Jeff Danziger - Cartoonist Survey #160

photo credit: World Radio Switzerland

Political cartoonist Jeff Danziger was born in New York, NY in 1943. He served in the United States Army as an intelligence officer and linguist during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal. He started his cartooning career in 1971 providing cartoons for a local Vermont newspaper for a dollar apiece. Since that time, Jeff’s work has appeared in hundreds of newspaper around the world. His editorial cartoons have been printed in the New York Daily News, Christian Science Monitor, New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, LeMonde, China Daily, The New Yorker, Newsweek, Forbes and many others. In addition to his editorial cartoons, he also created the comic strip 'McGonigle of the Chronicle', which ran from 1983 to 1985 in newspapers across the country, as well as the weekly series 'The Teeds: Tales of Agriculture for the Young and Old', that still runs in Vermont newspapers. Jeff’s cartoons have been collected into many anthologies. He is the recipient of numerous awards with some of the highlights including an Overseas Press Award, a Herblock Prize and the Thomas Nast Prize. Stop by Jeff’s website where you can see hundreds of his cartoons, archived all the way back to 1998. You should also watch this video he has posted to YouTube which discusses political cartooning.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Bic Micro.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Yes.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Both.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Usually Dr. Martins.

What type of paper do you use?
Copy paper.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Nothing.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Local.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
No.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Yes. Local jazz stations.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Pogo.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Some Robert Lawson books.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Various schools. Mostly for anatomy drawing.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Both.

Did either of your parents draw?
Both did. Graduates of Cooper Union.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Parents. Wife.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Sometimes.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes. Not greatly.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Both.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Money.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Carpenter.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
It's a drawing area.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Piano.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Get regular work to bring in money.

Who is your favorite artist?
Heinrich Kley

Thank you Jeff.

Next time on David Wasting Paper is cartoonist Ed Stein.