📖 Overview
Hugh MacLeod is an artist, author, and entrepreneur known for creating distinctive cartoon drawings on the backs of business cards and writing about creativity and business culture. His work gained prominence through his blog "Gaping Void" which he started in 2001, combining his illustrations with observations on marketing, workplace dynamics, and creative pursuits.
MacLeod's first book "Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity" (2009) became a bestseller and established him as a voice in creative business thinking. The book expanded on his popular 2004 blog post "How to Be Creative" and featured his characteristic drawing style alongside advice for artists and entrepreneurs.
Through his company Gaping Void Ltd., MacLeod has developed "culture design" services for businesses, using his artwork and ideas to help organizations refine their internal culture and communication. His subsequent books include "Evil Plans" (2011) and "Freedom Is Blogging in Your Underwear" (2012), which explore themes of entrepreneurship and digital self-expression.
MacLeod's artistic style is characterized by simple line drawings paired with sardonic observations and messages about modern work life, creativity, and human behavior. His work has been featured in major publications and his illustrations have been commissioned by companies including Intel, Microsoft, and Rackspace.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect with MacLeod's direct, no-nonsense approach to creativity and business advice. His illustrations and observations are described as honest, concise, and relatable by entrepreneurs and creative professionals.
What readers liked:
- Brief, actionable advice paired with memorable cartoons
- Raw, authentic voice that "cuts through typical business book fluff"
- Practical insights for creative careers and entrepreneurship
Several readers noted the book works well for quick reference and motivation
What readers disliked:
- Some found the tone too cynical or negative
- Later sections of "Ignore Everybody" felt repetitive
- Some readers wanted more depth beyond the blog post material
- Occasional complaints about illustration reproduction quality in print
Ratings:
Goodreads: "Ignore Everybody" - 3.9/5 (19,000+ ratings)
Amazon: "Ignore Everybody" - 4.4/5 (300+ reviews)
"Evil Plans" - 4.1/5 (90+ reviews)
"Freedom Is Blogging" - 3.8/5 (40+ reviews)
Many reviewers describe the books as quick reads that offer memorable principles through the combination of text and cartoons.
📚 Books by Hugh MacLeod
Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity (2009)
Advice on fostering creativity and developing ideas while maintaining a practical mindset, based on MacLeod's experiences as both an artist and advertising copywriter.
Evil Plans: Having Fun on the Road to World Domination (2011) A guide to transforming one's passion into a sustainable business model, drawing from MacLeod's transition from advertising executive to independent artist.
Freedom Is Blogging in Your Underwear (2012) An examination of how digital platforms and social media have changed the nature of work and creative expression.
Gapingvoid: Cartoons Drawn on the Back of Business Cards (2006) A collection of MacLeod's distinctive minimalist cartoons originally drawn on the backs of business cards, accompanied by commentary on business and creativity.
The Hughtrain Manifesto (2004) An online manifesto, later published in print, discussing the relationship between marketing, authenticity, and human connection in the business world.
Evil Plans: Having Fun on the Road to World Domination (2011) A guide to transforming one's passion into a sustainable business model, drawing from MacLeod's transition from advertising executive to independent artist.
Freedom Is Blogging in Your Underwear (2012) An examination of how digital platforms and social media have changed the nature of work and creative expression.
Gapingvoid: Cartoons Drawn on the Back of Business Cards (2006) A collection of MacLeod's distinctive minimalist cartoons originally drawn on the backs of business cards, accompanied by commentary on business and creativity.
The Hughtrain Manifesto (2004) An online manifesto, later published in print, discussing the relationship between marketing, authenticity, and human connection in the business world.
👥 Similar authors
Seth Godin writes about creativity, marketing, and challenging business norms. His ideas about standing out and creating meaningful work align with MacLeod's focus on authentic self-expression.
Austin Kleon explores creativity and artistic development through practical methods and personal experiences. His work emphasizes the importance of developing your own voice while learning from others.
Daniel Pink examines human motivation and workplace dynamics through research-based insights. His analysis of what drives people connects with MacLeod's perspectives on finding purpose in work.
James Altucher writes about entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal development based on his experiences. His approach combines practical business insights with unconventional thinking about career paths.
Steven Pressfield focuses on overcoming creative resistance and developing professional discipline. His work addresses the internal battles creative people face when pursuing their craft.
Austin Kleon explores creativity and artistic development through practical methods and personal experiences. His work emphasizes the importance of developing your own voice while learning from others.
Daniel Pink examines human motivation and workplace dynamics through research-based insights. His analysis of what drives people connects with MacLeod's perspectives on finding purpose in work.
James Altucher writes about entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal development based on his experiences. His approach combines practical business insights with unconventional thinking about career paths.
Steven Pressfield focuses on overcoming creative resistance and developing professional discipline. His work addresses the internal battles creative people face when pursuing their craft.