Literal answer? Probably when I was a toddler or something. I remember several drawings of Garfield way back when. But I have a specific memory of when I was around 7 or 8, a project where we had to write and illustrate our own books. Mine was called “The Good Man, The Bad Man, and The Postman.” A thrilling story of mystery, political intrigue, and capital punishment. Let’s just say it ended with an execution by electric chair.

However, being ever the perfectionist even while in elementary school, most of the art was unfinished by the deadline because I wasn’t happy with how it looked on the page (also procrastination). I had to turn it in the way it was, and I cried because it was shit and I know it could have been better.

In retrospect…wow, I drew a man being electrocuted for an elementary school art project! Goes to show how times have changed, I suppose.

If I’d kept at it, I’d probably be much better than I am now, but I didn’t exactly receive any encouragement when I told my family I wanted to draw cartoons for a living. So I pursued other opportunities and put drawing on the back burner for most of my life, though I occasionally dabbled in anime and anthro stuff every few years. Dig far enough into my DeviantArt and you’ll find some…attempts. I had sketchbooks full of stuff from college, no idea where they are now.

Seriously, kids: if you have a dream, don’t let others discourage you. Put in the work, take chances, make it happen. Don’t end up old and regretful because you didn’t try.