Skip to content

Art Quote by Edward Sorel

“The big problem for comic art is you don't want to overwork it. If a drawing is overworked it isn't funny. It's the spontaneity that keeps a work fresh and funny. If they can see how hard you work, if they can see the beads of sweat, it's no good. I always try to make it look easy.” quote by Edward Sorel
Download Open image
“The big problem for comic art is you don't want to overwork it. If a drawing is overworked it isn't funny. It's the spontaneity that keeps a work fresh and funny. If they can see how hard you work, if they can see the beads of sweat, it's no good. I always try to make it look easy.”

Edward Sorel

About This Quote

Overworking a comic drawing removes the spontaneity that makes it funny. Visible effort undermines humor. The artist must appear effortless even when laboring hard to achieve that effect.

In simple terms: Make art look easy. Visible hard work kills humor.

Key Takeaway

Hide effort and preserve spontaneity for humor.

Themes

Comic art Spontaneity Effort Perfectionism Humor

Mood

wry playful reflective

Type

observation artistic advice

When to use this quote

  • Cartooning
  • Creative writing
  • Stand-up comedy
  • Design work
  • Public speaking

Key Concepts

Artistic labor Aesthetic spontaneity Paradox of effort

Questions to Reflect On

  • Where in your work do you let effort show too much?
  • What would make your process look effortless?
A Different Perspective

Not every genre prizes apparent ease. Elaborate detail and visible technique can be meaningful.

2.3 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Edward Sorel

Explore all 9 Edward Sorel quotes

More Art quotes

Browse all 48,643 Art quotes