Brian Rea

Brian Rea’s father worked hard all his life. Up before dawn, back after dark. The work ethic was the ethic in his house. After his dad retired, Brian asked him what advice he would give to a 30-year-old version of himself. His dad said, “Work less.” It was not the answer Brian expected from his dad, so Brian, a bonafide famous illustrator, did something equally unexpected. He set to work on writing and illustrating a new book called Death Wins a Goldfish: Reflections from a Grim Reaper’s Yearlong Sabbatical. It’s a bittersweet comical reminder to all of us overworked, stressed out, and overwhelmed workers of the world that there are other things besides work in life.

Debbie talks to illustrator Brian Rea about the Grim Reaper: “Having the Grim Reaper is a complete cliche. It’s an archetype that everyone has a vision of what it is. But it really is a reminder that time is precious.”

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