Dan Reynolds is a cartoonist who didn’t even start drawing until he was 30 years old. Now his cartoons are seen in magazines, Reynolds Unwrapped book compilations, greeting cards and even on television shows like the Sopranos. His cartoons are a constant in Reader’s Digest and have also been on the cover of a National Lampoon book collection. Over the years I have purchased many American Greetings brand Recycled Paper Greetings cards that feature his cartoons and I bet you have too. Dan recently had a battle with cancer and he is “using humor to fight the tumor”. He donates artwork to fundraising benefits and gives the money subscribers send to receive the daily emails of his Reynolds Unwrapped comics, to help with the fight against cancer. Visit Dan’s website here. You can subscribe to receive 365 daily Reynolds Unwrapped comics and help fight cancer by sending at least $10 (cash, check or money order) to:
Dan Reynolds
PO Box 444
Brewerton, NY 13029
Dan Reynolds
PO Box 444
Brewerton, NY 13029
Make sure you include your email address!
Dan sent these Christmas themed cartoons of his for your viewing pleasure. I really like the Starry Night one.
What is your favorite pen to use?
Rotring or Faber-Castell Pitt artist pen. I also use pig pens when I draw farm animals.
Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a
mechanical one?
I use a number two pencil to start. Then liner, and blush. Oh, I mean…just a plain old number two pencil. I think they’re number ONE.
Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
ALWAYS by hand.
If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Pastels, professional markers and colored pencil.
What type of paper do you use?
That’s a kind of personal question. I use Scott two-ply, quilted. Oh, artist paper? I use Bristol.
What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
I hate to draw a bath. I prefer showers. I like to draw anything else.
Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I physically go to an art store.
Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
I usually shower. I do some of my best thinking in the shower. That’s no joke. If you think I’m kidding, I’ll send you my water bill.
Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Usually not, though I’m not opposed to it. When I paint, I like to listen to music…though sometimes the canvas gets in the way of the dashboard.
Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Yes. Henry, Peanuts, and Beetle Bailey.
What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Tough to pick one. I liked Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes. I like Flying McCoys, Speed Bump, and others.
What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Where the Wild Things Are. Yes, I have a copy.
Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I have no professional artistic training. How else do you think my work has become distributed internationally?
Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Yes.
Did either of your parents draw?
No. Though my grandfather’s name was “Art”. I’m not joking.
Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My wife.
Do you keep a sketchbook?
I do not. I don’t use a sketchbook. I just start drawing and massage it with an eraser as I go.
Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes, I did a stint in an afternoon program in an elementary school. It was okay, but I enjoy producing new work on my own.
Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Two sides of the same coin.
Do you collect anything and if so what?
Not really, unless you count my originals. I have the world’s largest collection of my work to date.
If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Superman.
Are you a righty or lefty?
I am left-handed and, of course, in my right mind.
If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Major League Baseball player.
In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
I have a drawing table, but I’m known to draw anywhere.
Do you play any musical instruments?
Guitar
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Learn to accept rejection. It’s going to be part of your life. And draw EVERY day.
Who is your favorite artist?
Rotring or Faber-Castell Pitt artist pen. I also use pig pens when I draw farm animals.
Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a
mechanical one?
I use a number two pencil to start. Then liner, and blush. Oh, I mean…just a plain old number two pencil. I think they’re number ONE.
Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
ALWAYS by hand.
If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Pastels, professional markers and colored pencil.
What type of paper do you use?
That’s a kind of personal question. I use Scott two-ply, quilted. Oh, artist paper? I use Bristol.
What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
I hate to draw a bath. I prefer showers. I like to draw anything else.
Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I physically go to an art store.
Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
I usually shower. I do some of my best thinking in the shower. That’s no joke. If you think I’m kidding, I’ll send you my water bill.
Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Usually not, though I’m not opposed to it. When I paint, I like to listen to music…though sometimes the canvas gets in the way of the dashboard.
Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Yes. Henry, Peanuts, and Beetle Bailey.
What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Tough to pick one. I liked Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes. I like Flying McCoys, Speed Bump, and others.
What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Where the Wild Things Are. Yes, I have a copy.
Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I have no professional artistic training. How else do you think my work has become distributed internationally?
Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Yes.
Did either of your parents draw?
No. Though my grandfather’s name was “Art”. I’m not joking.
Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My wife.
Do you keep a sketchbook?
I do not. I don’t use a sketchbook. I just start drawing and massage it with an eraser as I go.
Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes, I did a stint in an afternoon program in an elementary school. It was okay, but I enjoy producing new work on my own.
Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Two sides of the same coin.
Do you collect anything and if so what?
Not really, unless you count my originals. I have the world’s largest collection of my work to date.
If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Superman.
Are you a righty or lefty?
I am left-handed and, of course, in my right mind.
If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Major League Baseball player.
In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
I have a drawing table, but I’m known to draw anywhere.
Do you play any musical instruments?
Guitar
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Learn to accept rejection. It’s going to be part of your life. And draw EVERY day.
Who is your favorite artist?
Van Gogh.
Thank you Dan.
Tomas Bunk sent in his answers and I will post them right after Christmas.
Hee hee! Fun-nee. I have another question: When Dan colors his stuff in, with pastels and colored pencils and what-not, does he have to re-ink it, to keep the blacks black? Don't the colors cover up the ink?
ReplyDeleteHi P.L.
ReplyDeleteNo. I don't have to re-ink. My lines show through. On the good cartoons, the humor shows through as well.