So this is 50. And this post is indulgent 😉

Here are some cracking new photos by the brilliant Fiona Finchett, taken at GRIT Art Studio. I spend so much time looking forward that I wanted to reflect on what and who got me to where I am now. I also wanted a new portrait, to tell the story and mark my half-century.

My twenties were all about trying to become a comic book artist. My thirties were all about becoming a stand-up comedian and my forties a rollercoaster of creative activity. The pandemic helped sort through my priorities and come full circle. Now I draw and perform, sometimes simultaneously.

Earlier this year I retired Danny Pensive, the comedy character I'd performed as for around 15 years. Gigging as Danny was one of the high points of my comedy career, but I do feel as though I now have a much better life-work balance.

I've been searching for a quote by comedian and TV producer Jimmy Mulville about "doing your best working your 50's". The general jist is who you by now who are and what you're good at and have the skills to make it happen. That's where I feel right now.

I've built up quite a body of work. The illustration is physical, I can see how I've developed over time. The comedy side is a little trickier to reflect on. I've plethora of photos and videos from when I started in the days before social media, but comedy is more ephemeral, an intangible thing that happens in a room. Oh the memories.

Joining GRIT art studio in late 2023 is perfectly timed. Joining a community of folks making great work. I even host an event for artists, in the same way I used to run comedy nights.

I'm excited for the new opportunities, and being in Manchester right now feels like a brilliant space for creative minds. Loads going on, and if I can be part of it, and make a mark on it, then that is time very well spent.

John,
November 2024

Big thanks to all the folks who came to the first ART+WORK night at Grit to make new connections and chat about all things creative. Still buzzing from the chat.

Cheers to Barney Ibbotson for agreeing to be interviewed for the first one, talk about his ace illustration work and take part in the 'mini discussion' about what makes a good brief.

There was a perfectly diverse mix of folks, which is key to making it work. There'll be another sometime in August with new guests and hopefully a few surprises too. The more diverse the backgrounds the better. Interested?

I'm playing catch up on the socials this, after a 2-day stint graphic recording for events and an improvised musical. This is the work. Enjoy the work.

Next event: Click here to find out more.

Connecting creativity with commerce, ART+WORK connects local artists and creatives with Manchester’s vibrant business community to explore ideas and create new opportunities.

Join us for an evening of chilled networking, chat and idea-generating discussion.

ART+WORK is designed to help businesses who want to work with creatives, and vice versa. To help answer common questions when working on creative projects, provide practical advice and chat with professional working artists and creatives in the city.

Update!

Today I was on BBC Radio 4 talking about side hustles. These are exactly the kind of conversations we'll be having as this event going forward.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001zg4y