This post may include affiliate links.
Bored Panda caught up with Maria Scrivan, the brilliant cartoonist and author whose sharp humor and charming comics have earned her a loyal following, for another chat.
When asked about how nature and movement spark her creativity, Maria shared a memorable moment from a hike where she spotted two squirrels locked in an intense game of tag. "It was hilarious—they looked like they were in a high-stakes chase scene. I immediately imagined them in a serious business meeting, trying to act professional but completely unable to resist their instincts. Naturally, that ended up as a comic strip," she said, pointing out that "nature is basically an unlimited comedy generator."
Her four-legged sidekick, Toby, also plays a major role in her work. Maria recalled a particular incident where he swiped a loaf of bread and guarded it like a dragon hoarding treasure. "The look of guilt on his face was Oscar-worthy! I turned that into a comic where a dog is on trial, and the key piece of evidence is—of course—the stolen bread. These everyday moments with Toby are comedy gold."
The artist also reflected on her back-and-forth journey between drawing on paper and using an iPad. "The iPad is fantastic for its flexibility and portability, but I started missing that real, pencil-on-paper feel," she admitted. While she appreciated the convenience of digital tools, she also found that "each medium shapes the art in its own way—plus, there's no 'undo' button in real life!"
On the subject of meditation and creativity, Maria described it as a game-changer. She recalled a time when she was struggling with a book plot, only for meditation to help unlock the story naturally. "It was like giving my brain room to breathe, and suddenly, the story started writing itself."
As for what’s next, Scrivan is eager to keep exploring middle-grade storytelling and has her sights set on a travel-themed book. "I love diving into the complexities of growing up, friendships, and self-discovery," she said. And, of course, Toby remains an endless source of inspiration. "There's never a dull moment with him around—it’s an exciting time to create!"
