Derek Yaniger - Cartoonist Survey #269

Derek Yaniger is an artist and cartoonist who was born in Arkansas in 1960. He attended the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art, where he drew the cartoon series "Brou-Ha-Ha" for the school’s student newspaper, The Red & Black. He graduated from UGA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1986 and then began working for an Atlanta graphic design company. He worked at the graphic design company for three years until he began freelancing for Marvel Comics. While at Marvel, Derek worked on many different titles including, Web of Spider-Man, Transformers: Generation 2, Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, Alpha Flight and others.

He then worked for the Cartoon Network where he created artwork for well-know characters and shows like The Transformers. Derek enjoyed the work but was growing tired of drawing other people's creations. In his off hours he worked on his retro-inspired style of art that he is now known for. His illustrations are eye-candy for fans of the 1950’s tiki bar culture, beatniks, burlesque and Vegas glamour scene.

Derek now produces fine art paintings, prints and serigraphs. He also designs clip art images, stickers, limited edition tiki mugs and CD cover artwork. His artwork is showcased in numerous magazines such as Barracuda, Car Kulture Deluxe and Atomic. In 2008 the book “Wildsville: The Art of Derek Yaniger” was released, which collects many of his paintings and illustrations. Visit Derek’s website to see much more of his artwork and be sure to check out his store and news page, which he updates regularly.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Staedtler Lumocolor

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Yes....Everything starts with pencil to paper....I use a standard pencil. Them Mechanical pencils scare the hell outta' me! Damn robots are takin' over the world!

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I do a little of all of the above! Paintings are acrylic on wood...sketches are Copic Markers in sketchbooks...and serigraph art is colored in layers on the Dell devil machine.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
I already told you, man!!

What type of paper do you use?
I use Tracing Paper for my initial sketches and my inks.......works super-swell!

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
TRANSFORMERS!! ...Them Damn robots!!

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
A little of both...if it's hard to find I order online, but I do miss art stores.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
I usually down an entire bottle of gin and eat a box of Twinkies every mornin' before I get to scribblin'! I am just kidding, of course...yes...just kidding.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I dig 50's Jazz...Rockabilly...Exotica...Vintage music to submerge me fully into my retro vibe!!

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
I loved Archie when I was but a wee ankle-biter...but as I got older I really dug MAD and CRACKED and PLOP!

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
The early Peanuts strips were hi-larious but for some reason I really liked Snuffy Smith...I dig hillbillies!

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
"Hop On Pop" was pretty damned important to me in my younger days...I also loved Tintin...the art in those books really flipped my switches!

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I didn't have any fancy book-learnin for art until I was in College...I copped a BFA at UGA in Athens, GA

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
It is indeed a blessing...the very fact that I can receive payment instantly via Paypal and then send a huge art file around the globe to a client in Australia with the click of a button is wild!! I started doodlin long before computers and the net so I know what a royal pain in the arse workin' on board, wrapping it up, callin a courier to pick up and deliver it can be...Oh yeah, that...and free porn!

Did either of your parents draw?
Nope...not nary a one.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My Dad...He believed I could do whatever as long as I worked hard and stuck with it...My Mom however, felt sure I was gonna' end up starvin' in the streets....Oh Mom.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
I keep several...some of my best scribbles start as sketches.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Never taught…too many felony convictions.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Depends on what yer doin' with them drawins...If you are makin' a living doing ad illustration, then talent is more important. But if you are drawing for yourself...definitely passion!

Do you collect anything and if so what?
You name it...vintage shotglasses, lunchboxes, tiki mugs, beatnik figures, talking dolls, jazz albums, Rat Fink / Weirdos model kits, hillbilly arty-fax...

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
I'd be the sloppy drunk lush in the Pink Panther cartoons stumblin' home in the early brights fumblin' for his house keys...

Are you a righty or lefty?
If you ain't RIGHT, then you ain't Right!

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I have absolutely no idea...maybe gargle bees and juggle chainsaws.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Mid-Century Modern Cartoon

Do you play any musical instruments?
Drums...

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
You may have to kiss a lot of ugly-ass frogs before you get to dance to the beat of your own bongos...don't quit...NEVER stop!

Who is your favorite artist?
Jim Flora

Thank you very much for your time Derek!

Monte Wolverton - Cartoonist Survey #245

Monte Wolverton is an editorial cartoonist and fine artist who was born in 1948 in Vancouver, Washington. Being the son of legendary cartoonist Basil Wolverton, it wasn’t a surprise that he began drawing early in life. His dad actually built him a drawing board when he was only 7 years old. Monte graduated from Hudson’s Bay High School in 1966 and then moved to California to attend the now-defunct Ambassador College in Pasadena. After graduating from Ambassador College, he studied at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles and worked as a freelance illustrator, cartoonist and graphic designer. His first cartoons and comics where published in the magazines, CAR-toons, Creative Computing, Youth and CB Radio.



He moved back to Vancouver in the mid-70s and started Monte Wolverton Associates, an advertising and design business whose clients included the U.S. Forest Service, Peterson Publishing, First Independent Bank and others. He was recruited by the Worldwide Church of God to become design director for Plain Truth so in 1985 he relocated to Pasadena, CA. Monte was in charge of leading a group of over 20 illustrators and photographers in producing three magazines, promotional materials and other publications. In 1994 he earned an interdisciplinary Master’s degree in management and creativity studies from Goddard College in Vermont.



In 1994 he had his first humorous illustration in MAD Magazine and he soon became a regular contributor. Around the same time Monte started drawing political cartoons and posting them on his Wolvertoons website. A few small weekly newspapers began running his political cartoons and in the late 90s, his friend Daryl Cagle asked him to join his new syndicate, Cagle Cartoons. Monte became one of the most widely syndicated editorial cartoonists in the world with his cartoons appearing in over 850 newspapers worldwide.

Recently, he has also been creating fine art. These colorful works, primarily acrylic on canvas, are described by Monte as “neo-psychedelic” or “neo-surrealist.” He states that, "I try to create works that are at once fun, entertaining and mind-expanding – works that draw the viewer into a vortex of shape, color and texture.”


He and his wife Kayte moved to Battle Ground, WA last year with their two American Rat Terriers, Meg and Kirby, to be closer to their family. Speaking of American Rat Terriers, Monte is the president of the Rat Terrier Club of America. He is also a member of the National Cartoonists Society and the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Visit his Wolvertoons website and also his fine art website that features music for each piece of art created by San Francisco composer Clasher Von Sin. You should also checkout the archives of his political cartoons at Cagle Cartoons.



What is your favorite pen to use?

Tombow Zoom.

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

My roughs are in pen or pencil -- whatever I can find at the time.

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

Depends. My editorial cartoons are colored in Photoshop. Other illustrations may be by hand.



If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?

Watercolor or acrylic paints. Sometimes airbrush.

What type of paper do you use?

For cartoons I prefer Strathmore Vellum Bristol 500 series -- or 400. Altho nowadays I do most of my editorial cartoons on tracing paper.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?

Can't think of anything I HATE to draw.

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

Either online or Utrecht Art Supplies locally.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?

Not really. Find a pen and some paper?

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?

Audio books. Jazz. Bach. TV (Big Bang Theory, 2.5 Men, Burns and Allen).

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

MAD magazine (was a comic book then). Weird Tales of the Future. Any horror/sf. Tom Terrific.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?

Right now? Cul de Sac. Or maybe Pearls Before Swine. Or maybe Mother Goose and Grimm. Can't think of any comic strip that I don't like/haven't liked. Even the lame ones are funny because they're lame, in the same way that Ed Wood was one of the best directors ever.



What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?

“They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers”, by Gray Barker. It's still on my shelf along with just about any other book I have ever owned. And any book my parents and grandparents ever owned.



Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?

Art Center College of Design -- Pasadena (altho it was in Los Angeles at the time).

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

Blessing! But nearly anything can become a curse.

Did either of your parents draw?

My dad.



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

My dad. Now, my wife and daughter.

Do you keep a sketchbook?

Sometimes I have. Not right now. I sketch things on scraps of paper, scan them in and save them for future use. So, yeah, I have sort of an electronic sketchbook.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?

Yes. Taught elementary-age kids drawing and cartooning -- and taught art history as part of a high school art class. Yeah -- it was fun. Especially as some of them have become pros -- or at least highly creative.

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

Both equally important. Even if drawing is a problem -- one's passion can drive one to establish a style. But to make the style consistent, one must develop some kind of drafting technique.

Do you collect anything and if so what?

Have a very small collection of comic art, including some of my father's work. Have kept family antiques, books, ephemera.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?

Ren Hoek. Or Stimpy. Depends on the day.



Are you a righty or lefty?

Politically lefty. Dexterously righty.



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

Musician. Writer.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.

Otherwise spacious studio crammed with bookshelves, paintings, Stratocasters, two dogs, Macs, audio equipment, old reel-to-reel tape deck, TV, drawing boards piled with stuff, strange sculpture and three paintings in progress on work table, chairs from studios of Basil Wolverton and Carl Barks. View of woods.

Photo credit: Steven Lane

Do you play any musical instruments?

Guitar. I have a keyboard, a vintage-spec Strat, a twelve-string Strat, a classical guitar and a horrible old bass that I got from a pawn shop. I play old Byrds songs, mostly.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?

Have another (possibly related) profession to keep you going -- and then don't give up. Be original. Doggedly pursue your own vision. The world has too many knock-offs.



Who is your favorite artist?

That's hard. James Ensor, Salvador Dali, Edouard Monet, my dad, Hieronymus Bosch, Wally Wood . . .there's so many . . . Chester Gould . . .


Thanks again for your time Monte!

Steve Rude - Cartoonist Survey #238

Born in Madison, Wisconsin in December of 1956, Steve “The Dude” Rude is an award-winning comic book artist, illustrator and fine artist. His career path in art started after finding the how-to-draw books of Andrew Loomis in the 5th grade. He graduated from high school in Escanaba, Michigan and took a year off before studying at the Milwaukee School of Art and Design for two years. Steve returned to Madison and furthered his training at the University of Wisconsin and Madison Area Technical College. In 1981 his career took off when together with writer Mike Baron he created the groundbreaking “Nexus” science fiction comic book series. The “Nexus” series, set 500 years in the future, featured over a dozen alien races that were designed by Steve and often dealt with themes like addiction, guilt and justice. Lasting over 100 issues “Nexus” was first published by Capital Comics; was later continued at First Comics, Dark Horse Comics and finally his own Rude Dude Productions. Steve has also worked for Marvel Comics and DC Comics where he has drawn most of the major characters including Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Thor, The Fantastic Four and many others. In his many years as a comic book artist he has earned a Russ Manning Award a Kirby Award and numerous Eisner Awards.


Steve became disillusioned with the “Modern Age” of comic books in the mid 2000’s stating that it seemed like the fun had been taken out of them. He found that he enjoyed painting models so he pursued something that was more fun for him, fine art. As a fine artist he is comfortable with many mediums such as oils, watercolor, gouache, pastel, and others. Recently he was bitten by the comic book bug again and looks to get back into the industry. In 2007 the book “Steve Rude: Artist in Motion” was released which covers his comics, illustration work, life-drawings and sketchbooks. The book also includes a how-to section showing a painting project from start to finish. Presently there is also a documentary on Steve’s life and career that is in the works by Ian Fischer.

Steve lives in Peoria, Arizona, with his wife, Jaynelle and their two children You can see much more of his work on his website and you can follow him on his facebook page and blog. To purchase books, comic art, fine art and prints, visit the Steve Rude store and also check out his auctions on eBay.


What is your favorite pen to use?

There's a certain marker that I use to ink-in commissions drawings. It's not waterproof, but I like its effects. I cut the tip with a razor blade to get a bevel effect that gives me thick and thin lines. Too bad they stopped manufacturing them.

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

Yes, I draw in pencil first.

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

I've tried both methods, preferring to use a computer to color the interiors of my books, but everything else is hand-done with actual paints and brushes, and always will be.

What type of paper do you use?

That depends on the job. For comics, it's the standard 2 ply, I guess.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?

Research on things I know nothing about is always a pain. The first issue of The Moth had custom-built motorcycles everywhere. I've never even driven a motorcycle. Thankfully, once you're into it, it's not that bad, but it does take a proper amount of time.


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

I used to buy everything from art stores in the area, but some things are always out of stock. Now, I'm finding the usefulness of mail-order catalogues.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?

I usually like to warm-up on various things in my sketchbook before I begin working, but it's not a set pattern. This can be anything from feet or hands, heads and ears, or other difficult things that may be nagging at me. Also, I enjoy drawing and studying the work of any other artist I admire, usually the old illustrators or vintage comic artists. Anything that catches my eye is game for my sketchbook.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?

Yes, I'll usually listen to Talk radio, books on tape, or CD's. They help pass the time and keep me company.

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

I read comics since the age of about 10. Always the old Stan and Jack comics from Marvel. I still think they're the best!

What is or was your favorite comic strip?

My favorite strips as a kid were the humor strips, like Family Circus or Blondie. Early on, I use to draw Charlie Brown characters at the dinner table all the time. Nowadays it would be Prince Valiant, Rip Kirby, or any of the Roy Crane strips.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?

Most kids seem to have read at least one of the classics when they were young. Me--all I remember was Rikki-Tikki-Tavi from the Jungle Book. I always preferred reading comics, which always struck more exciting, creative heights with me, or watching my cartoons on TV. During the day I would always be out playing with my friends (often talking about the cool comics or TV shows).

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?

I've had degrees of formal art training since I graduated from High School. But yet---no actual degree. Once I learned what I could from one teacher, it was on to the next one who could teach me something new. I still attend life-drawing classes and painting workshops to learn from the many great teachers out there.

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

The Internet is progress. Some use it, some abuse it.

Did either of your parents draw?

Yes, I use to having drawing sessions with my Dad, whom I called "Douses". I never used to call him "Dad", since I always had different than usual names for everything. "Douses" and I use to draw animals all the time, since I had my sights fixed on being a zoologist someday.

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

Most everyone I met seemed to be supportive. Comics were the cool thing in art college and everyone loved them. The cool people were always part of the comic’s crowd.

Do you keep a sketchbook?

At present, I'm up to number 28.


Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?

Yes, I've taught anyone who's ever inquired about how to learn, and enjoy passing on what I know to those eager to fill in their "missing gaps". Several single-session workshops have been taught in many places over the globe.


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

It sure helps.

Do you collect anything and if so what?

I haven't collected actual comics in probably 20 years, but I still find an old Marvel or work by Jack Kirby that still provides a missing section in my collection. Kirby's canon of work seems limitless.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?

Well, in comics, the character I most wanted to be was Spider-Man. He could beat up thugs with or without a costume and had a gorgeous blonde girlfriend around his arm.

Are you a righty or lefty?

I'm right-handed. Always have been.

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

Hmmm...I'm currently drawing a blank on that. Something unconventional or non-conformist, I suppose.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.

In the early days, it just consisted of a small desk and a table lamp. Now I have a whole large room to myself, with all the required necessities for "finger-tip access", as I call it.

Do you play any musical instruments?

Nope. But I've always fancied the drums were I to play in a band.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?

My advice: Perseverance--and know that you yourself are always the final arbitrator of your path.

Who is your favorite artist?

Jack Kirby in comics, with John Gannam, Harry Anderson, and several others from that school, in Illustration.


Thanks again for your time Steve!

A thank you also goes out to Mike over at The Comic Archive for posting the tour of Steve's studio.

Vic Lee - Cartoonist Survey #230

Vic Lee is an artist, internationally syndicated cartoonist, athlete and musician. An All-American athlete, he left college early to become a professional soccer player. Suffering an on-field, career-ending injury, he spent the next 10 years working as a stage actor and bartender in Seattle, WA. He got together with three business partners and they opened a series of health clubs in San Diego. Appointed marketing director, Vic looked for a way to advertise the clubs in a non-traditional way. He settled on a weekly cartoon that would combine fitness and humor to hopefully get people to read the advertisements. After spending months looking for the right cartoonist but with no luck, he decided to do it himself. His cartoon ads were extremely successful, winning three Nova 7 Awards for Marketing.

Vic soon began creating his own daily comic panel and ended up selling his shares in the gym to focus on his cartooning. This move paid off as King Features Syndicate picked up his comic and now his “Pardon My Planet” is distributed to close to over 150 newspapers. “Pardon My Planet” covers a wide range of subject matters such as “courtship, marriage and divorce to birth, death, the afterlife and all the fears in between, including doctors, lawyers, monsters, and puberty”.


In 2002 Vic went through a period where he immersed himself in religious studies challenging his own deeply rooted religious beliefs. During this time he began to paint and used it as “an outlet to help him deal with the process of his own spiritual evolution and changing view of the world”. Even though he has no art training he has become a prominent oil painter painting under the name St. Victor. His paintings have been displayed at museums, galleries, festivals and featured in magazines including, Juxtapoz, Architectural Digest and Art Buyer Magazine. He was named one of the “Top 500 Artists Worldwide” by New York Arts Magazine and World Arts Media. Learn more about Vic’s painting at his Saint Victor Diaries website and then visit the St. Victor Diaries Gift Shop.


Vic made a New Year’s resolution in 2008 to start writing songs and learn to sing and play the synthesizer. He followed through with it and is now the front man for the band Spitfire Sparrow. The band has just released their second CD, “Raised By Wolves” which is available for download on iTunes and cdbaby.com. The “Raised By Wolves” CD was conceived, written and recorded for the purpose of raising and donating a percentage of the proceeds to rescue and rehabilitate dogs that are on death row in shelters. Vic and his wife Lisa live in Santa Fe, NM where they run a dog rescue sanctuary. See more of Vic’s “Pardon My Planet” at King Features. You can purchase “Pardon My Planet” prints, mugs and tote bags here.

What is your favorite pen to use?

I use a Picah brush pen.

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

I use a mechanical pencil and a big gummy eraser.

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

On the computer.

What type of paper do you use?

Standard ultra bright 24lb 98 brightness from Staples or whatever office store is closest when I remember that I need more paper. I'm just going to scan it in anyway.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?

Crowd scenes!

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

I go Staples for paper and Michaels for brush pens.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?

Take one half a vicodin and an 8oz Red Bull.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?

I do - I listen to my own band Spitfire Sparrow as we're in the final stages of our first CD, so I'm critiquing each song and making mixing changes while drawing. We're what you would get if Green Day mated with Herman's Hermits.


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

Yep, read Fred Basset, BC, Bringing Up Father, the Far Side, Calvin & Hobbes, Bizarro and Herman when I got older.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?

Bizarro and Speed Bump.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?

Favorite book was a book my grandmother gave me about horses - I still have it.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?

None whatsoever.

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

As a cartoonist it's a blessing in that it makes my job a lot easier as I'm also a fine artist (www.stvictordiaries.com) and musician so I'm on the road a lot and being able to upload from anywhere is a blessing. The obvious curse is the loss of newspaper readership. As a fine artist and musician my sales and exposure are ten times what they would be otherwise. All in all - a big blessing.

Did either of your parents draw?

Nope.

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

My parents and my wife, Lisa - who is a big influence on all my endeavors.

Do you keep a sketchbook?

Only for the fine art.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?

Never taught. Have been offered opportunities for the fine art but never really interested in doing it.

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

Talent for cartooning and music - passion for the fine art.

Do you collect anything and if so what?

Dogs. My wife is a rescuer.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?

Mowgli from "The Jungle Book".

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

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

NFL placekicker and punter or college special teams coach.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.

It's either crowded with art canvases and music recording gear, or open to a botanical garden and gorgeous pool yard, or a Starbucks.

Do you play any musical instruments?

Synthesizer and vocals.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?

Study marketing and psychology.

Who is your favorite artist?

John Waterhouse.

Thank you very much Vic!