Milt Priggee - Cartoonist Survey #41

Milt Priggee is an editorial cartoonist who got his start freelancing with the Chicago Daily News, the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times. In 1978 he became the first regular cartoonist for the weekly, Crain’s Chicago Business. The Journal-Herald in Dayton, OH made him a staff editorial cartoonist from 1982-1986. Next he created cartoons for The Spokesman Review in Spokane, WA from 1987-2000. Milt is currently self-syndicated, with his work being reprinted in such publications as The New York Times, Newsweek, Time, and the Washington Post. He is the past president of The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists and has won numerous awards for his work. He is also a fairly recent grandpa! You can see more about Milt at his website.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Any Uni-ball pen but most of my inking is done with an A. J. Langnickel brush #3, 700 series German sable.

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

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
For reproduction purposes- computer.

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

What type of paper do you use?
Strathmore-Bristol-smooth surface.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Whatever is suggested by somebody who believes they know what is my personal opinion.

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

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Not really...just a little warm up doodling.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Just about anything....but most of the time I have the TV on. When I'm writing it's off.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
I loved them all....strips, books, Mad, Eerie and Creepy.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Grin and Bear It by George Lichty, Big George, Conchy, Steve Canyon, Calvin and Hobbes and Non-Sequitur.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Great Fighter Pilots of WWII....and yes, I still have it.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Expanded art major in college with an emphasis in drawing...at Adams State College, Alamosa, Colorado.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Blessings definitely outweigh curses.

Did either of your parents draw?
My parents met in their HS art class.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Yesterday- My HS art teacher Glenn Messersmith. Today- anybody who appreciates what I produce...but especially book illustrator John Sandford and comic strip cartoonist, Wiley.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes, whenever I find the time...which is NO.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
YES- I substituted for friends who were teaching and it was OK. Most students don't care to learn or the interest for the subject and I don't have the calling to teach.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
One or the other is needed...and if you have both yer in a league with the masters. If you don't have either -yer in the wrong field.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Music, art 'n' cartooning collection books and memories.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Gertie the Dinosaur.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Staff Newspaper Editorial Cartoonist.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Controlled chaos...

Do you play any musical instruments?
Played trumpet a long time ago...

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
The same advice my Dad gave me....draw, draw, draw. The art world will get along just fine without you, so if you're serious about making it....you better start hustling. (he also used to tell me quite often back in the 60's that before I was finished with my career that I would be drawing on a computer)

Who is your favorite artist?
Oliphant, Fischetti, Mauldin, Sokol, Lichty, Kruger, Yeagle, Sandford, Wiley, Watterson, Frazetta, Drucker, Kubert, Cobb, Kurtzman, Plympton, McCay, Schmid, Currier, Levine, Sargent, Sundblom, Michelangelo, Moran, NC Wyeth, Remington, Lester, Huston, Heinrich Kley and Mucha.

Thanks very much Milt.

Lyman Dally, cartoonist, bodybuilder, illustrator and lover of wine shares his answers next.

John Holmstrom - Cartoonist Survey #40

Underground cartoonist and writer John Holmstrom, started his career as an assistant for Will Eisner and Harvey Kurtzman in 1974. In January of 1975 John created PUNK magazine and in 1976 it was published. Filled with comics and articles on punk rock, the magazine helped bring to the forefront such bands as The Sex Pistols, Blondie and The Ramones. John did the artwork on the back cover for the Ramones album, Rocket to Russia and then drew the front cover of their Road to Ruin. In the 80's his character Bosko, "America's Least Favorite Cartoon Character", appeared in many well known magazines such as Heavy Metal and High Times.

In 1987 he started working for High Times full time as a cartoonist with the very popular Hep Cat strip and eventually worked his way up to President of the company. He left High Times in 2000 and now he continues to create work for independent books and punk rock bands. Head over to John's blog for some great reading. While there I found out that John shares the love I have for the old TV show, "Combat!"

What is your favorite pen to use?
My current favorite is the Faber-Castell PITT artist pen, which comes in a few different widths.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
First I sketch in pencil, then I finish the sketch with a marker pen, then I put another sheet of paper over that, trace the outline with a light artist pencil (4H), then go over that with an HB artist pencil (which I always heard was Jack Kirby's favorite), then I fill in with the pens.

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

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
N/A

What type of paper do you use?
Usually Strathmore Bristol, 1-ply.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Anything unusually and unnecessarily complicated, like crowd scenes, or backgrounds that require a lot of research. Often, clients want the whole world in a 6-inch square that emphasizes everyone in the drawing. These are the most unpleasant situations. Less is more.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I buy from the small art supply stores in my neighborhood, New York Central and Utrecht.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
No rituals, but it does take me a while to get focused enough to sit down and draw. Sketching or doodling I can do anytime. Doing a job requires a lot of concentration.
Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I play oldies, from the 1950s through to the 1970s: rock 'n' roll, acid rock, garage rock, punk rock, surf, glam rock, etc.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Our family loved the Sunday Funnies (as they were called back then) so much that my sisters and I would have physical fights over who got to read the comics section first. This was back in the 1950s and early 1960s, America's Golden Age. I especially enjoyed strips like Dick Tracy, Blondie, Bringing Up Father, Nancy, Lil' Abner, Pogo, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, There Oughta Be a Law, Steve Canyon and Little Iodine. I would read other strips when we visited relatives and I got to read Alley Oop, Miss Peach, Price Valiant, B.C., Snuffy Smith and others. That was like discovering the New World. I would also read the single panel gags in The New Yorker and any other magazine I could get my hands on. I think LOOK ran them as well. Weird to think how so many people were able to make money on stuff like that back in the day...

I remember reading a book about early newspaper strips that I borrowed from the library in 6th grade. Suddenly I learned about The Yellow Kid, The Gumps, Thimble Theater, Krazy Kat, Little Nemo, Polly and Her Pals, Felix the Cat, and the history of Mutt And Jeff as well as so many others. I wanted to steal that book so much that I just about memorized it. When book reprints of stuff like Krazy Kat, Little Nemo and "Dreams of a Rarebit Fiend" came out in the 1970s I bought everything I could. Of course I was amazed when I saw Gertie the Dinosaur for the first time, and impressed by other early animations by Windsor McKay, Pat Sullivan and others.

We also watched Saturday morning cartoons religiously, which had the same impact on my love of comics as printed cartoons. We especially liked Warner Brothers Looney Tunes and the Fleischer Brothers' Popeye cartoons, but we watched everything, like those ever-present Harveytoons with Casper the Friendly Ghost. (Where have you gone, Milton the Monster?)

My sister introduced me to MAD magazine in 1961, the "upside-down" year. This warped my mind completely, as Don Martin taught me how to draw feet.

After that the biggest thing for me was those 1960s Marvel comic books: Steve Ditko's Spider-Man and Dr. Strange, Jack Kirby's Fantastic Four and Thor, Don Heck's Iron Man, every Marvel artist's take on The Incredible Hulk, etc. I even read stuff like Kid Colt Outlaw, Two Gun Kid, Sgt. Fury and Millie the Model. I was very influenced by Art Simek and Sam Rosen, their letterers. By this time I wanted to work for Marvel when I grew up and figured that if I couldn't break in as an artist I could always be a letterer.

I even read Archie comics and some DC stuff, as well as ACG Group's Herbie, Forbidden Worlds, and Adventures Into The Unknown and Wally Wood's Tower comic books (THUNDER Agents, etc.).

Jim Warren's Famous Monsters, Creepy, Eerie and Vampirella were also among my favorites--those were amazing comic books. I still remember seeing Creepy #1 at the newsstand and being blown away by the great artwork as soon as I opened it. And then, of course, there were the Warren photo comics, such as The Horror of Party Beach, which was a big influence on PUNK magazine's Mutant Monster Beach Party.

In high school, I discovered underground comics and bought just about everything by Crumb, Shelton, and everyone else. Along the way I discovered artists like Spain, Rick Griffin, Bill Griffith, Art Spiegelman, Robert Williams, Vaughn Bode etc. I would travel 100 miles to New York City and buy all the comic books you couldn't find in Connecticut.

I have many other favorites but don't want to bore everyone to death.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
In my adulthood I find that I most appreciate the late 1950s/early 1960s Atlas comics like Strange Tales, Journey Into Mystery, Tales of Suspense and Tales to Astonish. There's a great Website that displays the covers and some of the interior pages: www.atlastales.com

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Like comic books and strips, I didn't have just one favorite, although I still have my copies of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, illustrated by Norman Rockwell.

The paperback book I treasured as a teenager is "Wonder Wart-Hog, Captain Crud, and other Super Stuff." This is the most amazing compilation of 1960s college humor/U.G.comix material ever. It was designed by Terry (Monty Python) Gilliam, features Gilbert Shelton's early Wonder Wart-Hog, an early Vaughn Bode comic, Frat Man by Joel (ABC News) Siegel, Harry Shearer and the amazing Hank Hinton. This book introduced me to underground comic books before they existed, and featured a story written by (Jovial) Bob Stine, who became my editor at Bananas magazine ten years later. (editor's note: Bob Stine, or R. L. Stine went on to write the popular "Goosebumps" series of books.)

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I went to the School of Visual Arts for two years. The first year was all painting, drawing and color classes, which gave me a lot of knowledge and discipline about human anatomy and how to draw. The second year I learned comics, cartoons and humor from Will Eisner and Harvey Kurtzman, who both helped me started as a professional later on.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Definite curse. There is no longer an economic model for artists to get paid properly. I talk with a lot of other artists and we find it difficult to believe that the 1970s were a Golden Age for making money drawing comics. You know, I drew a one-page, monthly comic strip back then for a magazine and it paid my expenses. If you drew a record cover you could make enough to live on for half a year, and become famous to boot.

Did either of your parents draw?
My father was a professional commercial artist, who worked as a forger for The Great Escape at Stalag Luft 3 during World War Two. He published a small book after the war with his illustrations, which had a huge influence on me. My mother was a wannabe, always attempting different creative projects and pushing her kids to do art. But I rebelled against my parents by going into comics, which was disdained by both of them.

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

Do you keep a sketchbook?
I have a few hundred notebooks with sketches, but nothing as formal as an official sketchbook.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I taught a course in publishing fanzines at SVA in the early 1980s and it was sheer torture.

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

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I have remnants of my childhood comic book collection, and once in a while I'll buy an old comic book if it's cheap enough. I collect Paranoia magazines and other odd print artifacts. Of course, I have a lot of John Holmstrom artwork and collectibles. I think I have the best collection in the world!

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
I AM an animated character and I live in my own cartoon.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Right-handed.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I've already worked as a writer, editor, art director, publisher, dishwasher, floor sweeper etc. Whatever I could make the most money at. That means, nowadays? Probably a dishwasher.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Professional art table tucked away in a small corner of my bedroom with nowhere near enough space for everything.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Kazoo.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
The same advice I got in the 1970s but ignored: "Develop another skill to support your love of drawing." Back in the 1970s, the advice was "become a paste-up and mechanicals artist," which meant learning magazine layout and commercial art. Sometimes I wish I had learned it, but on the other hand, never learning it forced me to rely on my art, and today it is a totally useless skill. So I am not sure if that is good advice or not. Now I guess people need to learn all of these computer programs. But if you want to be a real artist? I think it would be better to avoid computers altogether. So, maybe I shouldn't be giving anyone advice.

If you want to be a great artist or writer? Do what my eight grade teacher told me to do: get on a tramp steamer. Experience life. Travel. Have many love affairs, and a lot of sex. Take risks. Climb a mountain. Go to Europe. Do something new, something no one else ever did before. Open your mind. Being an artist means a lot more than just drawing pictures.

I think that in this new millennium, there will be a greater distinction between fine artists and media artists, whereas in the 20th century, media artists (like magazine illustrators) will be recognized as true artists, and abstract art will become less relevant.

If you want to become an artist, you'll need to study art and art history intensely and try to figure out where the future is going, and how you can fit yourself in.

Who is your favorite artist?
Tie between Steve Ditko and Leonardo DaVinci.




Thank you for giving such in-depth answers John.

Editorial Cartoonist, Milt Priggee's answers are next.

Skip Morrow - Cartoonist Survey #39

Skip Morrow is a cartoonist, greeting card designer, illustrator and entertainer. He is well known for his “I Hate Cats” and “The Joy of Smoking” cartoon compilation books. As a greeting card designer he is contracted to Recycled Paper greetings and has over 1500 designs published. Some of the clients that have used Skip’s illustrations are Coors Brewing Company, CBS, Frito-Lay, IBM and Virgin Atlantic Airways. Prior to 1980, music was Skip’s full time profession. He has been performing professionally, playing guitar, the piano and singing since 1974. He even put out a CD with his wife, Laraine, called Partners, which you can order here. Check out Skip’s website here.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Wacom or Sharpie extra fine.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Dixon Ticonderoga 2.5 (standard pencil).

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Both, but mostly Computer since 2001.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Dr Martin's.

What type of paper do you use?
Strathmore Bristol.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
The back of anybody's head.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Mostly off the web and catalogs.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Sharpen several pencils.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I love music. That's why I can't listen to it when I draw. I find it way too distracting. For some strange reason, I prefer listening to NPR talk shows all day.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
No.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
I've never followed comic strips.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
You know, I honestly can't remember.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Yes, started with Photography at Rutgers University. Took one figure drawing course in my senior year and got hooked. I've carried a sketchbook with me ever since.

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

Did either of your parents draw?
No.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Mary Votano. (It's way too long a story.)

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Always.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes, I often am asked to visit schools talk about what I do.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Passion. The talent will follow with enough practice.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Art books.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Yes.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I honestly don't know.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Large Glass top light table, big enough to also hold my 30 inch monitor, Wacom tablet
and keyboard.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I play Guitar, Piano, and I sing. I also have been performing professionally for forty years.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Find your own voice and refine it.

Who is your favorite artist?
That's the hardest question of all.

Thank you Skip.

The next set of answers will be from underground cartoonist and writer John Holmstrom and will be post #40 of the Cartoonist Surveys.

When I started sending out these questions I never thought I would receive so many responses from these wonderful artists from all over the world. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to my unsolicited emails and also to everyone who has been reading these and enjoying them. OK...thank you to everyone who has been reading these and is NOT enjoying them too.

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.

Sketchbook Fish

Between shoveling snow and updating the Cartoonist Survey posts I haven't had much time to draw, but here is a page of cartoony fish I did in my sketchbook last week.

Joe Bluhm - Cartoonist Survey #37

Joe Bluhm is a caricaturist, character designer, illustrator and painter. He got his start working for Kaman's Art Shoppes where he was a live caricaturist. Now he is one of the world's best caricature artists. He has been invited to be the seminar presenter at the National Caricaturist Network (NCN) international caricature convention on multiple occasions. In 2003 he was awarded the highest international caricature recognition, the NCN's 'Caricaturist of the Year'. Joe has traveled the world, including as far away as Tokyo, demonstrating his caricaturing process. His book, "Rejects" is a must see. Last year when I was taking a cartooning course, "Rejects" was referred to repeatedly. He started his own publishing company, Art Squared Publishing, that put out his newest book, "Sketch Infectus." You can find out more about Joe at his website, his blog and his publishing company.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Currently it's between the PENTEL POCKET BRUSH PEN and the PILOT HI TEC C. They both do very different things and both are very enticing.
Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Sometimes I use pencil (less than I used to), but when I do it's typically a cheap 'middle-school grade' soft #2.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Both. I love to paint in Acrylic and Oil, use colored pencils, design markers (PRISMACOLOR), and markers. I also like to illustrate and paint in Adobe PhotoShop with a Wacom Cintiq.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
(See above)

What type of paper do you use?
ANY and ALL.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Good question. I'm not too partial to dragony, wizard, pixie concept art. I also hate Manga.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Both. There is a nice local art store where I currently live, as well as Michael's and Hobby Lobby. I also do some shopping online when I can. When I was in New York (just moved away) there were more options that were very unique, and I really like that. Localism for businesses is great, if you've got art stores in your area.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Warm up. Doing a sketch before you commit to an illustration or design loosens my hands, gets my sight in line and gets me ready. Every time I draw, it takes a couple sketches to get really ready and warmed up, so it's important to get through those relatively 'bad' sketches before the paid work or work that I am really focusing on.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Almost always. Blues, rock, indie rock, classical, etc. I also like talk radio and audiobooks, sometimes movies or TV shows that I'm VERY familiar with so I don't have to pay attention.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Wow... I really liked Calvin and Hobbes and many other Sunday strips. I also really like a lot of current stuff. With recent and current work (as far as ART goes) I like Bill Sienkiewicz, Carlos Nine', Tom Richmond and Hermann Mejia of MAD magazine... I don't keep up with comics as much as I'd like to, so names are not coming to me right now. As for writing, I really like more ridiculous stuff like SCOTT PILGRIM. Online comics also are getting very popular, my friends Lar deSouza and Danielle Corsetto do great work.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
That's tough. I really like Scott Pilgrim, but was really into classic stuff like Calvin and Hobbes. BONE is also a great comic with amazing line work and inking.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
"SCARY STORIES to tell in the dark" creeped me out as a child, and if you find that series of books now with the original illustrations, they really hold up today. Expressive, creepy and wonderful.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I attended the Cleveland Institute of Art and left early to do live caricatures and start doing freelance illustration. I probably learned more on the job doing caricatures and starting on my own than I did in 3 years of school.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Both. It changes the 'game' which is always tough, but if you do a little extra work and keep up with things, it can really help an artist's exposure.

Did either of your parents draw?
My mother is an amazing artist but did not pursue it. She is very proud and was (and is) my biggest fan and critic.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My mother and my art teacher in Elementary and High School.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Several. I'm not very organized, so I have a lot of them laying around, half or a quarter full. I don't sketch as MUCH as I'd like to, but I keep trying.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Very little, but yes. I have trained caricature to artists across the world, and that's where I probably was most qualified at the time. I like teaching, but I'm hesitant to take it on in a bigger scope until I feel I have more experience to impart. Young teachers are often good, but they lack the years and experiences, which I feel, are crucial. For practice, I've given many seminars and presentations on caricature, illustration and my work, to various groups like caricature organizations and art students. I also do podcasts and record my digital art processes for others to see at http://bluhmdigitalpodcast.blogspot.com/.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Both breed each other. Passion is more important than anything.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Some artwork. I can't say I collect anything enough to say that I'm a "collector". Maybe reference and art books.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Oh. um.... not sure. Me.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Right-handed.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Not sure. I have interests in LOTS of areas. A golfer? A designer... a business man... maybe a physicist. Actually, I'd probably go into some form of publishing. I've already started a small company, "Art Squared Publishing" (here) and really enjoy the process. I also like attention to detail, so supervising and directing is natural to my logistic brain.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
I love character, the figure, animals and objects with personality. I typically focus on characters and character in illustration, animation, and fine art.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Guitar, bass and drums. I used to play the clarinet as a kid, but that didn't stick.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Do it every day and be receptive, open-eared and fearless.

Who is your favorite artist?
THAT is tough. Perhaps James Jean, Peter de Seve or Sebastian Kruger. I like too many artists to have a 'favorite'...

Thank you Joe.

Winner of the National Cartoonists Society's 2009 Newspaper Panel Cartoon Award, Mark Parisi, will have his answers posted next.

Barbara Dale - Cartoonist Survey #36

Cartoonist Barbara Dale's line of alternative greeting cards is edgy and funny. Her drawings have been on millions of Dale greeting cards, mugs, calendars and gift products. Barbara is the co-author of "The Joys of Motherhood." Her work has been published in newspapers and magazines such as The L.A. Times, The London Herald, Redbook and Cosmopolitan. She is currently working on creating children's books. Stop by her website and then go to her cafepress store and buy something.

What is your favorite pen to use?
When I'm drawing with a pen on paper, I use an old dip pen with a nib on it manufactured by Esterbrook, which has been out of business for many years. I have a lifetime stash of the nibs, though. I've collected and hoarded them.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Sometimes, I draw with pencil first, just a regular pencil, and sometimes I don't need the pencil. These days I'm mostly drawing on the computer using a Cintiq 21UX.

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

What type of paper do you use?
I used to draw on bristol board, but now just any kind of paper.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
I hate to draw mechanical things, like cars and machinery. Water wheels are pretty bad, too. Lots of buildings in a city, ugh!

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

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Before I start to draw, I fix the feeling of the character on my face and feel it throughout my body. It helps me to get the expression right.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Sometimes I listen to music. Either Motown or classical.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
I did read comics as a kid. I liked all of them. Particular favorites were Superman, Archie and Richie Rich.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
I read the Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew. I don't have any of those as I raised a boy.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I attended Cranbrook Academy of Art and The Seattle Academy of Realist Art. I believe deeply in education and having a full toolbox.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
I am hoping that the Internet will save all of us, once people figure out how to monetize it.

Did either of your parents draw?
My father drew cartoons.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
I have many friends who support me in my work.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
I have many, many sketchbooks.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I have taught cartooning once a year at a local middle school, which has a writing festival.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I collect vintage cartoon characters and advertising figures.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
If I were an animated cartoon character I would be Tweety Bird.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
If I weren't a cartoonist I would be an interior designer, flower arranger, or pastry chef.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
My drawing area for the computer is a laptop on a desk with the Cintiq to the side. My drawing area for pen and ink is a drawing board with pictures and signatures of famous cartoonists above it.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I used to play guitar.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
I have absolutely no advice for someone who wants to pursue drawing. Wait, I'd tell them to connect what they do to the Internet...and hope for the best!

Who is your favorite artist?
My favorite artist is Saul Steinberg.

Thank you for your time Barbara.

The wonderful caricaturist Joe Bluhm will be up next.

Nik Scott - Cartoonist Survey #35

UK born, Australian cartoonist, Nik Scott has had his cartoons and illustrations published worldwide including such countries as Australia, the US, the UK, Canada and Finland. His work has appeared in such publications as the Sydney Morning Herald, Rolling Stone, the New York Times and the National Lampoon. Nik is the illustrator of over 100 books! He is a member of both the Australian Cartoonists Association and the National Cartoonists Society. His work has been exhibited in Boston, Sydney, Melbourne, Vienna and Paris. Stop by Nik's website and check out some of his work.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I use a Rotring fountain pen with Noodler’s ink or a Zig felt tip if I’m drawing on paper but most of my work is done on computer with a Wacom Cintiq. For very fine work I use various dip pen nibs but their model numbers are written too small for me to read so I can't pass them on.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
No, I just let the lines fall where they may. This is because I'm very impatient. I do work out a thumbnail first but that's in pen too.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Both. However coloring by hand is quicker and much more fun.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Watercolors (mostly W&N) with a DaVinci series 35 no 7 brush.

What type of paper do you use?
I use simple lay out paper for line drawings. For watercolor I use a 'pen n' wash' paper (Draw & Wash by Art Spectrum). I don't like the chalky surface of watercolor paper.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
The inside of clocks. Bicycles. Waterfalls.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Both, but mostly from websites. I'm in Australia and I often buy from the UK where our dollar currently buys more. Postage from the US is too prohibitive. Jackson’s Art Supplies and Bromley Art Supplies are my favourite stores in the UK.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
I spend a little while doodling while reading the papers and staring into space. This either gets me in the zone or sends me to sleep.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I work in silence, as I can never find the right CD in the right case at the right time.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
I grew up in the UK and enjoyed all the usual UK comics like Eagle and Beano. However I'd go out of my way to find DC comics and was a big fan of all things Superman, Action and World's Finest etc. My father had several Feiffer collections and it was those that really tickled me the most.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
I don't have one now. My favourite used to be 'The Fosdyke Saga' by Bill Tidy. Later on my favourites were all from the Underground comics. I especially loved the work of Willy Murphy and Justin Green.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
I was very fond of a particular Babar book about Babar visiting The Island of the Birds. The drawings were superb. Sadly I lost my copy and I believe it's now a rarity.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I went to the National Art School in Sydney, Australia that mostly was life drawing. I also did a graphics course (pre-computers) run by seedy old ex advertising men who only ever talked to the women in the class.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
A blessing. I can now sell my cartoons everywhere. Before I only sold within Australia.

Did either of your parents draw?
My father used to draw cartoons to spice up his letters. He inspired me as did a painter friend of his named Paul Maze. I was exposed to a lot of Maze's work. He drew several sketches for me and I'd marvel at the speed, simplicity and accuracy of his line and would try to copy it.

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

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes, always. I guard it fiercely as it has lots of terrible drawings in it. Friends invariably pick it up and say, “what's this meant to be?”

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
It's not my strong point. Sometimes I teach the children of friends. Next time I see them they've given up drawing completely.

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

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I'm not a collector but I have somehow ended up with almost every cartoon book ever printed. I never look at them anymore. My mission now is to somehow unload them at a profit before I die.
If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Barney Rubble.

Are you a righty or lefty?
A righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Anything that allows me to work from home and spend my life with my wife and daughter. I've spent my time in the regular workforce and find my family's company preferable to that of work colleagues and bosses.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
An upstairs room with windows on three sides and views over the hills. Two workstations, one with computer/Cintiq, the other with paints and paper.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I used to play the guitar and trumpet and put in many hours enthusiastically playing 12-bar blues with other musically challenged friends. I pawned the guitar and never looked back.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
I'd say 'Go for it'. However I'd also say, “Work in real job for a while to save up for the right computer equipment etc.” I'd then go on to point out that it's the cartoonists who can market themselves that get the big bucks.

Who is your favorite artist?
Bosch. He's still ahead of his and our times.

Here is one of Nik's cartoons he sent along to post.

Cheers Nik!

Cartoonist, writer and illustrator, Barbara Dale, is up next with her answers.

Jack Pittman - Cartoonist Survey #34

Jack Pittman started out working for the Raleigh, North Carolina newspaper, "News and Observer" as an illustrator, cartoonist and also as a courtroom artist. His client list is like a Who's Who of Fortune 500 companies including Kellogg's, Time Warner Cable, Coca-Cola, Newsweek magazine and the National Geographic Society. He is a three-time winner of the National Cartoonists Societies Reuben award, twice for Best in Advertising Illustration and once for Best in Magazine Feature Illustration. He has a great website. I really enjoyed looking at the Cartoon Maps that are in his Portfolio section and his Sloth Races cartoon is now taped to my refrigerator. Make sure you also check out Jack's blog.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Gillott 290.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
For sketches, an HB. For final drawing to be inked, a 2H.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I work in both traditional media and with a Cintiq.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Winsor & Newton watercolors, and FW acrylic inks.

What type of paper do you use?
For sketches, laser copy paper. For finished art, Strathmore 500 series and Fabriano hot press watercolor paper, 300lb.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Can't think of anything I really hate to draw. I suppose drawing for clients who don't have a clear idea what they want so that many unnecessary revisions are involved.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Both, but mostly local Jerry's Artarama.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Maybe a few warm-up sketches.

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

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Yes, Spider-Man.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Pogo.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Thomas Craven's Cartoon Cavalcade. I still own it.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I think cartoonists are mostly self-taught. But I did take the Famous Artists Schools cartooning course and won a scholarship for the Art Instruction Schools advertising illustration course. My degree is in architecture and included drawing classes.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Very much a blessing for reference. But it has vastly impacted the artist profession and led to the demise of many print markets.

Did either of your parents draw?
Both could draw somewhat, but not professionally.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My parents and my children.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
No.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes. I've found I enjoy teaching/mentoring advanced students more than those who are just beginning.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Talent is more important for artistic rendering, but passion is more important for persevering and achieving financial goals.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Books, original art, DVDs.

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

Are you a righty or lefty?
Lefty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I also play in a blues band. I would either do that or play with a symphony.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
It's a converted dining room with French doors to the deck. My 5-foot drawing table and flat files are on one wall and my Cintiq/computer is on the opposite wall with the stereo.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I play percussion semi-professionally, and play piano and guitar for personal enjoyment.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
I generally advise young people not to go into art unless they absolutely must. There is so much rejection and difficulty in earning a living, and it requires a thick skin and self-confidence. I figure those who will ignore the discouragement will have the tenacity and passion necessary to succeed. I also advise those who are serious about it to learn as much about all types of subjects, in addition to art, because the cognitive skills will be more important in communicating to a larger audience, and also give them an edge when competing against equally-skilled draftsmen.

Who is your favorite artist?
So many... hard to narrow it down to one. Jack Davis, Walt Kelly, Mort Drucker, Heinrich Kley, Willard Mullin, Hal Foster, Lee Lorenz, Gene Colan, Bernie Fuchs, Dean Cornwell, Charles Dana Gibson, James Montgomery Flagg, Frank Frazetta, Bob Peak, Mark English, Andrew Wyeth, Alma-Tadema, Bougereau, Vermeer and Bernini.

Thank you Jack!

Keelan Parham - Cartoonist Survey #33

Keelan Parham is a cartoonist from Florida who specializes in caricatures and comic book illustration. His work has appeared in many forms of media including children’s books, magazines and comic books. A member of the National Cartoonists’ Society, he is the author of “Let’s Toon Caricatures.” Keelan owns his own company, Caricature Connection which provides caricaturing for special events, corporate functions and individuals. Don’t live in the Florida area? Don’t worry, you can fill out the online order form and receive your caricature digitally or in the mail. If you are ever at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom you can stop into one of the Caricature Connections retail locations. Stop by Keelan’s website, his blog and also Caricature Connection.

What is your favorite pen to use?
My Wacom pen on my Cintiq is my real favorite. I'm a digital guy, mostly. For non-digital work, I prefer the PITT Brush pens or the Tombow Brush pens.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
I do sketch things out first. When I'm on paper, I use non-repro blue pencils to sketch with.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Definitely on computer. In PhotoShop.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Besides cartooning for clients here out of my studio, I still draw caricatures at live events sometimes ( Caricaturing is where I got my start). Occasionally I draw my work at events in color. When I do, I color them in Chartpak Ad Markers ( I love how they blend ), or I paint them with watercolors.

What type of paper do you use?
At live events, I use 100 pound card stock. When I am doing studio work and NOT drawing it all digitally ( which is rare ), I use whatever I have lying around... usually just copy paper, and scan it in.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Anything mechanical. Buildings, cars, motorcycles... anything that's not flesh and blood, I don't like to draw it. But of course I have to all the time.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I buy stuff from my local store, Art Systems, in Orlando.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Not really. Ummm, eat, maybe? I eat 5-6 times a day, so yeah, that's usually a safe answer. Or I read. I'm always reading.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Actually, I have never been a big music listener when I work. I listen to radio shows and podcasts on iTunes these days. Coast to Coast AM and FutureQuake rule!!

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Oh yeah, I always read comics. Still do. Are we talking comic books or comic strips, by the way? I was usually more into comic books, for the record. My favorite as a kid was probably Justice League, Action Comics with Superman, or SpiderMan.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Without a doubt, Dennis the Menace. I am so thankful that Fantagraphics has been reprinting all of them these past few years. Ketcham was a genius. I learn something every time I look at his strips.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
"The Little Engine That Could", which was a Little Golden Book. And yes, I believe I do have a copy somewhere. I also have a copy of the first comic book I ever owned, an issue of Action Comics.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, and got a BFA in Illustration. I graduated a LOOOONNNGG time ago.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
It's been a huge blessing to me as an artist. I am constantly getting inspiration from artists I find on the Internet and I've made many talented friends through it. Plus, don't even get me started on how valuable I find it as a reference tool! I remember having "morgue" files of reference photos. Google Image is the only way to go!

Did either of your parents draw?
My Mom is actually very talented, but stopped pursuing art as a career when I was born. She still draws and paints some for fun, though. That's definitely where I got my talent from.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Both of my parents have always been very supportive, as were my Mom's parents, my grandparents. For the last seventeen years, though, the MOST supportive person has always been my wife, Barbie. That's in everything, not just my art! Now my two daughters, ages 11 and 3, are big fans of Daddy's work as well. They both have drawing talent too, by the way.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Many. Many unfinished ones. I sketch a fair bit, but I kind of have sketchbooks stashed all over my house, my car, etc. So I have a lot of them going, but it takes awhile to finish one of them.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I have taught cartooning to kids at various times over the years, and I do enjoy it. I'll probably do it again in the near future at the school my daughters go to.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Passion. That's an easy one. I've known a lot of talented people who never made it as working artists. Conversely, some of the most successful artists I know weren't all that talented when they started out, but just kept practicing. They had the passion, the drive, and it paid off for them in the long run.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I guess you could say I collect books, I have so many of them. Books on cartooning, comic books, and books on conspiracies and religion are my favorites.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Superman. Why not be the best, you know? But I really like Plastic Man, as well...

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty. Although, I actually draw pretty well with my left hand as well. And either foot. Don't ask. I just had to try it one night...

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I'm sure I'd be an Elvis impersonator. Seriously. I did that for a short time long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
My office/ studio is here in my home, and on it's walls are caricatures of ME by some of my friends and heroes whose work inspires me. I've got pieces by David Cowles, Sebastian Kruger, Stephen Silver, Tom Richmond, and Al Hirschfeld.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I took piano for ten years as a kid and can barely play anymore. But, I do have a nice piano right outside my studio and I like to plunk around on its keys every once in awhile.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Here's the honest truth - there are talented people all around you. You're not entitled to anything just because of your talent. You still have to work for success, like everyone else. But if you keep at it, and treat art as a real job, you CAN succeed. And I can't imagine any other job that is as fun and rewarding.

Who is your favorite artist?I could say Al Hirschfeld or Hank Ketcham... they would both be good answers. And I do really admire them, and constantly learn from their work. But really? I have to say my favorite artist is God. Maybe it sounds cheesy, but I don't care. Every morning I see the sunrise, every evening I see the sunset, and I am blown away. The Universe and everything in it is His canvas. Nobody else even compares. Know what I mean? (Editor's note: Yes I know exactly what you mean. Nothing like being in a canoe out on a lake at 5:00 in the morning with the fog burning off and the sun just peeking over the trees...perfection.)

Thank you Keelan!

Next up will be the Reuben Award winning cartoonist/illustrator, Jack Pittman.