Mark Simon holding original B.C. and Wizard of Id comic strip art.

Then it was time to drive to upstate NY where we spent a few days at Johnny Hart's studio (creator of B.C. and Wizard of Id) with his family. This was my favorite part. While my kids were out fishing on the Hart's private lake, I was spending time with Mason, Johnny Hart's grandson and B.C. artist. We were sketching over each other's work and talking about their great strips.

Their studio is a cartoonists' heaven: A huge private studio within walking distance of your home. Huge windows overlooking a private lake. Signed originals by the greatest of the greats like Charles Schulz and Lynn Johnston. Photos on every wall of my favorite cartoonists golfing with the pros at the B.C. Open. Surrounded by thousands of original B.C. and Wizard of Id strips. I only left after they coerced me out by giving me some original art.

Of course, the worst part of any driving vacation is the drive back home. No, it wasn't because of my kids, they complained less than I did. It's just that I have a tiny ass and it hurts when I just sit in a truck for two straight days.

While vacations are great to recharge your creative batteries, I still think the best incentive for creativity is a deadline. Never underestimate a deadline to make sure something gets done. (Whew. Got that done just in time. What? It was due last week? Oh, crap…)

Mark Simon is an award-winning animation director/producer. His animation is online at www.FunnyToons.tv. He is also the co-founder of www.SellYourTvConceptNow.com.  He has pitched and landed more than 25 deals for his own projects. He is currently turning the hit comic strips B.C. and Wizard of Id into animated properties.