Zen Pencils

New York Times Bestseller: A “charming, funny, and pointedly invigorating” collection of comic illustrations and inspiring quotes about creativity (Publishers Weekly).

Australian graphic designer Gavin Aung Than had been working a corporate job for eight years—and, when his boss wasn’t looking, reading Wikipedia biographies of people whose lives were more interesting than his. Finally, their stories and quotes inspired him to quit and pursue his passion for illustration and cartooning—and eventually he found an enthusiastic audience online for his blend of uplifting quotations and striking artwork. This is a delightful collection from the creator of Zen Pencils, who “deftly blends the inspired thoughts of our great creative and moral thinkers with its own fresh visual wit” (Michael Cavna, TheWashington Post’s Comic Riffs).

“Gavin has the amazing ability to make words and ideas come alive. He teaches, inspires, and brings a whole new level of creativity to the quotes that hold a special place in our hearts.” —Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Daring Greatly

“Sometimes all it takes is a clear, original vision and a talented hand. Gavin Aung Than and his genius of Zen Pencils gives us that together, and so much more.” —Chris Hadfield, retired astronaut and former Commander of the International Space Station

“If you read this book and don’t get a lump in your throat and a stirring in your heart at least once, check your pulse. You’re dead.” —Philip Plait, The Bad Astronomer