Phil Hands - Cartoonist Survey #273

Phil Hands is an award-winning freelance cartoonist, illustrator and writer, who was born in October of 1980.  He grew up in Detroit, MI and started drawing at a very young age.  He started having his cartoons published in the Grosse Pointe News when he was still in high school.  He graduated from Kenyon College in 2003 with a double major in Political Science and Studio Art.  During his four years at Kenyon he was the cartoonist for the school’s newspaper, The Kenyon Collegiate.  In 2005 Phil moved to Madison, WI to attend graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  He drew cartoons for that school’s newspaper, The Daily Cardinal, as well.  While at UW-Madison working towards his Masters in Journalism and Mass Communications, he was honored with a first place finish from the Associated Collegiate Press for best editorial cartoons.

He currently draws editorial cartoons for the Wisconsin State Journal in Madison, Wisconsin as well as contributing illustrations to other sections of the paper and writing columns for the opinion page. Phil’s cartoons are also distributed internationally through Artizans Syndicate. Being a political moderate, his editorial cartoons don’t pull any punches with either side of the aisle.  For three years straight (2005 – 2007) the Milwaukee Press Club chose one of his cartoons as the best for the year. He has also received national first place awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and was even a finalist, along with other staffers at the Wisconsin State Journal, for 2008’s Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing.  His cartoons have also been published in TIME Magazine, The Washington Post and USA Today.

A member of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, Phil lives in Madison with his wife Tricia and their son Owen.  Visit his Phil Hands Cartoons website to see much more of his work as well as his Madtoons blog and his blog at the Wisconsin State Journal.  You should also his check out his Facebook page which he updates regularly.  As a side note, Phil is also a huge Green Bay Packers fan, but I won’t hold that against him…Go Patriots!

What is your favorite pen to use?

I ink with a brush. My favorite pen is a Micron number 01.

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

Mechanical.

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

Computer.

What type of paper do you use?

I use 100 lb smooth Bristol board.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?

Large crowds.

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

I buy what I can from local stores but I order specific items I can't always find.

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

Drink coffee.

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

I always listen to something when I draw. Usually news and talk shows. Occasionally I'll listen to

Irish Music, Hip/Hop, Country or the Grateful Dead.

What was the first job as a cartoonist/illustrator that you were paid for?

Editorial Cartoonist Grosse Pointe News.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?

Calvin and Hobbes

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

Sneetches, my son has it now.

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

I have a Bachelor's in Art.

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

Both of course. It's easier to share my cartoons with people. It's harder to get paid.

Did either of your parents draw?

No.

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

Mom, Dad, wife.

Do you keep a sketchbook?

Yes.

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

Yes. It was just OK but I don't think I'm very good at it.

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

Passion can lead to skill, but you can't learn talent. I'm a skilled artist, but not all that talented.

Do you collect anything and if so what?

I collect little Christmas village houses and characters but if you tell anyone I'll have to kill you ;)

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

No clue.

Are you a righty or lefty?

Righty.

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

Editorial page writer and columnist, or Architect.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.

I have an exceptionally messy desk in the attic of my house.

Do you play any musical instruments?

Guitar and Harmonica.

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

Quantity breeds Quality. Draw lots and don't worry about making it too perfect.

Who is your favorite artist?

Bill Watterson

Thank you very much for participating Phil!

Tom Stiglich - Cartoonist Survey #264

Tom Stiglich is a cartoonist, illustrator and graphic designer who was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1966. He started drawing when he was very young, and while he was still at Northeast Catholic High School, had his first cartoon published by the Philadelphia Daily News. After high school he studied at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and graduated with a degree in Visual Communications in June of 1988.

Now working at a weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Tom has had his editorial cartoons printed in most of the major papers including, USA Today, The New York Times, The Chicago Sun-Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer and many others. His cartoons have been featured in numerous magazines such as Time, Newsweek, Newsweek Japan, Mad Kids, Funny Stuff and Comic Relief. In addition to magazines and newspapers, his editorial cartoons can be found in J.P. Trostle’s “Attack of the Political Cartoonists” and also regularly appear in Charles Brooks’ annual book series “Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year”. Tom has been awarded the United Nations’ Citation of Excellence three times, and has had his work displayed at the Charles M. Schulz museum in Santa Rosa, California.

Tom’s work isn’t limited to cartooning. He has created illustrations for various children’s books such as “Woe is I Jr.: The Younger Grammarphobe's Guide to Better English in Plain English” and both “Goin’ To The Zoo” and “Hate That Thunder” for the bi-lingual Mandy and Andy series of books.

A member of both the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists and the National Cartoonists Society, Tom was recently nominated along with Nick Galifianakis and Kevin Kallaugher (KAL) for the 2012 NCS Divisional Award in the Advertisement Illustration category. Visit Tom’s website where you can see more of his editorial cartoons, read his two strips, ‘Uncle Joe’ and ‘Disconnected’ and order prints. There is also a Tom Stiglich CafePress store where you can purchase t-shirts, hats, mugs and other goodies.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Believe it or not, Papermate Black felt tip. I've tried some of the finer pens and I've stayed with these.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Yes, standard yellow #2 pencil.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Color with Corel Draw and Photoshop

What type of paper do you use?
Anything I can steal from the office. That stuff adds up.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Horses. Damn horses. The legs seem to be going the wrong way.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Usually Blick and Utrecht here in Philly.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Have a clean art table, bottle of water and turn on the music.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Music is a must. Rock and Blues. Mostly Eric Burdon and the Animals, The Doors, Stones, Springsteen, Ray Davies and The Kinks, RL Burnside, Muddy Waters, etc.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Yes, Sgt. Rock.

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?
The "Stand", Stephen King. Yes, still have a copy. I was amazed how much fun reading was when it wasn't required reading from school.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Yes, Art Institute of Philadelphia.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Both. More exposure than ever before, yet, leading to the ultimate demise of newspapers.

Did either of your parents draw?
Yes, my mom was a huge influence.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My girlfriend, Audrey.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
No, I should. Mostly scraps of paper that I stole from work. Recurring theme here.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
No.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Both. There has to be some talent there to start, then passion will play a big part. How bad do you want it?

Do you collect anything and if so what? I collect too much junk.
Lots of Peanuts merchandise and Bobbleheads all over the place. Do you have any extra space I can store my stuff?

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Cuckoo Man from The Mighty Heroes.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Right handed.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Play basketball overseas. Need to work on my jump shot.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Organized with lots of pens. HATE looking for something when I'm drawing.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Harmonica.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Work hard, dedicate yourself and you'll see results. I would steer them towards animation only because, working at a newspaper company really gives you a sense of where everything is going. Print isn't dead but it's on life support.

Who is your favorite artist?
Charles Schulz. An amazing cartoonist and an even better person.

Thanks again for your time Tom and enjoy the Reuben’s!

Charles Beyl - Cartoonist Survey #258

Charles Beyl is an illustrator, designer, cartoonist and educator who was born in April of 1961. He studied fine arts, graphic design, illustration and advertising at Washington State University and received a BA in 1984. He furthered his art education in 2006 when he earned a Masters degree in Illustration from Syracuse University. Charles’ illustrations and cartoons appear in numerous books, newspapers, magazines and advertising campaigns. A partial list of his clients includes, Johns Hopkins University Magazine, The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education, McGraw-Hill, Viking Penguin Inc., Houghton Mifflin Inc., United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Science Teachers Association and Land's End.

His humorous illustrations are a perfect fit with books designed to target children. “Learning to Slow Down and Pay Attention: A Book for Kids About ADHD”, “Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet: How to Deal with Bullies”, “My Parents are Divorced Too: A book for kids by kids”, “Annie's Plan: Taking Charge of Schoolwork and Homework”, “Mind Over Basketball” and “Learn with Yoga ABC Virtues” are just a few of the more recent publications that have had his illustrations grace their pages.

Charles is a member of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, and he draws a weekly editorial cartoon that is published by the Lancaster Sunday News. The cartoons are also uploaded here on his blog and the Charles Beyl Illustration Facebook page.

When he isn’t working at his studio located in a 19th century farmhouse, he teaches illustration and graphic design at the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Charles, his wife Tracy and their family live in Mountville, Pennsylvania. Head over to his website to see much more of his work and follow him on his blog and on Facebook.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I use Kuretake brush pens. A student of mine turned me on to them a couple years ago and so far, I think they are the best.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
I always draw with a pencil on paper first. Prismacolor blue and black.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I use the computer. An iMac with a big, glorious screen.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
I like to use gouache, Dr. Martin's dyes.

What type of paper do you use?
Strathmore tracing paper, Strathmore 500 series bristol.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Bad ideas, mine or other people's.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
We have a couple good local stores. If they don't have what I need I shop online.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
I turn on my favorite radio programs or music.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I listen to a huge variety of music, plus tons of NPR news shows. I am a news junkie.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
When I was 4 my grandparents gave me a subscription to Disney comic books and I looked at them even before I could read. From there it was on to Archie comics, then a clandestine relationship with MAD. I also loved CARtoons when I could find them.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Two comic strips were always must reads when they existed: "The Far Side" and "Calvin & Hobbes." Now my favorites are: "Dilbert" and "Bizarro."

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
My favorite book was "Moby Dick" illustrated by Rockwell Kent. I own reprint now but I'd love to own a first edition. Kent was the man.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I went to Washington State University for my undergrad degree and Syracuse University for a Masters degree in Illustration.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Of course it is both. You can get sucked in and waste tons of time but it can just as easily put you in touch with information, cultures, ideas, and people that you'd never be able to meet in one lifetime.

Did either of your parents draw?
Not in a professional way. My dad would draw plans for wood working projects. He loved to work with his hands.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My mom and dad were very supportive. Dad would bring home paper from his office that was blank on one side and I kept a stack in the family room. They always encouraged me to draw.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes, but it is not as elaborate as many of my artist friends sketchbooks. I am so jealous. My books are mostly filled with rough ideas of things I want to turn into cartoons.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I teach at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design in Lancaster, PA. I love telling students about my experiences and helping them learn how to make art their life's work.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
That's a great question. You won't make it without both.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
My wife and I love to buy art and over the years we've collected pieces we absolutely cherish.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
I was a big fan of Jonny Quest and would have loved to been him. His dad and Race were super cool. They had their own plane and jet packs!

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Professional surfer or high adventure guide.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
A cozy island with everything I need within reach. Including my two dogs.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Not really. I have a harmonica that when the spirit moves me, I'll pick up and try to jam with whatever music I have on. It's not for human consumption though.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Draw as much as you possibly can. Study your heroes in art. Be a student of the world and never stop learning.

Who is your favorite artist?
There are so many to list but here are a few: Rockwell Kent, N.C. Wyeth, J.C. Leyendecker, Ben Shahn, Pablo Picasso, Pat Oliphant, Gary Larson, Robert Patierno, Bill Peet, Margret and H.A. Rey, Ed Roth, Thomas Nast, Maxfield Parrish, Saul Steinberg and many, many more.


Thanks again for taking the time to participate Charles!