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What Inspired Matt Groening To Draw The Simpsons?
Matt Groening has historically been quite cagey about what inspired him to draw the The Simpsons, but recently he has been much more open. Here are some of the things that inspired Groening what many consider to be the greatest cartoon of all time…
Springfield
Many assumed Springfield to be named after its namesake in the state of Massachusetts or Ohio and Groening has often answered in the affirmative to both. In fact, the Springfield in his show is named after the fictional Springfield in Oregon, which was the setting of the 1950s US TV comedy series Father Knows Best. Being from Portland, Oregon, Groening always imagined that Springfield was next to his hometown, a fact referenced in episode 515, “The Day the Earth Stood Cool”.
The family
Groening’s father’s first name was Homer, so it is not hard to see the inspiration there. Although, Homer Groening was not an inept slob, but a veteran of World War Two and a talented cartoonist and film-maker. Groening’s mother was named Marge, who like her animated namesake, chose Groening’s father because he made her ‘laugh the most’. The cartoonist’s sisters were named Lisa and Maggie, and Bart is actually based on himself. The Groening family lived in Evergreen Terrace, the name given to the Simpsons’ family home.
What made Matt Groening want to draw?
Groening has said that the 1961 Disney cartoon film, One Hundred and One Dalmatians is the first thing that sparked his interest in animation. He drew further inspiration from the Peanut cartoons, drawn by Charles M. Schultz. Groening has said that his biggest inspiration is fellow cartoonist Linda Barry.
What would you draw?
Groening’s drawings have always been inspired by his own life.
If you are interested in drawing, perhaps take a leaf out of Groening’s book and seek inspiration from your own life, as well as looking to the art of others to get ideas. If you are wanting to use your imagination and create a comic strip then InstantPrint's comic comp is the best way to showcase your work.