I really love this 2013 video of Ralph Steadman in his studio making drawings, talking, and playing the ukulele. It’s basically what I want my life to look like when I’m his age:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6omL2ukk9c
There’s so much to learn. On the difference between him and his work:
People have said, “Oh, I thought you’d be a nasty piece of work because you’re so dark and trenchant,” and I say, “No I’m not! I’ve got rid of it — it’s all on paper!”
On mistakes:
There’s no such thing as a mistake. A mistake is only an opportunity to do something else.
On style:
I never went out of my way to invent a style. I haven’t got a style — I just draw and it’s that way.
In 2014, he Skype-d in to a room at SXSW to promote for his documentary, For No Good Reason. He was walking around the studio, and I saw this big book on podium next to his desk. It looked like a big Gutenberg bible or a dictionary or something. I started obsessing over what this book could be. So when it was Q&A time, I shot up my hand and asked him about it. He lit up and said, “Oh! That’s my idea book! Every time I have an idea, I go over here and write it down.” He started flipping through pages and showing us old bits and debris he’d pasted into it. (What I wouldn’t give to see it in person!)
Here’s another video of him drawing, because I can’t get enough:
