ADVERTISEMENT

About a decade ago, Will McPhail was just an ordinary zoology student. Now, he's regularly drawing for the world-famous The New Yorker magazine. How does one make such a change in their lives? Well, McPhail admitted to "doodling lecturers" when he was supposed to be learning. And even though he did graduate, it was enough to pursue a cartoonist's career.

So, instead of continuing to study the animal kingdom, he chose to immerse himself in the wildlife of Edinburgh's coffee shops and libraries. There, he analyzed peoples' social behavior, turning his findings into clever and funny comics.

McPhail is now expected to have between 8 and 10 ideas per week for The New Yorker cartoons, a popular American magazine established 94 years ago. "The best I can do is to find an area that I want to do a cartoon drawing on and accept the stage - then hope that my sense of humor moonwalks on to that stage," the artist told the BBC.

More info: willmcphail.com | Instagram | Twitter

"I don’t really have any artistic qualifications," McPhail told Bored Panda. "In fact, I actually studied zoology at university. Because when you ask a seventeen-year-old what they want to do with their life, they always make the correct decision. Thirty grand and four years of my life is a small price to pay for the three armadillo facts that I now know. I’ve had creative ideas and did drawings all my life, though. Or at least as long as I’ve known about pencils."

The artist mostly draws single-panels because he's usually drawing cartoons for The New Yorker, which are classically a single-panel deal. "The weekly submission of cartoons to the magazine is really the only structure I have in my life and every career opportunity that I’ve been given has been directly because of my work being seen in The New Yorker. So I owe them pretty much everything! Armadillos always give birth to four identical quadruplets," he explained.

Despite having a career that allows him to live and work anywhere in the world, Will made up his mind to remain in Scotland even after his cool drawings blew up on the international scene.

"Scotland's got some kind of draw on me," he explained. "There's something about Scotland that just draws creative people and I've definitely felt that."

ADVERTISEMENT

One of the reasons behind this choice is the abundance of inspiration he finds in the country. "It's my job to capture all different walks of life, the idiosyncrasies of life, and Edinburgh and Scotland have got a plethora of different classes and niches of people."

"There's all sorts of fascinating social avenues you can go down and find people from all backgrounds. It's super inspirational when it comes to coming up with drawing ideas."

We might invent a lot of our problems, but McPhail never usually tries to trivialize those problems in his cartoons. "I’m usually on the side of the character with the problem because it’s invariably based on my problems! I just think that desperation and panic is very funny. Armadillos are one of the few animals that can contract leprosy."

Also, he blames the pressure he felt at a young age to find a "realistic" career path and is happy he chose to deviate from it. "I realized I didn't need permission to be creative."

Having experienced it firsthand, Will encourages others to follow their dream careers as well. "Education is a good thing - but I think a lot of the time, people feel like they need some sort of academic permission to be creative, and you don't, you can just do it."

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
dhejno avatar
Rowlie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It could actually be helpful to distract yourself from what is going on inside by doing something You can control

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too big houses suck. Just imagine your clan mansion. Probably you shat yourself before making it from the veranda, over the floors, down the stairs, to the left-wing bathroom.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
meghanhibicke avatar
Evil Little Thing
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finalizing a divorce you've been fighting for for months/years is one of the best feelings ever!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#14

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
sylwiaw avatar
pmanring avatar
Pat
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fresh air. It is really stale in here. New insight, growth and a woman’s point of view. You are losing half of your prospective business.

rebeccalievense avatar
Missy Moo Moo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ha! This is so true. I had a panel of men interview me for an engineering job. I got the job, didn't take it. I could tell what equality meant at that workplace

ilikepie22334 avatar
John Smith
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Way to show them Missy! That horrible panel of men who offered you the job that you applied for........those bastards!

Load More Replies...
benjithegreat avatar
Phart
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one's not as haha funny, but it deserves to be higher

chrisgill avatar
Chris Gill
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was asked the same question during an interview. It is a very common question.

dawnours avatar
Dawn Ours
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

double X chromosomes and the avoidance of a discrimination lawsuit ...just guessing

nickyoldfielddesciple avatar
henrickhammons avatar
ashleygalyen avatar
Ashley Galyen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Funny how they all have the same hair cut. There are companies that hire a 'type' whether it be male or female.

kathysmith avatar
pseudo_puppy avatar
Pseudo Puppy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they may understand what it's like to have assumptions made on the roles you must take in life, based on your gender. There could be 6 guys in there, who would much prefer to be stay-at-home-dads, but are terrified of the public shame & suspicion they'd have to endure if they made that choice. (it doesn't happen everywhere - but it does happen). It's a shame when assumptions are made, based upon gender. :(

Load More Replies...
lizlisa707 avatar
Liz Lisa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think i don't want to bring anything to this company, consider that I didn't apply, I am leaving

bobconnely avatar
Bob Connely
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sorry about the above... I thought the picture I wanted would post... apologies.

mrthubbron avatar
Invisible User
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well? Obviously if she isn't qualified then she doesn't deserve the job. Being female & black is not a qualification & not an entry point into employment.

dc1 avatar
DC
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... depending on how sexist the company really is, it may be the time to just say "Boobs, losers!" and leave. And leave to them figuring out why that's the answer.

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

"What can I bring to this company? My qualifications, experience & professionalism." (because, unless you're a sperm donor or surrogate, gender / ethnicity / age etc, should not be an influence (please note that I said *should not*.... sadly, that's not always the case though)). So, what is the artist is saying? That gender should be an influencing factor what considering the merit of any applicant? ie the men were chosen because they were men, or the woman must be chosen because she's a woman? Or is it a comment on skin-tone (her skin appears darker than the men's skin)...? Either way, to hint that her gender / skin should be an influencing factor in the decision-making process, is kinda undermining the *equality* that people have been fighting for, for generations... So, yeah... unsure what point the artist is actually trying to make here.

onelungas avatar
Kostas
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

My pregnant wife works in HR and she said to me that she knows that discrimination is bad and all but she would always put men on top of list because it is empirically proven that hiring men is just better for the company. she knows what her maternity leave is doing to the company. she have seen how women unable to keep up to men or just not being able to withstand the pressures and stress as men do. actually she said that that they are going to fire a single female in one department because she way behind all men and doing s****y job. 5fczvwbvdx...9ad4bb.jpg 5fczvwbvdx231-5e4e49c9ad4bb.jpg

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

someone getting fired for doing a *s****y job*, is just that - someone getting fired for doing a s****y job.... Oh,and it may be helpful if your wife didn't chose such bigoted attitudes towards her hiring principles. Plenty of women never give birth. Plenty of men are lazy. Gender alone does NOT equate to "value to the company". Let's hope your wife isn't treated the same way she treats other women.

Load More Replies...
smithjordan480 avatar
CbusResident
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Nursing is over 90% female, as is elementary education. If I want to get into a program for either of those fields, should I get bonus points since I'm a man? That actually has been policy for some such programs. Is that fair ladies? Should I get a spot you were slightly more qualified for because 'I add so much to the gender diversity numbers of the field'?

klrenk avatar
kwijibo_ avatar
Frédéric Doré
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

i can bring maternity leave, decreased productivity and fake sexual harrasment claims!

oona-matilda-rantala avatar
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
dalleyviv avatar
L1z4rd
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My worst nightmare! Made all the more real by knowing there is a mouse hanging out on my kitchen!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would be me. Can also hardly resist calling the sniffing dogs at airport "good boy / girl".

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
franziska-birk avatar
Francis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(happend some years agon when i was in my 20s) once when i changed clothes in front of my mum, she said "oh look, the moon is rising" while pointing at my belly... yeah thanks mum. i know i'm fat and pale :D

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't this the sole (sad) purpose of women as show "assistants"?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#24

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
xionandzion avatar
Clinton Yew
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nowadays they just try to brainwash you to think your office is your home and co-worker is your family to try to make you give more effort to work...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#34

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
studentcharlesgoldstein avatar
Wottermehlon Doge
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's really true. Subways are nasty nasty places. I have seen lots of stuff, like people urinating on those columns and it grosses me out. I get it that a lot of people go through subways but we can still clean it up. This also shows how people don't really take responsibility, she wants the subway to be clean but she does nothing about it

#35

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#36

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#39

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#44

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
denisvitvitsky avatar
Deniz Vitvitskiji
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I can't replay to him because he's downvoted too much, but it's because they take a while choosing what to wear and getting ready

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
emmab_1 avatar
Emma B
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HAHAHAHAHA!!!! It's so weird and I do not understand, but it's just SOOOOO funny to me for some reason! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
zaerhinsk avatar
*Clears throat*
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

hehe cause female mantises bite off the males head when they are done mating

View more commentsArrow down menu
#55

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#65

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
maoamdose avatar
Pumbaa
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Marriage trapps men as well? It's the work of both to make it not a cage..

View more commentsArrow down menu
#66

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#67

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#71

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
sheilachris80 avatar
Lyop
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mix with care. May lead to the most undesirable results!!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#73

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
cronepower avatar
Bobby's Girl
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An idea shower! Finally forgot that one, and now.... it's baaaack!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#75

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#80

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
postvoorly avatar
hobbitly
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He is wearing a shirt with the nipple area cut off? hahaha, is this a reference to something?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#81

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#84

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
dalleyviv avatar
L1z4rd
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where the H stands for human, something tells me they will be OK...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#86

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#87

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#88

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
always2bfaithful avatar
Dianna Siever
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel ya sister. My sweet husband does everything right but sing. Luckily, out son's got a better knack for holding a tune.

#90

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#91

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#92

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#93

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#97

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#98

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#100

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
cronepower avatar
Bobby's Girl
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I guess "they" self identify as a horse, now?

#102

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
mariodiaz avatar
temmie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

did the guy like do something to the cat or something i don´t get it

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#104

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#107

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
#108

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
kathysmith avatar
Kathy Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really like the blending of colors in them, whatever they are.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#109

Funny-Comics-Will-Mcphail

Will McPhail Report

Add photo comments
POST
patatm avatar
DaVo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing! Just a few lines. Nonetheless you know who it is.

View more commentsArrow down menu