Creative Pep Talk – Episode 516: How to Recognize Your Ideas, Juggling Different Roles and More with Cartoonist Grant Snyder

Release Date: July 30, 2025
Host: Andy J. Pizza

Introduction

In Episode 516 of "Creative Pep Talk," Andy J. Pizza delves into the multifaceted creative journey with special guest Grant Snyder—a unique blend of orthodontist and prolific cartoonist. This episode explores Grant's ability to juggle two demanding roles, his strategies for consistently generating creative ideas, and the balance between discipline and spontaneity in his artistic practice.

Guest Background and Dual Careers

Andy J. Pizza opens the conversation by highlighting Grant Snyder's distinctive career path: balancing a full-time role as an orthodontist with a flourishing career in comics and illustration. Grant shares his weekly schedule, working as an orthodontist on Thursdays and Fridays, allowing him ample time from Monday to Wednesday to focus on his creative endeavors.

[04:06] Grant Snyder: “Yeah. So I work as an orthodontist Thursdays and Fridays, so I have this nice 3/5, 2/5 balance where I can do all my creative work and burn myself out Monday through Wednesday.”

This dual role not only provides financial stability but also ensures that Grant has necessary breaks, preventing creative burnout and fostering a sustainable creative practice.

Journey into Cartooning

Grant recounts his early fascination with drawing, inspired by reading classics like "Calvin and Hobbes" and "The Far Side." Despite his artistic inclinations, he initially pursued chemical engineering, only to realize it wasn't his calling. A family member's suggestion led him to dentistry, where he found a harmonious blend of technical skill and hands-on work.

[06:00] Grant Snyder: “…I loved reading cartoons, but I never made the connection. Oh, I could probably draw cartoons. Until my junior year of high school when I saw at the University of Kansas, they had this awesome student newspaper and nobody was drawing opinion cartoons. So I submitted a cartoon, and it got published."

This published cartoon was the catalyst that propelled Grant into the world of professional cartooning, allowing him to merge his passion for art with his career in dentistry.

Balancing Stability with Creativity

Andy and Grant discuss the often-glamorized trope of the "full-time artist" versus maintaining a stable secondary career. Grant emphasizes the importance of having a safety net, which alleviates pressure and allows for creative freedom.

[11:55] Grant Snyder: “I value stability. I was never forced to make a choice. Both grew together…”

Having a stable job provides Grant with the necessary psychological and financial support to experiment creatively without the constant fear of failure that often plagues artists who have no fallback.

Creative Incubation and Idea Generation

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the creative process, particularly the concept of incubation—the period where stepping away from active creation allows subconscious processing of ideas.

[12:19] Grant Snyder: “Let my subconscious kind of take over and let some ideas percolate.”

Grant shares personal anecdotes, including a failed attempt at a picture book during a retreat, which ultimately led to the successful creation of a comic strip idea through relaxed, unforced creativity.

[16:28] Grant Snyder: “…after stepping away, a different idea sprung up. It’s cyclical maybe.”

This highlights the necessity of patience and the understanding that not all creative endeavors unfold linearly or immediately.

Strategies to Prevent Burnout

Grant and Andy explore practical strategies to maintain a healthy creative workflow. Grant advocates for low-pressure, playful projects like his "Words of Wonder"—a series where he illustrates simple words—which serve as creative refreshers.

[27:46] Grant Snyder: “I need to do more things that make me feel 18 or 19 again and feel like I'm exploring and discovering.”

Additionally, Grant underscores the importance of carrying a sketchbook as a tool for constant idea capture, turning moments of boredom or observation into creative fodder.

[29:53] Grant Snyder: “I've had a sketchbook practice almost since I started my cartooning career… I'm never at a lack for ideas.”

Overcoming Perfectionism and Embracing Imperfection

The discussion delves into the challenges of perfectionism in creative work. Grant admits to his struggle with wanting every project to be perfect, which can stifle creativity and lead to frustration.

[49:02] Grant Snyder: “I think I'm just a natural perfectionist who thinks that everything they make has to be the best thing they ever make.”

Both hosts emphasize the importance of viewing creative projects as iterative processes rather than final, flawless products. Andy shares his own experiences, reflecting on the necessity of treating creative endeavors as continuous efforts rather than one-off masterpieces.

Notable Quotes

• Andy J. Pizza ([00:03]): “On the creative journey, it's easy to get lost, but don't worry, you'll lift off. Sometimes you just need a creative pep talk.”

• Grant Snyder ([09:16]): “It's about learning to recognize what your ideas are, what you respond to.”

• Grant Snyder ([37:36]): “Lowering your barrier to entry… just start putting everything in there.”

• Andy J. Pizza ([43:07]): “It's okay to put it away for a while and switch gears. It's not going to go away.”

• Grant Snyder ([42:16]): “It's hard to choose like, what? Like, say you have three different ideas… you lose some of that.”

Practical Takeaways: Automatic Filter

To translate the episode's insights into actionable steps, Andy introduces the "Automatic Filter" exercise:

1. Free Flow Session: Spend 20 minutes on one day doing morning pages—writing or drawing without a specific plan. Let thoughts and ideas flow naturally.

2. Review and Filter: The next day, review the free flow content and identify the most intriguing idea that stands out.

3. Focused Development: Dedicate the following day to developing that selected idea further.

This cycle encourages a balance between unrestricted creativity and focused refinement, fostering the gradual development of solid creative concepts.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 516 offers a profound exploration of balancing multiple careers, fostering a sustainable creative practice, and the importance of both discipline and spontaneity in idea generation. Grant Snyder's unique career path serves as an inspiring model for creatives seeking stability while pursuing their artistic passions. The episode reinforces the notion that creativity thrives not just in relentless work but also in the moments of rest and subconscious incubation.

Connect with Grant Snyder

To explore Grant Snyder's work and stay updated on his projects:

• Newsletter: Grant Snyder's Newsletter
• Facebook: Incidental Comics
• Instagram & Twitter: @GrantDraws

Stay tuned for more insightful episodes on "Creative Pep Talk" to propel your creative journey forward!