Matt Madden

Cartoonist Matt Madden returns to discuss his new collection, Six Treasures of the Spiral. He delves into the liberation found in formal constraints and shares his experiences with OULIPO. Madden reflects on how these structures can spark creativity and storytelling. He also talks about his residency in France, the influence of Hergé on his work, and balancing comics-making with family life. Additionally, he highlights the importance of maintaining heart within constraints and maintaining accessibility in avant-garde storytelling.

In this engaging conversation, cartoonist and educator Matt Madden shares insights from his creative journey. He discusses the struggle many artists face in balancing financial stability with artistic integrity. Matt and host Jessica Abel delve into the pitfalls of the 'make more' mentality, highlighting how it often leads to burnout and diminishing returns. They emphasize the importance of designing income strategies around real needs rather than just chasing projects, offering practical advice for creatives seeking sustainable income.

In this discussion, Matt Madden, a cartoonist and teacher known for his innovative comics, delves into the making of his book Ex Libris. He shares insights on balancing formal experimentation with engaging storytelling, inspired by literary icons like Italo Calvino. Madden reflects on his creative evolution, including the challenges of style-switching and the impact of a two-cartoonist household with Jessica Abel. He also explores teaching comics in a diverse classroom, the influence of digital tools, and the necessity of mastering techniques before breaking the rules.