How A Film About Sushi Can Inspire You to Make Better Comics

This weekend, Aarti and I caught “Jiro Dreams of Sushi”, a documentary film about 85-year old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef, and his two sons. Jiro is a perfectionist. He loves his work as a sushi chef so much that he actually gets upset when a holiday “interferes” with his work. The film is available on Netflix, and the trailer below will give you a flavor of what to expect.

The film resonated with me on several levels, even though I don’t particularly care for sushi. That’s because “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” isn’t so much a documentary about making sushi as it is a statement about devoting your life to something you love to the point of excellence, day in and day out, because you can.

Here are a few nuggets I took away from the film.I apply these to my craft of making comics and art, but they’re equally transmutable to whatever you enjoy doing.

1. Never stay satisfied with where you’re at
2. Look to the future. Not to the past
3. Strive for excellence ALWAYS, even if nobody’s watching
4. Be consistent in what you deliver
5. Sweat the small stuff
6. Be yourself
7. Play for the long haul, not the short sprints
8. Charge what you’re worth

“Jiro Dreams of Sushi” is a spell-binding film. It’s a must-watch for everyone, particularly if you work in a creative field. If you’ve seen it, how has it shaped your thoughts?

-Krishna