what you do and why that is important to you.

Second, what we tell others about their work can actually have a major impact on their life. It might be so obvious to us and therefore not even worthwhile mentioning. Discounting the fact that you are not the Queen Mother, don’t underestimate the power of your words in showing admiration and appreciation for someone else’s accomplishment and effort.

Always remember Charlie’s «wet fish in my face» quote. Your statement carries the potential to be someone’s wet fish in the face.

What’s the brave thing you do?