Mark Ewbie & The Surprising Effectiveness of Stick Figures

If I were to ask a random Hubber to name another Hubber who is known for original illustrations, chances are Mark Ewbie‘s name would pop up. This prolific Hubber is famous for his signature stick figure style (and entertaining humor), hence it is only a matter of course that we would ask for his advice on the creating custom graphics for Hubs.

Amidst his insights and advice, you might be surprised to find that this award-winning Hubber didn’t actually start doodling until he joined HubPages two years ago. Once again, we are reminded that you can embark on new artistic endeavors at any time.

Have you always doodled and sketched things?

I certainly drew stuff as a child but never had that ability of real artists to make something come alive on a page. So I gave up, thinking that if I couldn’t draw a realistic human face or a cat there was no point.

I started doodling again when I joined HubPages. Now I feel that I have missed out if a day goes by without drawing something. It is something I enjoy which I had never previously felt a need to do.

Am I an artist with years of experience? Absolutely not. Ask me again in twenty years.

Have you always created illustrations for your work?

If by ‘work’ you mean the variable quality nonsense I have produced for HubPages then the answer is yes. I realised early on that everyone said “You must have pictures” and so it began.

At first I did simple pictures to occupy some space between the text and give my pages a less wordy feel. They were a very minor element because I thought my writing was far more important and hey, I can’t draw!

Now my ‘illustrations’ are a key aspect of what I do and often the main purpose for the article. Frequently the words are breaking up the pictures – rather than the other way around.

How did your practice of creating custom images for articles come about?

When I first joined HubPages, I realised with horror that I needed a profile pic. No way! I’m not saying I am not attractive, in some lights and wearing a floppy hat I’m quite passable. The occasional lady has… well anyway.

So I drew a rough face with stick legs and used that.

What surprised me was that not a single soul on HP said how rubbish it was. In fact, one or two, two actually… or maybe one now I think about it… said they liked it. “Cute” was the compliment.

This came as some surprise.

I tentatively tried a few more and the feedback was favourable. Now, there is no stopping me!

How did you develop your signature style?

Having decided on the name Mark Ewbie I regularly practiced a signature to go with it. Oh I see. I love this question because it makes me sound proper arty.

This artistic ability stretches as far as stick figures which I pass off as minimalist representations. The truth is they are my limit – although as I practice and learn they get slightly better.

My aim is to represent an idea well enough for others to see it. It is surprising how a few lines, especially with a helpful caption such as “this is a cat”, can illustrate just about anything.

As for ‘style’. If you asked ten people to draw a stickman you would probably get ten different results. I’m fairly content with the way mine look, black lines, and yeah, maybe they have some style.

Why is it that you have decided to create images for your work rather than use photos? Do you think it gives it an edge?

My original reasoning was that it was easier than looking for a picture that fitted and then making sure it was correctly used in copyright terms.

Now I am happy with what I do and reasonably confident I can create whatever I want – within my limits of course. I find it relaxing, enjoyable and fun – and I am building a collection of pictures for every occasion!

As for edge. I believe that a unique hand drawn stick figure stands out among the hundreds of perfect photograph pictures when a potential visitor scrolling through pages on the net.

What do you use to create your images and convert them into a digital format?

I use felt tip pens on good quality A4 printer paper and scan them into my computer. Open the file with Paint, add captions and my name, tidy up any obvious smudges. More technical people might use an iPad or some tablet drawing device but I like the immediacy and ‘realness’ of pen on paper. In my opinion any imperfections say this is a personal drawing, not just a generic computer graphic.

One thing I notice sometimes with other people’s rather good doodles is that they don’t bother much with the ink or the paper quality. They do a neat picture, but it is in biro on lined paper or similar. I take this seriously. Although my art isn’t wonderful, I put care and attention into the ink and paper I use.

These images appear in Google images alongside thousands of others. A casual viewer might just click through to the source. It’s worth putting a little effort in.
I also sign everything. If a picture ends up somewhere else on the net – my name gives a possible search route to my work.

Many Hubbers don’t create their own images for Hubs (or other online articles, books, cards… you name it) simply because they don’t know where to start. What first step would you recommend to get people off to a good start?

A stiff drink. It takes nerve to publish your writing or self-created images. I’m not sure which one – writing or drawing – is a more daunting step. To put yourself out there and say “Hey world – what do you think of this?”

More seriously, I think anyone should try it. As adults, we forget so many things that used to give us pleasure. The first step is to get a pen, paper and see if you enjoy the process. Without enjoyment, and not everyone wants to draw, there is no point.

If the act of creating the drawing gives you satisfaction then that, in my opinion, is reason enough to carry on.

Oh, and good luck to you!

There’s a little more I have to say. Early praise and encouragement from fellow Hubbers gave me the belief to continue with my scribbles. I really am grateful.

THANK YOU!

I want to mention one person.

Shadesbreath showed me the way with his beautiful illustrations and writing. When I first read his pages I realised the possibilities. He has since moved on to book writing, and I’m still drawing stickmen – but I’m on his tail….