Mike Cope - Cartoonist Survey #74

Full-time cartoonist and multimedia designer, Mike Cope, lives in Ontario, Canada with his wife and baby daughter. He has done everything from logo and web design to Flash animation and games. Mike has had his cartoons published in magazines, books and newspapers including, Chicken Soup for the Soul and Reader’s Digest. Trained as a high school communications technology teacher, he is currently illustrating NetTrekkers, an educational comic about the adventures of three siblings who travel to different locations in Canada using their magic laptop computer. During their travels they learn about different subjects such as the Great Lakes and digging for dinosaur bones in Alberta’s Badlands.

In 2008 he released his science fiction book, "The Last of the Funnies" which explores the past and future of comic strips,. It takes place in the year 2076 where, due to a worldwide energy and economic crisis, newspapers are no longer printed. For every copy that Mike sells of this book through March of 2014, he is donating $2 (which works out to 85% of the proceeds he would receive) to the Ohio State’s Cartoon Library & Museum. This is in response to a challenge put out by Charles Schulz’s widow, Jean in which she donated $1 million and agreed to match every dollar donated up to $2.5 million. Check out Mike’s website where you can see examples of the different types of work he does and also watch videos of him drawing and inking comics. You can also learn more about his “The Last of the Funnies” book here and follow him on his blog.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Speedball Hunt Globe Bowl #513EF nib in a Koh-I-Noor Corkgrip #127N pen holder.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Standard 2H ... I like the crunching sound they make when I sharpen them. Reminds me of elementary school.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Technically, both. Pardon my Canadian, but I colour by hand via my Wacom tablet.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
My right hand :)
What type of paper do you use?
Strathmore Smooth Bristol (300 Series).

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
WOMEN!!! ... Well, I don’t HATE drawing them; I just can’t draw them as good-looking as I wish I could (or should)!

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I usually shop at a humble little place call Curry’s Art Supplies in Hamilton, Ontario. I like the smell of their rustic-looking, small chain, poorly ventilated, art store. It reminds me of rubber cement ... But seriously, it’s a 45-minute round trip, so how’s THAT for supporting local business?!
Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Walk into my studio, sit down, crack knuckles ... check my email ... go make a pot of tea ... come back, sit down, crack knuckles ... check The Daily Cartoonist and cartooning forums ... go refill my tea cup ... come back, sit down, crack knuckles ... check my email again ... What was the question??
Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I bought a 205-track collection of Glenn Miller songs a while back on iTunes ... I really like listening to those. But, truth be told, I’m a sucker for cartooning podcasts like Comics Coast to Coast and Tall Tales Radio. Maybe it’s Tom Racine’s baritone voice, but I feel like if I listen to him interview some of the top talents in the business while I’m drawing, maybe I’ll harness some of their magic powers through the Apple airwaves and infuse them into my own work. Unfortunately, most of the interviews are so good that I don’t get any work done because I’m not focusing. At that point, I put on a video that I’ve watched so many times that I don’t need to pay attention it ... Or, I turn on my vintage-style 1934 Mickey Mouse radio, which is always tuned to CBC Radio One (Toronto).

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
I loved reading the funnies as a kid. Through elementary and high school, I used to read my mother’s Peanuts Treasury (2nd print) every night before bed. Eventually, I started reading comic books, but I’d always finish with a few pages from that Peanuts book. In fact, I still crack it open when I need to let my mind unwind before falling to sleep ... It’s funny how doing something you enjoyed as a kid can make you relax.
What is or was your favorite comic strip?
See previous answer :)

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
I still own that that Peanuts Treasury mentioned above. Second place goes to ... The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (Illustrated Classic Editions by Moby Books), Adapted by Shirley Bogart, Illustrations by Brendan Lynch, Copyright 1983. ... I was 6 years old when my mother bought it for me. Like the Peanuts Treasury, it’s followed me ever since.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Yes, Art Fundamentals and Classical Animation at Sheridan College in Oakville Ontario ... Some of the best and most stressful years of my life. Art Fundies was a one-year certificate, which I barely earned because I'd never studied Art in high school. As a result, I didn't get accepted into the school's popular Classical Animation program due to a "low ranked portfolio" ... I still have the rejection letter, and the vivid memories of the feelings I had when I read it. I ended up studying Multimedia at McMaster University for the next 4 years, and then re-applied to Sheridan on a whim. To my joy and surprise, they awarded me a merit-based scholarship along with my acceptance letter. Thus began two more of the most stressful years of my life ... The funny thing about art school, at least for me, is that I loved cartooning, but my analytical brain had no way of comprehending the "art" stuff that I was being taught. It just didn't click, and I felt REALLY dumb. Even now, I'm still having "Ah-ha!" moments, when things that I was taught years ago FINALLY make sense. I'm just thankful that I never gave up on cartooning.

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

Did either of your parents draw?
There was one drawing I remember my dad did one night in ballpoint pen of a wooden house and a snowman, but other than that, I think it’s fair to say no … Still, I appreciate them for encouraging and supporting my own childhood doodles.
Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Again, see previous answer ... But please add my wife to the top of the list :)

Do you keep a sketchbook?
I've bought many sketchbooks, and have drawings in all of them; however, I rarely keep them going ... But I do keep them for future reference.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes, and a BIG YES! In fact, I’m currently teaching a 10-week animation night class for kids ages 9-13 at a local high school. I’m also visiting elementary and secondary schools throughout the District School Board of Niagara as part of a literacy initiative–an “artist in the classroom” type of program via the English departments. The schools invite me in, and I do some cartooning with the students and give a short presentation/demonstration on creating comics ... It’s been a big success! I taught my first cartooning class at a kids’ summer camp back in 1998 during my first year of university. There were over 75 kids packed in the room for the hour, and we all had a great time ... Even though I was sweating like crazy from the blazing heat (and the nerves)! Throughout university, I taught weekly cartooning sessions at multiple community recreation centres, and ran one-day specials (ex. March Break, Christmas) at local libraries. I also worked for several years for McMaster University’s summer camps programs. I was even the “Intro to Animation” Teaching Assistant for several sessions, so it was inevitable that I’d eventually go to Teacher’s College. When I applied to Teacher’s College back in 2005, I had to tally the number of hours that I had spent as a kids cartooning instructor. The total was in the 100’s, and so, it’s only gone up since then.

The most important thing about teaching cartooning to kids is KEEP IT FUN ... Do that, and you’re guaranteed to have a great time!

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Someone might be the most talented cartoonist in the world, but if they could care less about drawing cartoons, then they probably shouldn’t be cartooning.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Dust bunnies ... I like to torture them with the vacuum.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Would you believe Mickey Mouse after the previous answer?

Are you a righty or lefty?
I don’t discuss politics in online surveys.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I hate the connotations implied here, but honestly, I’d be a teacher.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
An old, wooden, over sized, surveyor’s drafting table (5’x3’), converted into an animator’s desk with a circular fluorescent tube and Plexiglas disc, flanked on the right by two Ikea bookcases and one larger one made by my Grandfather -- all with shelves buckling under the weight of various cartoon books. To the left is an array of electronic devices, and behind is a wooden table that I eat my lunch at and my childhood desk (also built by my Grandfather). Place looks pretty messy right now too.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Piano … Lately, a lot of Disney music for my baby girl.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Draw ... and learn from your mistakes.

Who is your favorite artist?
Define “artist”…

Thanks very much Mike.

Illustrator and cartoonist, Kim Warp is up next with the 75th installment of Cartoonist Surveys.

Rick Tulka - Cartoonist Survey #73

Born in Brooklyn, New York and now living in Paris, France, Rick Tulka is an illustrator and caricaturist. First appearing in Mad magazine back in 1988, he has been a regular contributor ever since. His caricatures and humorous drawings have been printed in publications worldwide, including, the National Lampoon, Rolling Stone, Reader’s Digest, The Wall Street Journal, The Oldie, Le Soir and Le Monde. He worked with Michael Jackson while illustrating “Moonwalker the Coloring Book” and Rick also did all of the illustrations in Valerie Harper’s book, “Today I Am a Ma’am.” Now living in Paris with his wife Brenda, he goes to the famous café, Le Select everyday to draw caricatures of the clientele and staff. Le Select has been a regular hangout for such luminaries as Hemingway, Picasso, James Baldwin and George Plimpton. In 2007 he co-authored and illustrated “Paris Café: The Select Crowd” with writer, Noel Riley Fitch, “Paris Café: The Select Crowd” is a portrait, both written and drawn of the Parisian café life. You can see a video of Rick at Le Select being interviewed by CBS Sunday Morning here on YouTube. To see more of Rick’s Le Select drawings you can go to his flickr photostream. You can also see more of Rick’s other work at his website and his agent's website.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Basically, I only use Sanford Design Ebony pencils. I've been drawing with them for 37 years. I also "draw" with a brush and watercolor, I don't consider myself a painter. I very rarely use pen, but when I have, it is the old-fashioned quill pen and India ink.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
My illustration pencil work starts with a sketch in Ebony pencil. I also use them to sketch out the image if I am doing something in watercolor or ink. When I draw in my sketchbooks there is never a first sketch, I just draw.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I color by hand. For reproduction, I will do a little "cleaning up" on the images with PhotoShop. Some jobs I have done for MAD Magazine, and other places, have been colored on the computer, but not by me.

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

What type of paper do you use?
Strathmore Bristol 4-ply for my finished illustrations and Strathmore hardbound sketchbooks.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Computer keyboards.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
When I lived in Brooklyn, I would go directly to art stores to buy my supplies. In 1995, my wife and I moved to Paris. I found that I couldn't get any of my regular American supplies here (paper, pencils and sketchbooks), or anything close to them. So, when I go back to the States, I will order them from art stores and/or websites and bring them back with me. I have a lot of supplies in storage. I do go to local art stores, here in Paris, for my watercolors, erasers, brushes and general items.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Make sure that all my pencils are sharpened.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
When I am working on a job, I like to work early in the morning, around 5:30am. At that time, I work in silence. During the day, when working, I do listen to music. I'll listen to almost anything, from Beethoven to The Beatles - Miles Davis to Michael Jackson. Whatever suits my mood. I'll also listen to music on the radio if I don't put on CDs. And sometimes I will put on NBC News, over the Internet, and watch/listen to that.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Mad Magazine, Peanuts and Archie were my favorites as a kid.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Peanuts, Calvin & Hobbes, Little Nemo in Slumberland, Tin Tin.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
In early high school I read The Chronicles of Narnia. I just loved them! I have reread them many times. I still have the original books I bought 40 years ago.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
In high school, I studied at the Brooklyn Museum Art School and the Art Students League of New York. I majored in Illustration at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Both. I waste too much time on the Internet. But then, I can find almost anything I need for reference. YouTube has been a real blessing. When I have to do a caricature of someone I don't know I can surely find a clip of them on YouTube. It really helps me when I can see someone move and hear them talk.

Did either of your parents draw?
My father drew a little.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My wife, my parents, my friends, my reps and a bunch of great teachers and mentors.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
I have been keeping sketchbooks since 1973. Hardbound - 8 1/2" X 11 1/2". As I write this, I am on sketchbook number 256. I feel that sketchbooks are extremely important. I always tell young artists to keep them. Not just for drawing from their head and from photos (which is fine), but to use the sketchbook to draw from life. That is the only way to improve as an artist. And no erasing either!!!

When I lived in New York, I would draw all the time, on the subway, at museums, at the beach and on the street. Here in Paris I have found "my" café, Le Sélect, and that is where I go to draw. I try and get there daily, during the week, and do at least one good drawing. After years of drawing at Le Sélect, I was able to work with a writer, Noël Riley Fitch, and we got a book published about the café with my drawings; Paris Café: The Sélect Crowd. A dream come true!

I feel the drawings that I do in my sketchbooks are truly my art, no art director telling me what to do. I have also been lucky to have been hired for jobs and draw in my sketchbooks - reportage. Some years ago, I was a courtroom artist in Belgium, for a major newspaper there. Last June, I drew for the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, in Tennessee. One time, here in Paris, I was sent by a magazine, with a reporter, to draw a major demonstration instead of them sending a photographer.

I love drawing in my sketchbooks and I am most content with this work.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I have never taught cartooning/drawing formally. However, I have helped some young artists whom I have met, one on one. I did enjoy it very much.

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

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I used to collect things from the 1939 New York World's Fair. In the 1980s and early 1990s I also used to collect autographs of famous people. I would do drawings of them and search them out to get them to sign my drawings. Some of the famous who signed my drawings (and some of them I actually met) were; Michael Jackson, Stephen Sondheim, Al Hirschfeld, Andy Warhol, Lucille Ball, Elizabeth Taylor, Spike Lee, David Levine, Malcolm Forbes, Jeremy Irons, Mikhail Baryshnikov, President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan, Paloma Picasso, Liza Minnelli, Molly Ringwald, Studs Terkel, Helen Hayes, Bernadette Peters, Mandy Patinkin and Johnny Carson, to name a few. It was just for fun.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Barney Rubble? Boo Boo Bear? Dopey?

Are you a righty or lefty?
Lefty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Tap dance.
In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Flat and lit with a drawing lamp.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Many years ago I tried to teach myself the tenor saxophone. It wasn't a success. But, I was able to play (poorly) Summertime and Suicide is Painless (the theme from MASH).

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Marry rich and/or go back to school and become a plumber. Everyone needs a plumber, nobody needs an artist.

Who is your favorite artist?
Al Hirschfeld, David Levine, George Woodbridge, Mort Drucker, Norman Rockwell, Lautrec, Van Gogh, Ingres, Daumier, Sargent, Degas, Holbein, this list could go on forever...

Thanks very much Rick!

Up next is Canadian cartoonist and multimedia designer, Mike Cope.

Martha Gradisher - Cartoonist Survey #72

Martha Gradisher is a cartoonist, illustrator and graphic designer who lives in New York. She has illustrated many children’s books including, A Valentine for Ms. Vanilla, Lunch Boxes, Who Spilled the Milk and The Princess Needs a Bath. She has done graphic design work for such major corporations as Maybelline and The History Channel. She also spent some time working as a creative director and video game designer. Her illustrations have been published in many publications including The New Yorker, Funny Times and Reader’s Digest. Martha has received numerous awards for her work in illustration, advertising, web design and animation. To see examples of her work from each of these fields visit her website.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I love to use Penstix, especially the brush pen but recently my husband bought me Triart pens and I'm in love. I just need to find a set of gray tone Triarts and I'll be a much nicer person.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
I always draw in pencil first and am in awe of those who don't...2B pencil is my weapon of choice.

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

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
I paint and color in all mediums including colored pencil, water color (no particular brand) acrylics, and pastels, sometimes all of them at once.

What type of paper do you use?
If I'm using water colors or an ink wash I love arches hot press block, pastels on Canson Mi-Teintes, and sometimes typing paper.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Cars, tanks, horses, trains, guns or any type of artillery.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Both, but most recently Blick on-line.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
I do anything to avoid sitting down including walking the dog, twice.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I listen to music when I'm not concepting, so just when I'm coloring in the lines, all genres.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
I loved them all...the Archie comics, Little Lulu, Richie Rich, Superman, Batman, the Fantastic Four, Blackhawks, Spiderman, Mad magazine whatever I could lay my hands on. I didn't have a favorite.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
No favorites but we didn't actually own books; we took them out of the library.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I had two years of studio art at Ohio University, which was a complete waste of time and money, but I did many caricatures for cigarettes.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
I love the Internet...If I need a picture of a mongoose, I type it in Google, hit return and within seconds have 85,000 or so images!

Did either of your parents draw?
My father was an immigrant from Slovenia. He was a bricklayer who didn't know what was possible in this country. As a little girl sitting on his lap I remember all of the little characters he would draw in the margin for me...like Sergio Aragones did in Mad (though not nearly as funny or well drawn).

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
I've always had a wide array of support from family, friends, clients, and employers but not Robert Mankoff of the New Yorker who insists I' too corny.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I continue to teach cartooning to kids and am always amazed at how wonderfully and naturally they adapt themselves to the task. I sometimes get cartoon ideas from their little noggins.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Is that a trick question?

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I collect the turn of the century (not the last one but the one before that) illustrations from Punch and Harpers Weekly. They were printed as lithographs and to this day their colors are beautiful. I have; Thomas Nast, Opper, Gilroy (I believe), and Rowlandson. In addition I have quite a few Vanity Fair illos.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
If I were an animated cartoon character I'd be the one-eyed monster voiced by Billy Crystal in Monsters, Inc. or any of the animations from Nightmare before Christmas, or maybe the mom in the Incredibles, though I also loved the short snippy old woman who was their manager.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Conductor on a commuter train.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
I have the perfect studio with everything I need at my fingertips or a short slide across the room. paints, pencils, pens, paper and even things that don't start with a p.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I couldn't carry a tune on my back, no dual creativity here.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Draw everyday as much as you can.....If time floats away you may be an artist.

Who is your favorite artist?
I'd rather say that there are few artists I don't appreciate except for that horrible art with cliched snow covered cottages, and babbling brooks, etc. ad nauseum.

Thank you Martha.

Next time, illustrator and cartoonist Rick Tulka, sends his answers all the way from France.

Drew Friedman - Cartoonist Survey #71

Illustrator and cartoonist Drew Friedman attended New York’s School of Visual Art where he studied under Will Eisner and Harvey Kurtzman. In the early eighties he wrote and illustrated alternative comics whose characters included old celebrities such as Abbott and Costello and Tor Johnson (wrestler turned “actor” who was in many Ed Wood movies). During this period he often collaborated with his brother, Josh Alan Friedman, having their first published work appearing in RAW magazine. Through the eighties and early nineties his comics were published in Weirdo, Heavy Metal, National Lampoon and High Times. There were two collections of the Friedman brother’s work published, titled, “Any Similarity to Persons Living or Dead is Purely Coincidental” and “Warts and All.” Drew is well known for his "stippling" style of caricature that requires thousands of pen marks to create a very realistic look. His work has appeared in all of the major publications including, Time, Newsweek, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, MAD and Esquire. In 2000 Drew was honored with the National Cartoonist Society Newspaper Illustration Award. Recent books by him include, “Old Jewish Comedians”, “The Fun Never Stops!” and “More Old Jewish Comedians.” Visit Drew's website and follow him on his blog. Go here to buy his fine art prints.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I ink/paint with Grumbacher brushes.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Yes, I do a detailed pencil sketch first with a mechanical pencil, then paint over it. Mechanical because you never have to stop to sharpen it.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Everything by hand, the old fashioned way. I'll touch up a tiny bit if need be on the Computer when I'm done.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Watercolor paint/ink, and I touch things up with color pencils.

What type of paper do you use?
Smooth Bristol.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Attractive, young people, especially self-loving Hollywood actors. I get the most pleasure from drawing old people with lines in their faces, their lives depicted in their faces. Especially Old Jewish Comedians. Also, ugly republicans.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I mainly order from the Dick Blick catalog but always stop in art supply stores when I visit New York.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Not really. Basically that I've had breakfast, run the beagles, and can relax and concentrate on whatever the work is at the moment.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Mainly I listen to NPR radio during the day. Or the local Collage radio station. I never work at night anymore, even on a tight deadline. Too depressing.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Sure, when I was a kid, any comics, including Archie & Superheroes. I loved the New Yorker for the cartoons, EC comics, Warren magazines (Creepy & Eerie) and My bible as a kid was "MAD".

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Too many to pick one. Some faves, mostly dating way back include Popeye, Krazy Kat, Dick Tracy, Nancy, etc. My very favorite was/is Peanuts, especially from the fifties and mid-sixties.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Favorite? Not sure, too many to pick from. Edward Gorey's books and Maurice Sendak's were particular favorites. Possibly a Dr. Suess book, but can't pick a favorite. I loved my fathers novels (Author, Bruce Jay Friedman) when I first read them as a kid (and still do).

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I attended the School of Visual Arts in the late seventies/early eighties in NYC. I was in the cartoon program with a lot of famous cartoonists as instructors.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Mixed blessing. I try to limit my time on it as I find it too addictive and distracting. Over all, I think it's a plus.

Did either of your parents draw?
My mother used to paint and draw a bit. Not my father.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Both my parents were always very supportive, sending me to art classes as a kid, keeping me in art supplies, taking me to museums, buying me art related books. Now my wife is the most supportive.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
I used to but no longer. When I'm not working on a piece, I really don't even want to THINK about drawing.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
No, I haven't.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Gotta have both. I've known a lot of people with passion for it who went no where, as well as people with amazing drawing ability who also went nowhere.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I used to collect old toys, books, movie posters, and comics. But my passion for collecting fizzled a few years back. I still have a lot of the stuff, but I don't seek it out. People tend to send me things they know I’ll be likely interested in.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
I've always identified with the Go Go Gophers.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Figure Skater or Grave digger.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
It's surrounded by books, old movie posters, old toys, reference files, etc. It looks cluttered but it's actually in great order.

Do you play any musical instruments?
No.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
It's tough right now for commercial illustration, which is what I mainly do. Magazines and Newspapers are really cutting back. I haven't really had a problem because I've been doing work for many years now and have carved out my niche. Art directors and editors come to me because they know exactly what I offer. Again, back to passion. If you have the passion and can deal with the potentially long breaks in work, go for it.

Who is your favorite artist?
A long, long list but I always come back to Robert Crumb.

Thanks again for taking the time to answer Drew.

Children's book illustrator, caricaturist and cartoonist, Martha Gradisher is next.

Dan Yaccarino - Cartoonist/Artist Survey #70

Dan Yaccarino has written and illustrated over three dozen children's books, including, The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau, Every Friday, Good Night, Mr. Night and Unlovable. He is the creator and producer of the animated series Oswald, about a blue octopus and he also designed the characters for the animated Nickelodeon series The Backyardigans. His newest animated series, Willa's Wild Life, is based on another of his popular children’s books, An Octopus Followed Me Home. His illustrations have been published in Business Week, The New York Times and New York Magazine. Dan’s has created images for such corporations as Sony, Target and AT &T. He is a recipient of many honors including the Parent’s Choice Award, Child Magazine Award, Parent’s Magazine Top Toy Award and he has also been to the White House where he shared his books and participated in the annual Easter festivities. Dan lives with his wife and kids in New York City and has a very nice studio equipped with vintage toys and robots. Be sure to visit Dan’s website.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I don't use a pen of any kind to do my illustrations. I usually use a Windsor Newton watercolor brush.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Yes, I lay out the image in pencil first. I use a standard 2 or 3H, nothing fancy.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I mostly work "traditionally", unless "digitally" means using my digits.
If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Windsor Newton gouache. Hey, I think they should be sending me free stuff for mentioning them so much.

What type of paper do you use?
120lb Arches cold press. Same goes for Arches. Free paper, man!
What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Bicycles and horses, but mostly horses riding bicycles.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I started going to Pearl Paint on Canal Street in New York City when I was attending Parsons School of Design back in the early '80's and continued up until a year ago. I really tried to support them, but since then I've found that they don't restock their shelves, so I've been ordering supplies online. It's a shame because I really enjoy going to art supply stores. I like the smell. Occasionally people will ask me questions. Maybe they think I work there. Perhaps it's due to the fact that I'm wearing an orange apron with the store logo on it.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Yes! I dance around my drafting table with a voodoo doll I've made of someone I want to put a curse on.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Sometimes. I listen to the Beach Boys, the Polyphonic Spree and the Flaming Lips, which drives my family crazy. When I'm not listening to music, I'm usually listening to Coast to Coast AM with George Noory interviewing people about UFOs, time travel and aliens, all of which are real, so it's more like catching up on the news for me.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
I did read comics, mostly Mad magazine. This may (or may not) upset your readers, but I was never that much into superheroes, except Plastic Man, but I'm not sure if he counts. Jack Cole's art was beautiful and his stories were perfect for a 10-year old mentality. He was a totally underrated artist and Plas never got his due.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
I guess it would have to be The Far Side. Does that qualify as a strip? It's actually daily single panel gags.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
I loved (and still love) a picture book called The Thing In Dolores's Piano. It was written and illustrated by an author/illustrator named Bob Tallon. After I started doing children's books of my own, I looked him up and since then, we've been good friends.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Yes. I received a BFA from Parsons School of Design in NYC. I also attended the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles for a few semesters. I also got a masters from the School of Hard Knocks, if that counts for anything.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
I love it! I can find practically any reference image or information of any kind in a matter of seconds. But then I hate it because now crazy people can easily find me. Thanks for contacting me, by the way.

Did either of your parents draw?
No, not really.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Growing up, it was my parents. Now it's my wife and kids. I'm very lucky.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes and have kept one since I was about 10. There are boxes of them stored in my mother's attic, also known as the Yaccarino Archive.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I taught editorial classes for about 5 or 6 years at Parsons School of Design and School of Visual Arts, both in NYC. I enjoyed the experience when the students were enthusiastic. It was like babysitting when they weren't.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Passion! It'll get you where you need to go every time.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Nothing anymore. However, I collected toys for several years, until I ran out of room. You wouldn't happen to be in the market for 500 Pez dispensers, would you? Now I just collect dust.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
I actually am one. I created and produced an animated series that currently airs on Noggin called Oswald. I'm Oswald's best friend, Henry, a persnickety penguin. I've also created/produced an animated series currently airing on NBC on Saturdays called Willa's Wild life. In that show I'm Gus the alligator.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
It may sound strange, but I really have no interest in any other career. This is what I was meant to do.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Small. Neat.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Nothing now, but I used to play the trumpet when I was a kid. My father was a musician who played the saxophone and clarinet. Much to his dismay, I was terrible. You should hear me sing. It makes my trumpet playing sound like I'm Harry James.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Don't talk about it. Do it.

Who is your favorite artist?
That's a pretty impossible question for me to answer. It changes constantly. I like different aspects of different artists. Let me rephrase that, I steal different aspects of different artists.

Thanks again Dan!

Answers from the Reuben Award winning cartoonist, painter and illustrator, Drew Friedman are next.

John Hambrock - Cartoonist Survey #69

John Hambrock originally wanted to be a marine biologist, however his aptitude for drawing led him to a career in art. Voted the most artistic male in high school, he put away his dreams of becoming the next Jacques Cousteau and got a degree in Graphic Design from the Ringling School of Art and Design in Florida. He took first place in the Philip Morris National Marketing Competition while still in college, earning him a trip to the Philip Morris headquarters in New York City to accept the award. In 1986 John started working at The Hirsch Design Group in Chicago where he got to work on the Keebler cracker and cookie account. Drawing Ernie the Keebler Elf gave him the drive to start cartooning. After 10 years he left Hirsch Design and started his own agency called In-House Communications. On November 12, 2006 King Features Syndicate launched his comics strip, The Brilliant Mind of Edison Lee. As John says on his website, The Brilliant Mind of Edison Lee is, “a pinch of science, a drop of politics and a grain of absurdity.” You can find out more about The Brilliant Mind of Edison Lee, here. Be sure you click on the Lab Notes and the Behind the Scenes tabs for John and his wife Anne’s blog entries.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I actually do all of my line work with a brush and a bottle of ink. I use a #3 Rapidograph for the lettering.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
I use standard Papermate #2 pencils.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
My wife Anne does all the color for Edison Lee on her Mac.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Sometimes I'll ink an illustration and then I'll overlay it with watercolor washes.

What type of paper do you use?
Bienfang smooth bristol.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
I can't think of one thing I hate to draw... sorry!

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Both. I order all of my paper from Blick. I buy my brushes, ink and miscellaneous other supplies from an art store that happens to be next door to my studio.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Not really, I draw at all times of the day or night—whenever I get in the mood.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Blues, Jazz, Classical, occasionally classic rock. I spend most of the afternoon listening to various NPR programs.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
MAD magazine, lots of the MAD and Peanuts pocket books. I loved reading BC in our newspaper.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
That's a difficult question, because I love so many of them for various reasons. I would say Peanuts had the biggest influence on me growing up in the 60's.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
"Let's Play Train," and yes, I still have it.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I'm a graduate of Ringling College of Art.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
A little of both. I can work right up to deadline, and in minutes deliver the digital files of the strip to the syndicate. It'll be a tremendous blessing when comic strip artists are able to get their work behind more pay walls.

Did either of your parents draw?
No.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
For years, my wife Anne encouraged me to pursue my comic strip dream. Both of my parents were very supportive growing up, as well as numerous teachers. I consider myself lucky to have had lots of support.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Um... no.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Last year I spent an entire morning teaching my daughter's class how to draw, and I loved it. Their drawings are posted in my lab notes on the Edison Lee web site.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Passion. Drawing is feeling, not just a technical exercise. I don't believe you need a lot of talent to enjoy drawing.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
When my kids were young, I collected old trains that we would play with. Now I collect original cartoon art.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
I'm not sure... probably something from Chuck Jones' imagination.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty, although I draw with both hands.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I'd own a bakery.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
My studio is filled with all kinds of fun stuff—original comic art, tons of books, and right now, lots of pencil shavings and eraser bits on the floor.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I played mandolin in a bluegrass band my first year of college, and I'll occasionally pluck around on a tenor banjo when I have the time.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Draw all of the time. Challenge yourself to draw even the things you have no interest in drawing.

Who is your favorite artist?
Grant Wood.

Thanks a lot John.

Illustrator, author and television producer Dan Yaccarino is up next.

Nate Fakes - Cartoonist Survey #68

Born in Ohio and now living in Florida, writer and cartoonist, Nate Fakes attended Wright State University in Ohio. He was the artist and cartoonist for his college newspaper, The Guardian, drawing political cartoons and the strip Break of Day. During college Nate received an invitation from MAD magazine to be an intern. It only took a little over a year before he was publishing articles in MAD. He still continues to provide material for MAD and he has a new comic series, Twisted Toaster Tales, which will start appearing in the March issue, #503. In a couple of weeks he will be launching a new webcomic based on Twisted Toaster Tales. In addition to MAD and freelance work, Nate is also the illustrator for the comic strip, Knocking on Heaven’s Door. He has been collaborating on Knocking on Heaven’s Door for several years with comedian Tommy Blaze. In December Nate and Tommy put out their first book and the first edition quickly sold out. The second edition is now out and available for sale here. Nate’s website is going away, but fear not, he already has a new one.

What is your favorite pen to use?
The most frequently used (and favorite) is my Hunt 513EF pen nib and dip pen.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
I use a 4H drawing pencil. The mechanical ones seem to always give me a hard time.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
A little bit of both. Most frequently I use digital color, but for some projects I do it by hand.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Watercolors. I used to use crayons back in 3rd grade.

What type of paper do you use?
Strathmore 400 series smooth Bristol board. Nothing else has worked out.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Cars and long legs. I don’t know why that is, either? I can draw them, but I HATE drawing them. Might stem from my childhood when I got my leg stuck in a car (I don’t know if that happened or not, but it’s just a hunch).

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I buy little items locally, but I get the paper, ink and the essentials shipped in after being purchased online.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Coffee first, and if I really want to go full-throttle I’ll scarf down a donut as well.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre? I’ve got my regulars like Mozart, The Doors and the surprising mix of music on NPR. Hannah Montana is NOT in my collection.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
I never (and still have not) got into action/superhero comics. I had Garfield, Calvin and Hobbes and Farside books more than anything else. I’d say they were my favorite as a kid.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Calvin and Hobbes and Peanuts are a pretty close tie for first. Of course, I did have my Ziggy-phase for about a day or two (or a couple of minutes).

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
I met illustrator Stephen Kellogg as a young kid, and his book ‘How Much is a Million’ was a real favorite. No, I sadly don’t have the book anymore.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I took art classes in college for fine arts. Never had any digital training or cartooning lessons.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
I don’t really know - a little mixture of a devil and an angel maybe? I kind of miss the days when you would actually submit by mail and read in print.

Did either of your parents draw?
Dad used to paint, but not much at all while I was growing up. My mom didn’t, but she was very musically talented.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Wife, family, and friends.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes, but what I sketch more than anything else is text. I never got into sketching drawings on a regular basis. I learned the most from just diving right into a project, and learning from mistakes that way.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I taught at a community center to a bunch of kids in grades K-5. All they wanted to do was learn to draw Sponge Bob, no matter how hard I tried to teach them something better. I enjoyed helping them draw Sponge Bob though.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
PASSION, for sure – passion! If you’re not passionate about something, it doesn’t matter how talented you are, you won’t get anywhere.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
MAD Magazine is about the only thing. I’ve got to study what is funny a lot.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Probably Cap’n Crunch, because I’m always craving those Crunch Berries.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Nothing comes to mind. I’d be miserable.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
It’s organized chaos. I’d describe it as worse than the inside of a woman’s purse. I have everything in a corner of my studio, but all of the loose paper scraps, pencils shavings and ink stains are important to me.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Inspired from the movie ‘Amadeus’, I can play the piano - backwards.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Once you think you know everything about the industry, there is twice as much that you don’t know. Stay persistent, because you WILL get frustrated.

Who is your favorite artist?
Pollack, he was a frustrated one!

Thanks Nate!

Ex-marine biologist turned cartoonist, John Hambrock, shares his answers next.

Bob Flynn - Cartoonist Survey #67

Illustrator, cartoonist, animator, website and game designer, Bob Flynn has been creating comics since he was a little kid. He received a BFA in Visual Communications from Washington University in St. Louis. In his senior year, his love of animation lead him to make a 3-minute cartoon called “Jinx the Monkey” for his thesis. Now “Jinx the Monkey” is the name of his website, which is loaded with wonderfully drawn monsters, animals and strange creatures. Highly skilled in Flash and web page construction, he is the Lead Designer at the Boston based educational media company FableVision. While at FableVision, some of the clients Bob has worked with include MIT, Carnegie Hall and the National Academy of Sciences. He drew the Sponge Bob comic for Nickelodeon Magazine and is a regular contributor to ARGH!, a Spanish comic anthology magazine. You can see much more of Bob’s work at his website including the above mentioned "Jinx the Monkey" thesis cartoon. You should also check out his blog where you will find some very good tutorials that guide you through inking and also drawing in Flash. Read more about ARGH! here and check out FableVision’s blog called Creative Juices.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Lately I've been doing a lot of inking with the Pentel Pocket Brush pen. But I also draw a fair amount in Flash with a tablet.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Yes, standard—either a 2H or 2B.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I do all my coloring on the computer—in PhotoShop, Flash, or Art Rage.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
I've dabbled in watercolor, gouache, and acrylic...but not in a long time.

What type of paper do you use?
Mainly Strathmore Bristol Series 300.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Good question—I'm not often asked this. I have a hard time with anything mechanical or specific, because I like to be able to make things up. Certain kinds of anatomy are tricky, especially in the animal kingdom (horses come to mind). Backgrounds in general drive me crazy, but it's a good feeling when I knock one out. And lastly, anything boring.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
A mix—Blick is the closest to me, but in Boston there are a number of smaller stores like Artist & Craftsman. I order specialized tools online.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Not so much, except putting on the tunes and sharpening my pencil.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I guess I'd call myself an indie rock guy, but I'm friendly to most genres of music—new and old.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Leaps and bounds above anything else, Calvin & Hobbes. And the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic books by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Calvin & Hobbes is definitely at the top, but Herriman's Krazy Kat is a close second.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
For some reason, Charlotte's Web comes to mind. My copy is probably tucked away at my parents. I loved anything by Roald Dahl, too.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I have a BFA in Visual Communications (Illustration) from Washington University in St. Louis.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
A complete blessing—especially in staying connected with other artists.

Did either of your parents draw?
My father is great with crafts, and my mother has shown me drawings she did of the Peanuts characters when she was a kid, but neither of them really draw.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Back in the day, definitely my parents—and they still very much are. And I would lump all my friends and family into the bunch now.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
I certainly do. I'm a doodler—a sketchbook is essential for tapping into weirdness and coming up with new characters.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Not in an official teaching environment, but I enjoy helping other artists grow and would consider it a privilege to teach some day.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Drawing is more important than anything else. Passion is useful in terms of raw output (an energy source). Talent gives you a bit of an edge.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Not really. Maybe art books and comics?

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
SpongeBob. In spirit, anyway...I like to think I'm more optimistic than people take me for. He's my favorite cartoon character, too.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Right-handed.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Hard to say, because I love it more than anything else. But physics would be up there.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
The corner of a small room in my apartment that I like to call the Studio. A drafting table with room to spread out.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I used to play trumpet. Haven't picked it up in a while.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Don't worry about picking a style—it should find you. And make art that is honest.

Who is your favorite artist?
I can't say I have one, to be honest. But I have a ton of respect for Bill Watterson, George Herriman, Robert Crumb, Jim Woodring, Chris Ware, and Richard McGuire, to name a few.

Thanks again Bob!

Up next is cartoonist and writer, Nate Fakes.

Benita Epstein - Cartoonist Survey #66

Northern Californian cartoonist Benita Epstein was a medical and scientific researcher before becoming a cartoonist. She earned a Bachelors and Masters degree in Entomology and then spent the next twenty years studying such things as yellow fever mosquitoes, autism and photosynthesis. She even traveled to islands all over the world collaborating with her husband in ecological field research. Her strong scientific background plays a key part in her cartooning specialties of medicine, science and education. Her cartoons have been published in the highly respected American Scientist magazine. In addition, Benita’s drawings have appeared in hundreds of other publications including The New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest and Barron’s. She is a very successful greeting card cartoonist, having been nominated for the Reuben award in the greeting card category. She is one of the “chix” for King Features’ syndicated Six Chix comic strip, being the cartoonist on Fridays. See more examples of Benita's work at her website.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Sakura Pigma Micron Brush.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Any pencil that's already sharpened.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
99% in PhotoShop.

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

What type of paper do you use?
HP LaserJet. It's very smooth.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Cars, bikes, trains, airplanes or anything mechanical.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I get the pens at Michael's, sometimes online.

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

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Yes, classical.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Not really. They scared me. I was able to handle Casper the Friendly Ghost, though.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Cul De Sac, Between Friends and Tina's Groove.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
I had collections of Chas. Addams and Edward Gorey and still have them.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I took art in high school and a few classes as an adult.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Absolutely a blessing until the electricity goes off.

Did either of your parents draw?
My mother dabbled in pastels.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My husband, my parents when they were alive were huge fans, my siblings, cousins, friends.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes, mostly to write jokes in.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I gave demonstrations to adult developmentally disabled and other handicapped students. It was fun and the people seemed to enjoy it, too.

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

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Not really anymore. Every year I want less and less stuff hanging around.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Marge Simpson, I guess.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Right-handed.

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

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
I draw at a light table I've had for 18 years. All my art supplies are there, but I really only use a pencil, eraser, turkey feather to brush crumbs away, various Pigma pens and sticky notes.

Do you play any musical instruments?
No.

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

Who is your favorite artist?
Richard Thompson.



Thank you very much Benita!

Cartoonist, animator and game designer, Bob Flynn provides his answers for the next installment of the Cartoonist Surveys.

Stephanie Piro - Cartoonist Survey #65

New Hampshire cartoonist, designer and librarian, Stephanie Piro, is originally from New York where she attended the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. She started her Strip T’s Design Company in 1984 through which she sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and many other gift items with her designs on them. Her cartoons have been published in many magazines including, Ms., Glamour and the Funny Times. There have been three books published that collect her work; Men Ha!, Caffeinated Cartoons and My Cat Loves Me Naked. Stephanie has her own daily cartoon panel that she writes and draws called Fair Game, which appears on her website and in newspapers around the country. If all of that wasn’t enough, she is also Saturday’s cartoonist for King Feature’s strip, Six Chix, which is in over 125 newspapers worldwide. The National Cartoonist Society recently honored Stephanie by featuring her on the cover of their magazine, The Cartoonist. She loves kitties and has won awards from the Cat Writers’ Association for writing and illustrations she has done featuring cats. Read Stephanie’s daily panel at her website and buy something from her Cafepress shop. Follow the Six Chix strip here.

What is your favorite pen to use?
A Koh-I-Noor Artpen.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
I never pencil!

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I used to use Dr, Martens liquid watercolors, but now I primarily use adobe PhotoShop.

What type of paper do you use?
Copy paper.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Cars and things like furniture. My work is pretty stark.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Staples for paper. Ink through eBay.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
I write first, so I have to have quiet. Then I just brainstorm ideas as they come to me and write them down. Sometimes I'll leaf through magazines for ideas.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Not while I draw, but if I'm cleaning things up in the computer I'll listen to folky music or Pandora where I make channels like western soundtracks or Cat Stevens or Conor Oberst.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Peanuts, Pogo, Archie comics and Mad Magazine.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Peanuts was my most consistently favorite. I also liked Brenda Starr.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
I loved "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass" (I was a big Lewis Caroll and John Tenniel fan) Charlotte's Web (I loved Garth Williams) and the Velveteen Rabbit. I also really loved Weekly Reader books like "The Pink Motel" and "No Children, No Pets" both about Florida. I still have all these books.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I went to SVA in the late 60's/early 70's.

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

Did either of your parents draw?
My Mom was a pretty good artist and a wonderful photographer.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My parents were very supportive.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
No, I write and sketch on clipboards filled with paper.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I've been running a cartoon club for kids at the library for 7 years. It's great fun to see their enthusiasm and to see how they tackle an idea and develop styles.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
You've got to have some sort of natural talent. Passion will only get you just so far if you don't have your own style.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Books. Movies. Affordable art.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
HMMMM, animated? Rocky the Flying Squirrel. A girl did his voice (June Foray), so I think that's OK.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I work p/t at a library, so I'd be a librarian. Second best job ever after cartooning!

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
A futon and a drawing board with an artcart filled with pens. I can't do the stool and drawing board.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I wish. Kazoo.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Have a regular job to pay the bills while you establish yourself, unless you have a patron or rich parents who love you a lot!

Who is your favorite artist?
Joseph Cornell. Also Edward Hopper, John Singer Sargent, Max Ernst...oh, too many to narrow it down!

Thank you Stephanie.

The next set of answers will be from another Six Chix cartoonist, Benita Epstein.