What do you get if you cross a complete lack of artistic talent with making lemonade out of life’s lemons? Phil Heckels, that’s what – or, rather, who. The former estate agent from West Sussex has turned being bad at drawing animals into a full-time job after posting a hilariously terrible portrait of his dog on social media. Friends started asking him to do awful pictures of their pets, word spread, and he’s now received more than 100,000 requests. His rules are that he only sees the photos immediately before he picks up his pen, he never restarts a drawing, and he doesn’t spend longer than 10 minutes on a creation. He also refuses to charge for his artworks – suggesting charity donations instead – but makes money through merchandise and books.

“I do get criticism sometimes that the portraits are getting too good,” Heckels said recently. “But people have been saying that since about my 12th portrait. You never have to wait too long for a real stinker to appear, though.”

Perhaps statues will be erected to this man, because let’s be honest: monetising what you’re bad at is an amazing life hack. Not to mention an inclusive one that everybody can try, because we all suck at something. There’s also surely a much faster return in taking advantage of weakness than doggedly – not intended – working hard to improve. And imagine the creative freedom! Heckels loves to draw, and that’s now how he spends his days. Maybe you’re a tone-deaf singer, a dancer with two left feet, a ceramicist who can only make mugs with holes. So what? Envision a world where rather than holding you back, a complete lack of talent and skill is a guarantee of success. Where if you aim for the moon, it’s better than fine if you can’t even get one toe off the ground. Nobody’s going to heckle that idea.

• Polly Hudson is a freelance writer

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