Design Better Podcast Summary Episode: Jason Chatfield - New Yorker Cartoonist on His Creative Process
Host: The Curiosity Department, LLC
Release Date: October 15, 2024

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Design Better, co-hosts Eli Woolery and Aaron Walter welcome Jason Chatfield, a distinguished New Yorker cartoonist, illustrator, and stand-up comedian. With over two decades of experience, Jason delves into his dynamic creative process, the evolving landscape of cartooning, and the intricate relationship between humor and illustration. This conversation offers a deep dive into the artistic and strategic facets of succeeding in the competitive world of cartooning.

Jason Chatfield's Multifaceted Creative Process

Timestamp: [06:12]

Jason Chatfield introduces himself as a cartoonist, illustrator, and comedian, emphasizing the necessity of adaptability in his craft. He shares, "I've sort of changed my process like maybe 100 times and my style and all kinds of things" ([06:12]). Unlike other artistic disciplines where one might focus on a single niche, Jason has continually evolved his methods to stay relevant and effective across various platforms and markets.

Key Points:

• Adaptability: Jason highlights the importance of shifting processes in response to new tools, markets, and artistic demands.
• Diverse Projects: From gag cartoons for The New Yorker to syndicated comic strips in 34 countries, Jason navigates different styles and expectations, such as mimicking another artist's style for legacy comic strips.
• Personal Benchmarking: He adopts a personal growth mindset, stating, "only ever measure that style or that work against whatever I was doing last week" ([06:12]), avoiding comparisons with other artists on platforms like Instagram or Behance.

Adapting to Changing Channels

Timestamp: [07:58]

Aaron Walter probes into the unique challenges of cartooning compared to more straightforward illustration work, questioning how Jason navigates the "mysterious finding these opportunities" aspect. Jason elaborates on the fluidity required to succeed across different channels.

Key Points:

• Channel-Specific Strategies: Jason discusses how each medium—be it The New Yorker, syndicated comics, or stand-up comedy—requires tailored approaches while maintaining core creative principles.
• Process Integration: He integrates elements like directing the reader’s eye in cartoons and building mental images in stand-up, ensuring consistency in humor and engagement across platforms.

Developing Humor and Its Challenges

Timestamp: [09:09]

The conversation shifts to the complexities of humor development in cartooning. Jason acknowledges the difficulty in crafting jokes that resonate universally, especially in a fragmented media landscape.

Key Points:

• Common References: Crafting humor that relies on shared experiences or widely understood tropes, such as the desert island scenario, to establish a foundation for jokes.
• Collaborative Writing: Jason collaborates with comedian Scott Dooley, engaging in exercises like dissecting jokes to understand their mechanics deeply. He explains, "once it becomes a part of your process... you start to build this corpus of expertise" ([09:09]).
• Adapting to Digital Trends: With the rise of algorithm-driven content, Jason notes the shift towards more outrageous and offensive humor, requiring careful navigation to maintain relevance without compromising his comedic integrity.

Navigating the Meritocracy at The New Yorker

Timestamp: [12:33]

Eli Woolery raises a critical question about the submission and selection process at The New Yorker, pondering whether it serves as a true meritocracy, especially for emerging cartoonists competing against legends like Roz Chast.

Key Points:

• Evolution of the Submission Process: Jason hints at changes post-2017 under the longtime cartoon editor Bob Mankoff, suggesting a possible shift towards a more diversified or stringent selection criterion.
• Merit-Based Selection: He implies that regardless of tenure, cartoons are evaluated on their merit—"whether this is funny or not"—and do not receive preferential treatment based on the artist's reputation or history with the magazine.
• Continuous Improvement: Emphasizing personal growth, Jason maintains that success is measured by individual progress rather than external comparisons, fostering a meritocratic environment where new voices can emerge based on the strength of their work.

Conclusion

Jason Chatfield's discussion on Design Better offers valuable insights into the adaptive nature of cartooning, the intricate process of humor development, and the evolving mechanisms of art selection in prestigious publications. His emphasis on personal growth, strategic adaptation, and collaborative creativity provides a roadmap for aspiring cartoonists and illustrators aiming to thrive in a competitive and ever-changing creative landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• "You want to just kind of get everything right the first time, but it's a bad way to do things, really." — Jason Chatfield ([00:49])

• "I've sort of changed my process like maybe 100 times and my style and all kinds of things." — Jason Chatfield ([06:12])

• "The way you get better is doing a thing and then kind of screwing it up and then learning the lesson and then moving on." — Jason Chatfield ([00:49])

• "When I'm doing a cartoon for the New Yorker, I'm using the same elements and principles of writing jokes and showing, drawing jokes, illustrating and composing an image." — Jason Chatfield ([09:09])

For those interested in exploring more about Jason Chatfield’s creative journey or subscribing to the Design Better podcast, visit designbetterpodcast.com.