Mark Parisi - Cartoonist Survey #38

2009 winner of the National Cartoonists Society's "Best Newspaper Panel" award, Mark Parisi is the creator of the hilarious single panel comic, 'Off the Mark.' He started self-syndicating 'Off the Mark' back in 1987 and it is now distributed by United Media to 100 newspapers. His cartoons can also be found on T-shirts, mugs, magazines and greeting cards. Some other of Mark's clients are Billboard magazine, Glamour magazine, The National Enquirer and the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Stop by his website and peruse his cartoons. On his bio page he lists some "quasi-interesting facts" and I am really jealous that his first concert was Zappa! Mark also has a neat feature on his site where he showcases his daughter's artistic talents with pictures she's drawn through the years from age 3 to 8. There is also an online store where you can get all your 'Off the Mark' goodies.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I use a couple technical pens and a few Micron markers.

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

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I color using PhotoShop.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
I put my hand on the mouse and keyboard.

What type of paper do you use?
Smooth Bristol Board.

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

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I used to go to local stores until the materials became harder and harder to find. Now I mostly buy things online from Dick Blick, unless it's a cartoon emergency.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
No, I'll leave that to the ballplayers.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Sometimes when I'm inking. I listen to rock & alternative, mostly.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Peanuts was my fave. I also enjoyed MAD.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
The Far Side.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Green Eggs and Ham and yes.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I have a degree in Graphic Design from Salem State.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
A blessing. My work is seen by many more people than it would be otherwise and I have customers from all over the world.

Did either of your parents draw?
Not really.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Mother and wife.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Many. I'd be lost without them.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I've taught adult and children's classes. Not really my thing.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
I think you need both.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Wacky Packages.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Glenn Quagmire. (Editor's note: Giggity)

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

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

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
My studio is messy but organized.

Do you play any musical instruments?
No, just Guitar Hero.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Do it because you love it, not because you think you're going to get rich.

Who is your favorite artist?

Jim Meddick.

Thanks very much Mark!

New York Time's bestselling author, Skip Morrow, will share his answers with us next.