The First Pancake Principle

The concept of the first pancake principle plays a crucial role in initiating and sustaining creative endeavors.

In a moment of reflection, I recall my early days as a twelve-year-old, filled with insecurities and fears. My experiences in the Boy Scouts significantly shaped my confidence and skills. During my second camping trip, I was tasked with preparing breakfast for our troop, a daunting challenge for me.

With adult supervision from Gordon Greer, I learned the ropes of the old propane camp stove and pancake batter preparation.

As I nervously prepared to pour the batter into the pan, Gordon calmly advised, "Start with a small amount of batter. The first pancake is meant to be a sacrifice."

This simple act turned into a profound lesson.

The first pancake would inevitably turn out poorly—likely burnt on the outside and undercooked on the inside—because it was only after making that initial pancake that one could gauge the stove's heat.

Gordon emphasized, "You can't ruin the first pancake; it isn't intended to be perfect. It's an offering to the pancake gods, ensuring that the rest of your batch turns out well."

Indeed, my first pancake was a disaster, just as Gordon had foretold. After tossing it into the fire, I successfully whipped up a tasty batch for everyone else.

Although Gordon moved away shortly after, the wisdom of the first pancake principle has remained with me.

This idea resonates with the somewhat tedious business concept known as the minimum viable product. The essence is to create the simplest version of your idea first and then refine it based on feedback.

I find the pancake analogy more relatable. The initial phase of any creative project—be it a rough draft, a storyboard, or a thumbnail—is not meant to be excellent. It’s only through starting that one can truly understand the direction of the work.

The beginning of any project serves as an offering to the creative gods, paving the way for the rest to flourish.

Starting a creative project often fills one with excitement, but the anticipation can quickly turn into feeling overwhelmed. Yet, until you dive in, the true essence of the project remains unclear.

Think of your initial attempts as your first pancake. They're not meant to be masterpieces, so you can't truly fail.

By releasing the pressure of high expectations, you allow your creativity to flow freely. The foundation of exceptional writing, painting, or any artistic endeavor lies in a sense of exploration, unencumbered by the fear of outcomes.

While the latter stages of a project can feel tedious, the initial steps should be enjoyable and imaginative. At this stage, you’re still dreaming, and it’s perfectly normal to create a few unsatisfactory pancakes before refining your work into a version suitable for others.

My Creative Journey

During the pandemic, I ventured into the realm of illustration, despite believing I had no artistic talent. I began drawing, collaging, and crafting comics purely for enjoyment.

One of my early ideas involved a comic strip featuring a robot that spoke solely in haiku. Lacking the skills to illustrate my vision, I improvised by photographing toys and applying digital filters to create a cartoonish effect.

Here’s an early version of my haiku robot concept:

This initial attempt resembled a first pancake—far from ready for an audience. The artwork fell short, and the writing lacked the spark found in beloved comic characters.

A few months later, I crafted another version:

While still rough around the edges, this rendition introduced a second character, adding emotional depth. However, the art and names still didn’t resonate.

Fast forward a year, and I created yet another iteration:

This version felt significantly different. The artwork aligned more closely with my vision, and the characters exuded a certain charm. I eventually published it in my newsletter, where it gained popularity. I now have several issues of this comic strip, which has become a highlight of my newsletter, also shared on Instagram and Medium.

Had I waited for the perfect moment to launch my haiku robot idea, I would have produced nothing. The key was to create several imperfect iterations first, offering my burnt pancakes to the creative gods.

In addition to the comic strips I've showcased, I’ve illustrated thousands of panels, many of which were less than stellar. Creativity cannot be streamlined; it unfolds in its own time.

To achieve greatness, one must be prepared to begin with something that isn't quite ready for an audience. It's essential to embrace the process and get started on your first pancake.

Explore the Cognitive Theory of the First Pancake with Zaretta Hammond, learning how the initial attempts shape your creative process.

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