Working in any production office brings a level of confidentiality. MAD Magazine is no different. Yes, MAD is a humor magazine and there are few (if any) competitors, working projects still need to be kept under hat. This is why so little of my experience involves the inner workings.

There are, however, things I can say. I can say that the process of writing and rewriting and rewriting has opened my eyes to the level of thought that goes into production. Also it gives me a new respect for the creative talent. The contributors to MAD have to be open to constructive criticism and direction. It’s refreshing to see that happening before my eyes. There’s a level of professionalism and humility in that action but, in the end, the best work is pulled out of each person.

Since I’ve been at MAD, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some rough art from the greats. What’s more is that, not only do I get to work with MAD legend Sam Viviano, but he also let me see some of how he does his work. I also got to see him sketch out some quick drawings he used for his art direction. What’s great is that the rough pencil sketches these guys do are really good. This stuff is printable and those are just the roughs! Then when the final product comes in, it’s simply amazing.

Today I got to take a peek at Tom Richmond’s pencil sketches. For all you Tom Richmond fans out there, eat your heart out. Sam Viviano has an original pen and ink drawing of Tom Richmond’s hanging on his wall. Sam only has two of his pieces and I told him to bring more of his work but I think he might just like looking at other peoples art.

The piece that Richmond is illustrating really encapsulates what MAD is best at. It reads like MAD, it looks like MAD, it is MAD. It’s something that could stand on it’s own anywhere. And that’s what MAD does best. Their satire is biting but not insulting, high humor mixed with some slapstick. The writing and the art has to read or it doesn’t go in. I like that.

There are some gems of mine that will make it into the next issue. I say “mine” but the truth of the matter is, the ideas are really all MAD. It’s a combination of the environment, the history, and the great people that work there.

That and a good fart joke or two.

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