The Secret to Daily Comic Strip Gold: Two Words That Change Everything

If you're staring at a blank panel wondering what to draw, here's a powerful truth: inspiration isn't hiding. It's right in front of you. You just need to pay attention.

Those two words—pay attention—are the linchpin of great comics. Whether your style leans silly, satirical, heartfelt, or all of the above, your material already exists in the wild. You just have to tune in.

Here are a few everyday sources waiting to be mined:

📺 Conversations

Eavesdrop (ethically). Listen to the odd turns of phrase, the awkward pauses, the accidental brilliance of coworkers, cashiers, kids, even your own internal monologue. Dialogue is where characters come alive—and comics thrive on nuance.

🌿 Nature

Even the outdoors tells stories. A squirrel with an ego the size of a redwood. Weather that acts like it has mood swings. Observe how life moves, then exaggerate it in the panels.

📱 TV & Media

Parody. Commentary. Reaction. Whether you're riffing on a trending show or mocking old commercials, popular media is a treasure chest of relatable humor. What’s everyone watching—and why?

💼 The Mundane

This is your comic strip’s playground. Office coffee disasters. Laundry pile negotiations. Parking lot drama. The more “ordinary” the moment, the better it sets up a punchline readers nod and laugh at.

🚪Your Own Life

Be your own character. The quirks of your day—the missed texts, the DIY mishaps, the sudden existential dread while organizing a spice rack—are relatable gold.

So, before you sketch another square, take a beat. Look up. Look around. Pay attention. The world is noisy, weird, profound, and endlessly comic-able