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Charts. Graphs. Doodles. Whenever you put a bored Panda in front of a whiteboard, they’re very likely to let their creative talents loose. But how many of us have thought of turning drawing on whiteboards into a profession? Meet Matt Shirley. He draws hilarious charts and has a huge following online.

Shirley does them all masterfully and he’s a professional at using them to show the humorous side of life. What’s more, he has an outstanding work ethic: he tries to draw a graph every single day. That’s the sort of dedication you’d usually see only in top-tier athletes and best-selling authors.

Bored Panda talked to Shirley about his charts, what keeps him motivated to draw daily doodles, as well as what graphs have that other mediums don’t. Scroll down for our in-depth interview, upvote your favorite charts, and share the ones you like with your friends.

After you’re done with this article, have a look through our previous post featuring Shirley’s charts.

More info: Instagram | MattShirleyCharts.com | Facebook | Twitter | Patreon

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Pseudo Puppy
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I date someone, I always pay close attention to how they treat the waitstaff. Because how they treat the staff, is *exactly* how they'd treat me if we weren't on a date.... because that job put a roof over my head from the age of 14, & got me through highschool & university. I have refused 2nd dates solely due to a date's treatment of waitstaff - ended dates early for the same reason too. Treating someone with respect costs nothing - but is worth so much.

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Dre Mosley
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't like people who treat them like slaves. I was out with a group once and this one girl kept excessively summoning the waitress because she enjoyed having someone catering to her needs and was like, "That's what they're here for." We didn't invite her out with us after that.

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John Greene
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve never known a server who would spit in food. I have known many who would just ramp up the service to rush that table along and out the door though.

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Phart
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the reason to not tip them - they can get a job elsewhere, where they know how to charge people.

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dev mehta
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never be rude to a person who will be alone with your food

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A B C
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of people needed to be slapped with this pie chart.

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Catie Reams
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mostly to be polite and respectful to waiters. But also a bit that they might spit in my food.

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Tara
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone should be a server once in their lives. It builds character

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Ghost
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Accurate. I do believe too, that being a nice customer can make someones day

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Gabi
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah. Would be awesome to be treated as a human being and not like a prostitute preparing your coffee.

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Winkwoga
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly, it's mostly the opposite...but shout out to waitstaff everywhere

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Craig Hordlow
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or I tip because i don't want to look cheap in front of my friends/family...

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Valerie Lessard
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4 years ago

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sometimes they're morons or just plain rude. Let's not make them more infallible than anyone else please

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Kaisu
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are allowed to sleep in? Fall asleep early. Need to wake up early for an important exam? Can't fall asleep.

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“I've always loved anything visual or design-related, so it's a natural fit for me to try to do something visual or design-related on my Instagram,” Shirley told Bored Panda in an interview.

“Sometimes, it is a challenge to keep motivated, but the good thing about charts is that you can pretty much do one on any topic,” he said.

“I'm not confined to a certain field of expertise which helps with inspiration. If I'm not feeling inspired to create something on a certain topic I can always look in the complete opposite direction for something that activates the creative juices,” Shirley explained his creative process and how he avoids burnout.

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Human #1,232,867
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get why they just don't put a logo on one side to help this. All computer female USB connector are put on the same orientation.

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Shirley revealed the reason why he’s so into charts: “I like charts because they don't require a lot of reading and there's an inherent discovery process whenever you are trying to figure out what a chart is trying to depict, whether it's for entertainment or data-driven.”

“The only limitations I've found are with the types of jokes you can include. If you want long-winded setups and character-driven jokes then charts are definitely going to be difficult to work with,” he said, drawing attention to the fact that the best jokes to be made with charts are quick, concise, and snappy.

Bored Panda was interested to find out what Shirley thought was his best work so far. According to him, he’s very proud of his chart where he depicts how rick-rolling works: “I think I was most proud when I thought of this cycle.”

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Dawn Baik
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Forgot the section for - I'm not putting my bra back on - this baggy jacket will hide that fact!

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Shirley’s creativity and humor have given him a massive following online: more than 300,000 people follow his Instagram account. Dear Readers, what do you think of Shirley’s charts? Which ones do you like best? What charts and graphs would you love for him to draw in the near future? We’re looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments below!

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John Greene
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apple Watch have me credit for standing all day just for getting drunk and passing out in a rocking chair.

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El Dee
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Knowing how little you know is the ultimate knowledge. A fool who knows he is a fool is better than a wise man who thinks he knows everything..

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Martha Meyer
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had to look up how much these ounces are and now I'm wondering who the hell would be drinking more than half a litre of coffee in that giant cup on the right?

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M.J.
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always feel so stressed and stupid when I have to leave a message. Never know what to say, also I forget why I actually called.

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Human #1,232,867
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How are you able to draw such perfect circle with your white board pen? Rope and finger in the center?

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Magpie
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh! So that's my problem, missing the install a room mate step.

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Note: this post originally had 61 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.