Ellen Forney Quotes

Powerful Ellen Forney for Daily Growth

About Ellen Forney

Ellen Forney (1968-2017) was an acclaimed American graphic novelist, memoirist, and illustrator, whose unique blend of personal narrative, humor, and thoughtful introspection resonated deeply with readers worldwide. Born in 1968 in Long Beach, California, Forney spent her childhood in the Pacific Northwest before moving to New York City to attend The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. Forney's work was heavily influenced by her experiences with mental illness, particularly bipolar disorder, which she first experienced at age 14. This personal struggle informed much of her art, most notably in her groundbreaking graphic memoir, "Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me" (2012), a candid exploration of her own experiences with mental illness intertwined with historical and cultural contexts. Her other notable works include "I Love Led Zeppelin" (2005) and the anthology "Serializable Forest" (2006). Forney was also a contributing artist to The New York Times, The Believer, and McSweeney's, among others. Her distinctive art style, characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate details, and whimsical yet profound narratives, has made her an iconic figure in the world of graphic literature. Forney passed away in 2017, but her legacy continues to inspire and touch lives. Her work serves as a testament to the healing power of creativity, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative potential of art in understanding and navigating life's complexities.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Creativity takes courage."

The quote by Ellen Forney, "Creativity takes courage," highlights the bravery required to express one's individuality and imagination in the face of potential criticism or rejection. To create something new, original, and authentic demands vulnerability as we put our ideas, thoughts, and feelings out into the world for others to see and judge. It takes courage to step beyond conformity and embrace our unique perspectives, pushing boundaries, and challenging norms. This courage empowers us to be bold in our artistic endeavors, unleashing our true creative potential.


"Don't wait until you've reached perfection to be an artist."

The quote by Ellen Forney, "Don't wait until you've reached perfection to be an artist," encourages individuals to embrace their artistic journey without the expectation of achieving absolute perfection before they begin or share their work. This quote highlights the importance of progress and self-expression over striving for unattainable perfection, emphasizing that the act of creating is fundamental in being an artist, rather than waiting for some undefined state of excellence to exist. It serves as a reminder that the process of creation and self-discovery is just as valuable as the final product itself.


"I draw because I don't know what else to do with the fire inside me."

This quote emphasizes the passionate, creative drive that Ellen Forney feels, a fire or intense emotion that she can only express and release through drawing. The act of drawing serves as an outlet for her inner passion and creativity, providing a meaningful and productive way to channel those feelings.


"Be kind to yourself, as you would to others. Compassion is the beginning of the healing process."

This quote suggests that self-compassion is a crucial foundation for emotional wellbeing and personal growth. By treating oneself with kindness and compassion, similar to how one would treat others, individuals can foster an environment conducive to healing and personal development. Essentially, the quote asserts that understanding our own struggles and showing ourselves empathy are essential steps towards healing and personal improvement.


"The ability to transform isolated events into a coherent narrative can be a powerful tool for personal growth and understanding."

This quote by Ellen Forney underscores the importance of making sense of our experiences, not just as individual moments, but as part of an overarching narrative. By arranging seemingly disparate events into a coherent storyline, we can gain deeper insights about ourselves and our lives. This process encourages personal growth by helping us recognize patterns, understand causes and effects, and develop resilience in the face of adversity. It also fosters self-awareness, empathy, and a broader perspective on life's complexities, ultimately contributing to our overall understanding and emotional well-being.


A sense of electrical current was part of my own experience of being manic. The sensation that my mind was spinning and overheating would sometimes build to a sensation like an electrical short - a burst of light, a melting, or dissipating - and I'd get a metallic taste in my mouth, like when you lick a battery.

- Ellen Forney

Sometimes, Own, Part, Lick

'Marbles' really took so much and such a thorough effort from me that I was so happy to tie that up and have it feel satisfying.

- Ellen Forney

Happy, Feel, Took, Satisfying

I find that stability is good for my creativity.

- Ellen Forney

Good, Creativity, Find, Stability

For one thing, I don't think art needs to be about suffering; sometimes it really seems like it's only the art about pain that is interpreted as profound, and in my work for years I've really tried to deal with subjects that are substantial, not just fluffy, but presented in a more playful, approachable kind of way.

- Ellen Forney

Suffering, Sometimes, Deal, Interpreted

I just really respond to comics. I find it a really exciting medium.

- Ellen Forney

Find, Exciting, Comics, Respond

I think that Van Gogh is really the ultimate crazy artist that we all think of.

- Ellen Forney

Think, Van, Van Gogh, Gogh

The way I process things, they way I express myself, is in comics, just as poets process things that they are trying to understand.

- Ellen Forney

Myself, Process, Trying, Poets

I had this sense that I was part of, sort of a lineage of artists and writers through history that have had mood disorders.

- Ellen Forney

Mood, Through, Lineage, Disorders

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.