Matthew Cordell - Cartoonist/Artist Survey #51

Matthew Cordell is an editorial and children's literature illustrator who lives in the suburbs of Chicago. He grew up in South Carolina and moved to Illinois in 1999. His wife Julie Halpern who collaborated with him to create the children's picture book, Toby and the Snowflake is also an author of young adult books. Some of the other children's books he has illustrated are Righty and Lefty, The Moon is La Luna and Return to Gill Park. In September of 2009 the first book in which he did both the illustrating and writing came out entitled, Trouble Gum. Matthew has both a website and a blog, so go look around! Plus he is a Bob Dylan fan which makes him A-OK in my book.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I use Speedball nibs sizes B-5, B-5 1/2, and B-6. They tend to drive me crazy, and I often feel like I have no idea what I'm doing, but those are what I use. Love/hate, really.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
I've always drawn in pencil first. I would love to go straight to pen, but I just don't have the guts yet. Ticonderoga 2 HB.

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

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Watercolor. I typically use the junky pans (the kind kiddies use in preschool), but am considering ponying up for some better tube paints.

What type of paper do you use?
Lanaquarelle Hot Press 140 lb.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
In general, backgrounds. It's just so tedious and boring. But what're you gonna do? Sometimes, actually, I do without.
Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
When I lived near a decent art supply shop (Chicago), I would do the brick-and-mortar thing. It's nice to touch and feel, especially when considering new tool or product. But since we moved to Chicago's burbs, there's not one close enough. So I'm pretty much all Internet now.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Check email, sip coffee, clip fingernails, pet cat.... basically anything that's not drawing. Drawing's a scary, scary thing, man.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I have to have something going in the background. Usually music. Often Dylan. Sometimes NPR. I dig me some Terry Gross.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Absolutely. My fave was X-Men. Or Spider-Man.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Of all time: Peanuts. Of present time: Cul de Sac.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
GREEN EGGS AND HAM. Not the exact copy, but yes a copy.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I have a BFA in Graphic Design from Winthrop University (Rock Hill, SC). Plus miscellaneous art programs, classes, studies along the way. Nothing in pen and ink. Nothing in watercolor. Oh well.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
A big blessing. I wouldn't have the career I have today without the Internet. What a breeze. I mean, yeah, there are some things that are definitely unlikable about it, but I'm cool with it.

Did either of your parents draw?
Nope.

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

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes. An often-neglected one, but I do go through heavy sketchbook periods.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Never have.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Hmm. I suppose talent. Although, creativity might be better. A truly creative soul can seem to make something out of nothing. Or is that the same thing as talent? Passion is good too.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I collect books and Bossons. (Editor's note: I'm pretty sure that Matthew collects those neat, chalkware head wall plaques and not the Swedish singer-songwriter's memorabilia.)

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Julie sometimes says I sound like/say things like Hank Hill. I don't think I'm quite so unyielding, but she might argue the point.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Mail Carrier always looked pretty cool. Or Archaeologist.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
I've been cluttering one of the three bedrooms in our house. I can never seem to get organized.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I once played amateur-style hand drums. Only mildly embarrassed, admitting it.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Be nice, be cool, and be patient. There's a lot of competition out there, and if you're one that's not nice, not cool, and not patient, you will be cooked.

Who is your favorite artist?
At the moment, positively, John Burningham.

Thanks a lot Matthew!

Cartoonist and illustrator Rick Geary shares his answers next.

Jason Little - Cartoonist Survey #50!

Jason Little is a cartoonist and illustrator living in New York and is best know for his Ignatz Award winning online comic, Shutterbug Follies. In 2002 Doubleday released Shutterbug Follies as a graphic novel. The story is based on the character Bee who is a photographer and photo lab technician. While working at the photo lab she ends up keeping copies of the more interesting pictures she develops. The plot thickens when she develops some pictures that have dead bodies as their subjects. Jason uses many techniques including, rounded borders like old photos and panels that look like the are shot through a fisheye lens to highlight similarities between photography and the graphic novel. He has also created the comic book, Jack's Luck Runs Out which was release by Top Shelf Productions. Visit Jason's website and his blog.

What is your favorite inking tool to use?
I like the Kuretake brush pen. Unfortunately the ink isn't waterproof, so I'm experimenting with loading it with Kooh-i-noor Ultradraw, with a drop of windex in there to thin it.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
I've always used Colerase light blue, but have recently started using blue and indigo as well.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
In PhotoShop. I hate it. I want to watercolor right on the board. We'll see if I have the balls to do it.

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

What type of paper do you use?
Lately Canson watercolor paper, but I'm switching back to Strathmore bristol (300 or 400 series) which is harder and lets you scrape the ink off with a razor blade.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Both. I've found the Canadian website www.Currys.com good for some things that are unavailable in the U.S.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Brewing a pot of tea (P.G. Tips).

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Mostly www.WFMU.org , but also lately lots of renaissance chamber music (Atrium Musicae de Madrid) and prog rock (Gentle Giant).

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Tintin. Captain Marvel. Little Nemo.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Presently Ganges by Kevin Huizenga might be my favorite comic book.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Probably The Secret of the Unicorn by Hergé. Yes, I still have that copy.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I majored in art at Oberlin, but wasn't inspired by the drawing and painting classes so I mostly did printmaking and photography. Later I had guidance from professionals through internships. I had some very helpful criticism from Steve Geiger at Marvel, Mark Rubinchik at DiC Animation, and Jason Lutes and Dale Yarger at Fantagraphics.

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

Did either of your parents draw?
A little.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
I do, but it's mostly clogged with to-do lists and lists of books, records, and paintings. Occasionally I'll draw the people on the subway if I'm caught without a book to read.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I presently teach drawing to Sophomore cartooning majors at SVA. I enjoy it a lot. One of the models once told me that I was the most well-organized teacher she had ever met. My drawing has improved more quickly since I've been teaching then during any other period in my life.

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

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I've started collecting 3d comics.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.

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

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
I share a rented studio with Joe Infurnari, George O'Connor, Becky Cloonan, Vasilis Lolos, Kat Roberts, and Steve Ellis. Nice bunch of folks. It's in a building under the elevated F line in Brooklyn. I use the same desk I've had since I was a teenager, a folding "space-saver" (Alvin, maybe?). I've got a big black stack of institutional shelving pressed against the back of the table so I can keep books and pages organized. I have the tabouret from my teenage years at my right. I recently retired the Panasonic pencil sharpener that dates back to my teens as well.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Violin.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Consider whether or not you are an intrinsically high energy person. If you're not, like me, prepare to spend a lot of time working, and prepare to eliminate petty distractions from your life, like television, magazines, video games, and the Internet.

Who is your favorite artist?
It might be a toss-up between Hans Holbien the Younger and M.C. Escher at the moment.

Thank you Jason.

Coming soon are the answers from children's book illustrator, Matthew Cordell.

Bob Staake - Cartoonist/Artist Survey #49

Bob Staake, who lives right here in my own state of Massachusetts, is an illustrator, children's book author, designer and cartoonist. I really love his use of bold colors and shapes in his illustrations, especially his children's books which remind me of my childhood some, eh hem, 40+ years ago. His art has been used by Walt Disney, MAD, The New Yorker, TIME, Sony and many other corporations. He has written multiple books on cartooning including, The Complete Book of Caricature and The Complete Book of Humorous Art. Bob has been awarded the Reuben Award for Best Cartoonist in Newspaper Illustration and The New York Time's Best Illustrated Children's Books Award. There is a lot to see on his website including a paper model of his studio complete with cupola.

Being the geek I am, I had to build it...

What is your favorite pen to use?
Black Fountain Pentel.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Any pencil will do, though I like 3B's by Ticonderoga.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
All my work is digitally colored using PhotoShop 3.0.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
A combo of things. Acrylics, Prismacolors, watercolor, gouache -- it's always a mixed bag.

What type of paper do you use?
Cheap, white bond.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
I used to hate drawing horses. Probably because horses hate me. I fumbled through it, found a way to draw them -- now I LOVE drawing horses. Go figure!

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Again, white bond paper -- usually from Staples. I can only find Fountain Pentels at the MOMA store in New York, so when I'm in the city I stock up.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Yes, I try and remember to put on pants.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Mainly NPR in the studio.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Wasn't really a huge comics reader, but if I read anything it was probably those Harvey Comics (Casper, Little Wendy, Richie Rich). Never was into super heroes at all.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Der Struwwelpeter. No idea where my original copy went.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
No. I took art in high school, but never after that. In college at USC I majored in journalism and international relations.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
A blessing, of course.

Did either of your parents draw?
No.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Really, I think it was me. I worked very hard to get to where I am in my career.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
No. I draw all day and night for work. I don't have time to play around sketching.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes, I have taught and have written a number of books on cartooning/illustration.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
If you have a REAL talent, then you'll have the passion. Simple as that.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Vintage Fiestaware, Heywood-Wakefield furniture, Mid-Century Modern design, books.

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

Are you a righty or lefty?
Right.

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

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
A 3-floor studio with a cupola on the roof. It' my sanctuary, my own little world where I spend at least 18 hours a day.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Clarinet - and poorly.

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

Who is your favorite artist?
Diane Arbus.

Thank you Bob!

Cartoonist Jason Little is on deck with his answers.

Steve Lieber - Cartoonist Survey #48

Eisner Award winning comic book illustrator Steve Lieber lives in Portland, Oregon. Steve has done work for Dark Horse, Image, Oni, DC, Marvel and others. Some of the characters and properties he's drawn include Superman, Batman, Hawkman, GI Joe, Star Trek and Hellboy. He is best know as the artist for the graphic novels Whiteout and Whiteout:Melt. In 200 Whiteout:Melt won the Eisner Award for Best Finite Series/Limited Series. Last November the second edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel which he is co-author of along with Nat Gertler came out. I have the first edition of this book and it is quite good. Go to Steve's site and have a look around.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Whatever is handy.

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

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

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
I don't color by hand anymore.

What type of paper do you use?
Strathmore Bristol.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Things that aren't an important part of the story I'm telling.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Art Media in Portland is great.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
No.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
Tons. Power pop, punk, soul, oldies, whatever's on the speakers here at Periscope. My favorites: The Mountain Goats, TV on the Radio, Bob Mould and Fishbone.
Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Oh yeah. I didn't follow anything steadily. I could only by comics from flea markets and the like. My favorites were Peanuts books, MAD, Tintin, and any superhero comic I could get my hands on.
What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Still Peanuts.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
No one favorite. I read ANYTHING.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
The Joe Kubert School.

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

Did either of your parents draw?
Nope.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My wife Sara Ryan.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Not like I used to, but yes.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes and sometimes. A good student is wonderful. A lame student is a big pain in the ass.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
No opinion.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
No, but I accumulate comics and books like crazy.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Right.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Sandwich prep at a deli.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Cluttered.

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?
Be good at it and let people know.

Who is your favorite artist?
Comics: Jaime Hernandez
Story Illustration: Howard Pyle

Fine art: Degas


Thanks a lot Steve!

Reuben Award winning cartoonist, children's book writer and illustrator Bob Staake is up next.

Carol Lay - Cartoonist Survey #47

Carol Lay has been drawing professionally for over 25 years. Her work has appeared in MAD, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal and many other magazines. In 1992 she launched her comic strip Way Lay which runs in Salon, LA Weekly and is also printed in newspapers around the world. Carol got her start drawing for Mattel, DC, and Western Publishing (Disney books). At the same time she was writing and drawing underground comics for Weirdo and her own Good Girls comic. She has written a novel for DC that features Wonder Woman and the Justice League of America. In 2008 she released her graphic novel which teaches how to have a healthier lifestyle by incorporating low-fat cooking, calorie counting and exercise. She has a really fun website that has some original artwork, pins and prints available for sale.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Dip pens. I use vintage Hunt, Esterbrook, and other points for a variety of line weights. I also use Speedball B5, B5 1/2 and B6 (?) for panel borders and lettering.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Sometimes I rough in lightly with non-photo blue pencil, then I tighten up with an HB.

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

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Sometimes I use acrylics or watercolors and markers.

What type of paper do you use?
Strathmore 2-ply 500 series vellum (?) (I'm out of town right now so I can't check the labels)

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
I won't draw situations that are morally repugnant to me.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Some materials I buy online, some from my local art stores. Depends.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
No.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I mostly listen to books on tape or CD -- unabridged only.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
I sampled several, but didn't happen on the really good stuff so I was more interested in books. It wasn't until I was in college that I discovered ZAP comix, which influenced me. After college I finally studied comics in general from Kirby to Kurtzman to Barks.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Krazy Kat. When I was a kid I dug L'il Abner.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
The OZ books. I have a few of them still.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I took painting classes when I was young, and majored in Fine Art at UCLA. Got my BA in art, and then sat in on classes at a community college to learn practical drawing techniques.

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

Plus: it's a handy resource for music, images and information.
Negative: it's killing newspapers.

Did either of your parents draw?
My dad was a skilled wood worker, but not a designer. There were a few talented artists on my mother’s side of the family.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My parents, especially my father.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
No. I've archived my roughs and drawings, but I put loose pages into notebooks rather than keep a sketchbook.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I've only been a guest lecturer/teacher for friends who taught. It was enjoyable, but I’m not the full-time teacher type.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Passion, probably. A good idea can carry bad art better than good art can carry a banal idea.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I accumulate things of interest, but not to excess. The thing I pursue most is digital copies of books so I can be enlightened or entertained while I draw.

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

Are you a righty or lefty?
Right-handed liberal.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I'm a cartoonist (not "artist"). If I couldn't cartoon I would write fiction.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
A large vintage drawing table opposite a desk with a Mac and two monitors. A tabouret next to a small set or drawers holds paints, pens, and so on. I also use flat files and a large cabinet for materials.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I've just started learning an instrument -- more on that later.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Never miss a deadline.

Who is your favorite artist?
Cartoonist: G. Herriman or H. Kurtzman Fine art: Marcel Duchamp and Picasso.



Thank you Carol.

Next up are answers from Eisner Award winner Steve Lieber.

Alex Hallett - Cartoonist Survey #46

Alex Hallett creator of the comic strip Arctic Circle started cartooning full-time in 1999. Arctic Circle centers on the relationship between three penguins and is syndicated by King Features in newspapers worldwide. Alex received a degree in Biochemistry and did clinical research for 9 years until she realized cartooning was her real calling. Alex also provides cartoon illustrations for magazines, books, websites and e-cards. You can learn more about Alex at her website and her blog.

What is your favorite pen to use?
Dip pen and Indian ink with whatever nib isn't playing up that day.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
2B normal pencils as I haven't found a mechanical one I like the feel of. Sometimes I use blue pencil, as then I can avoid erasing, which I loathe.

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

What type of paper do you use?
Heavyweight cartridge, though I am tempted to switch to bleed-proof marker paper, as you can trace through it.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Birds in flight, plates of food with cutlery and anything when someone's watching over me.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Eckersley's in Prahran, Melbourne. Always fun carrying a big stack of A6 paper back on the bicycle.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Procrastination of any kind - New Year's resolution was to spend less time putzing around on the Internet.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I generally listen to podcasts. Webcomics "Weekly", NPR Environment, The Guardian's Science Weekly, This American Life, BBC Radio 4, etc.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Yes - grew up in Britain reading fantastic stuff like Whizzer & Chips, but my favourite was Krazy (like MAD magazine for young kids) before I got into 2000AD in the late 70s.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
You can't beat Calvin and Hobbes, but I wish people would just buy the collections and leave room for new stuff in the newspapers. Something more edgy, like We The Robots, would be superb (http://www.wetherobots.com/).

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Brendan Chase by B.B. I loved the idea of going off into the woods and being self-sufficient (ish). Yes, I think I do have a copy.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Nope - would like to find the time to do some.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Both, but more of a blessing - I get to work for a US syndicate, live in Australia and talk to my folks in the UK via Skype!

Did either of your parents draw?
No, but a grandfather did. My dad took up painting in his middle age and has progressed from bloody awful to quite nice.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My sister, Steph and a few friends who are keeping every greeting card I've ever sent them in the hope I become famous enough that they can flog them.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes, but I'm not very disciplined and go through waves of drawing. I'm enjoying one now and spent ages sketching stuff at the Melbourne Museum yesterday. Natural History is very inspiring, but unfortunately I had no ideas for Arctic Circle...

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I've done a couple of workshops. I did enjoy it, though it is important to target the right age - 7 to 12 year olds are my favourite. Tons of imagination and enough focus.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Passion which translates into bloody-minded perseverance.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I used to collect anything with Snoopy on it, but now I tend to go for utilitarian things like glass storage jars. I love the old Bell mason jars and one-day I'd like to have a productive enough garden to fill them with tomatoes, pickled veggies and jam (jelly).

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
I'd probably be Lucy out of Peanuts, I'm afraid - it's the bossy older sister in me. Though I've always hated the way she takes away the football from poor old CB.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty, unless opening jam jars.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Writer/science journalist.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
A Formica table (thanks, eBay) with an old door converted into a sloped drawing board sitting on top and a tray of pens, pencils and other drawing paraphernalia to the side. I have an endless supply of nibs I experiment with and a lot of correction fluid in various forms.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Not now, but I was a drummer at high school in a band called the Ricochet Lemons. I gave it up when we went into a recording studio and I found I have no sense of time.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Draw what you enjoy. Draw a lot. Always have something in the mail.

Who is your favorite artist?
Edward Hopper, Norman Rockwell and Alphonse Mucha in a three way tie.

Thank you for your time Alex.

Carol Lay, the creator of the strip Way Lay will provide answers for the next post.

Greg Ruth - Cartoonist/Artist Survey #45

Greg Ruth is a comic book artist, illustrator and writer. He has been working in comics since 1993 and has published work for The New York Times, National Geographic, DC Comics, Fantagraphics Books, Dark Horse, Wizard's of the Coast and many more. He has illustrated many children's books for such companies as Scholastic Books and Graphix/Goosebumps. He even illustrated two animated music videos - one for Prince and the other for Rob Thomas. He was the artist for Dark Horse's new Conan series, "Conan: Born on the Battlefield" which focused on Conan's early life. Greg also wrote and illustrated 3 of the Matrix comics stories, A Path Among Stones, Return of the Prodigal Son and Hunters and Collectors. In January of It would take me way too long to mention all of the work Greg has created so go to his website and click on everything.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I have a few handmade Japanese brushes I go to for just about everything. No pens!

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Sometimes I'll block it out in pencil, or render a sketch in pencil and then draw over it- I just use a #2 from a big box of Ticonderogas. Like the ones we used to take scan-tron tests in the 1980's. Nothing special.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I tend to color or at least manage the color on the computer. I've no natural sense of color, so I'm too slow witted to sort it out correctly on the page. The computer let's me scan and drop in swaths and tones and like an oil painting lets me build layers and correct errors.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
I never use digital colors- it doesn't look right with my drawings style-so I'll paint and then scan that in and drop it over. Sort of like the old four color printing process, but more convoluted.

What type of paper do you use?
I like the Strathmore Alexis series drawing paper. It's a nice cream color, takes the sumi ink very well, is durable and inexpensive so as not to encourage preciousness while drawing.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Huge crowds of people in period clothing in a historical setting. And superheroes.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I get my ink from a local art shop and order my paper from New York Central in Manhattan, and have that shipped up.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
I tend to wash my brushes- the sumi ink is terrible for them, so I really have to shampoo them every couple of days at least. Put on a record or some news podcast and hop to it!

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
That depends on what I'm working on. I have a kind of soundtrack for each project- especially for comics. So I'll put on a playlist of about thirty or so pieces that illustrate what I think of when I think about the story. Although I've been drawing the chapter illos for this Dickens story, and listening to a lot of PJ Harvey while doing it- and that makers no sense at all.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Never did really. You couldn't get them nearly as easily as you can now, and I was never much encouraged towards them.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Calvin and Hobbes and Little Lulu. Period. Two way tie.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Prince Ombra... Rodrick Macleish? I can't totally recall the author's name… but I loved that book when I was a kid. Also Alfred Hithcock and the Three Investigators. Read every one of those.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I do... I went to art classes in Texas as a kid growing up at my mom's behest, and then went to the High school for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston Texas- from there to Pratt in Brooklyn.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
An absolute blessing. It puts so much power to connect with readers and offers so much in the way of research... I can't imagine surviving without it at this point.

Did either of your parents draw?
My father dabbled, but he never thought it meant anything significant enough to do more with. He could have- he's quite good naturally, I just don't think he was raised to give it much credit.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
I would have to say my Mom was- she got me into classes young and literally forced me to go to HSPVA for High school- that place saved my life. Literally. So I don't want to think of where I'd be without her being there doing all that she did.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
I used to, but not much anymore. I don't have a lot of time to sketch and play like that these days with the kids and working in the studio to make the mortgage. That's the impetus for the 52 Weeks Project really... to bring some fun back into the studio. It's hard for your art not to become just work when you do it for a living. (Editor's note: Click on the little doggy at the top of Greg's website to view his 52 Weeks Project.)

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
I have- I taught fourth graders and did some after school classes at my boys' school and I loved it. Kids have such a natural affinity for art and pictures. Especially for comics- they did some amazing stuff in those classes.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Talent helps, but it can be a trap too- passion and hard work always win out in the end. And comics is a marathon event, not a sprint- talent might get you to the starting gate, but it's passion and hard work that will drag your exhausted butt over the finish line. Tenacity also helps a lot.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
I love records... and old books new books too I guess. Antiques, hats...weird photographs. Depends on the period of time I guess. I really want a banjo and time to learn to play it.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
The love child of Eeyore and Tony Millionaire's Sock Monkey.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Right in the hand- leftward in most other ways.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I can't imagine what that would be to be honest. Writer? Isn't that an artist? I'm no good at anything else. Reading would be a nice job.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
A cacophony of materials and objects in a moderate arrangement of order that is quickly overcome by wads of crumpled paper and paper towels all soiled with ink.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Not any more. But in my mind I'm an amazing banjo-ist.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Go full bore or not at all. It's too hard to make a living out of it if you're just playing at it. You have to make sure you do everything you can to make it happen and if it doesn't anyway, then you've at least tried your damnedest and can blame the rest on fate. And never take on work that you're not interested in. Make sure you love what you're doing while your doing it and remember to notice that- otherwise it's all just drudgery. And there's enough of that to go around already.

Also never ever never miss your deadlines. Don't do it. You can make a career off of this alone- and you can ruin a genius career by doing it’s opposite.

Who is your favorite artist?
That's hard to say. I have so many... right now I love Alice Neel, Francis Bacon, Egon Schiele and Goseki Kojima.

Thank you Greg.

Up next is Alex Hallatt, creator of the comic strip Arctic Circle. Her answers come all the way from Australia.

Lar deSouza - Cartoonist Survey #44

Lar deSouza is a professional illustrator, caricaturist and cartoonist who lives in Ontario, Canada. He is the cartoonist for the online comics, “Least I Could Do” and “Looking For Group.” In 2008 “Least I Could Do” was awarded the Joe Shuster Award for best webcomic. The Joe Shuster award was created back in 2004 to “raise awareness of the efforts made by Canadians who make, publish and sell comic books, webcomics and graphic novels.” Lar collaborates with his writer friend, Ryan Sohmer on both “Least I Could Do” and “Looking For Group.” Stop by Lar’s website, and then go check out his two webcomics, “Least I Could Do” which is updated six days a week and “Looking For Group” which is updated Mondays and Thursdays.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I'm a bit of a pen junkie. I love to try a lot of different ones. When doing live caricaturing it's the Dixon Markette. There's a Japanese pen that I've been trying to source though and the Pentel Brush pen is fantastic.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
When I'm pencil drawing I have a couple of 2mm mechanicals I use for convenience (one is non repro blue, the other HB). I have nothing against traditional pencils though.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I do my entire comic digitally - from the sketch to the inking to the colouring.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
PhotoShop CS4. And yes, it counts by hand :)

What type of paper do you use?
I currently have a Wacom Cintiq to work on, but I've had a variety of Wacom tablets over the years and love them all.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
I was thinking about this a long time and I think I have an answer. Telephones. Specifically I dislike drawing people talking on the phone. Compositionally it always poses issues with the one hand blocking the face.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
When I need supplies my first stop is a locally owned art store (Wyndham Art Supplies in Guelph Ontario). If I can't find what I want there I'll head to a chain store. I rarely order art supplies on line - I love the browsing experience too much.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Not particularly. I'll usually check my email and read my online comics while eating breakfast then get into it.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I have horrible taste. I could have said eclectic but that would be lying. I listen a variety of stuff from rock, pop rock, show tunes… a lot of comedy and novelty stuff too. Other than that I listen to a lot of talk radio while I work.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
I was a voracious comics reader as a kid. I went through Marvel and DC phases but always read a smattering of both. Spiderman was a constant favourite though. I liked team books too, like Avengers, Justice League, and the Legion of SuperHeroes. I also read a lot of books like Asterix and Tintin.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Ooo. Too hard to call. I collected Peanuts, B.C., Wizard of Id, Broom Hilda… the list just goes on.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Think think think. I still own many of my old comics and comic paperbacks. Nothing comic wise jumps to mind.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Yes, I received my diploma in Illustration from Sheridan College School of Visual Arts (Ontario Canada) in 1987.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
A blessing! Google Images is better than any reference morgue I ever had. And a curse when I'm in a distractable mood but have deadlines looming!

Did either of your parents draw?
No, but one of my older brothers did.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Probably that same brother, Gerard. We were two years apart and very close (still are). He ultimately went into animation and I went into illustration. My wife is hugely supportive of my work too.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
I do although I am less diligent about using it over the past couple years. I used to fill at least a book a year, now it's more like two or three years. I keep them all though and have them stretching back over twenty five years. :)

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Not formally taught. My wife is an elementary teacher so I've done some small guest-teaching with her classes from time to time. I have enjoyed it but I don't consider myself a teacher. I just love to talk art.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
There's not much point in having talent if you don't have the passion to use it and improve it.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Ha! Besides *dust*? Comics and art books for one. I have a huge collection of origami books too. I wouldn't call it a collection but I have a number of strange hats and any number of small toys in my studio to amuse me.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Hahahahaaa! Probably some early 1940s WB character with rubber hose arms, a bouncy walk and corny background music.

Are you a righty or lefty?
Lefty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Oh geez. Maybe something in the service industry. I like people.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Very, very messy. I have a long desk that is home to my computer, comprising the Cintiq and two additional monitors, a dvd player, some peripherals and a basket for my cats to sleep in while I work.

Do you play any musical instruments?
Does the jaw-harp count?

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Art is not hand/eye coordination but eye/brain coordination. Learn to see and never stop thinking or drawing.

Who is your favorite artist?
Too many to name. I'm not good with 'favourite' questions. I'd rather take it all in and learn from it.

Thanks very much Lar!

Next up is Greg Ruth who did a lot of the artwork for one of my favorite Dark Horse comics, Conan.

John Klossner - Cartoonist Survey #43

John Klossner is a cartoonist and illustrator living in Maine. John is well know for his technology cartoons that are mainstays in such publications as Computerworld magazine and Federal Computer Week. His work has also been printed in The New Yorker and Time magazine. Go to his website to see some great examples of his cartoons.

What is your favorite pen to use?
I use a #2 Winsor Newton Graphic Series 239 brush. I’m not sure if they make them anymore. I bought a case of them a long time ago. When I use a pen it’s a Rapidograph. Technology allows me to use pencil drawings more often.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Yes, a 2H. If the pencil drawing is for the finished piece, a 2-4B.

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

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

What type of paper do you use?
Bristol board, but more and more sketchbook/drawing paper – If I mention Canson will they send you or me some free product? (Editor's note: Good idea John! If there are any art supply, paper or pen companies out there that would like to sponsor David-Wasting-Paper just send me an email at dmp1234@yahoo.com.)

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
I don’t actually hate them, but cars take me a long time to work out.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Artist & Craftsman Supply, Central Square, Cambridge, MA. The least pretentious staff of any art supply store I have ever been to.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Grumble at loved ones.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I have a list of podcasts and radio archives I check in on. Lately I have been listening to the BBC radio comedy archives.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Oh yeah. I loved them all. I used to count the printed color dots in the Sunday comics section.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Pogo. Wash Tubbs and Captain Easy.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
Early Childhood: “The Silver Robin” (Don’t know who wrote it.) No. Teen years: “You Know Me Al” by Ring Lardner. Yes.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Took a lot of drawing classes at the local (Munson Williams, Utica, NY) museum as a child. Majored in Design at Buffalo (NY) State College, but learned more working on the school newspaper. (The Record!)

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Mostly a blessing. Having information at my fingertips and getting my work seen (and sent cheaply) around the world is a huge plus. For a generation of print cartoonists, however, it has changed the markets they had grown up with and developed in. I'd be interested in seeing an economic treatment of whether the web has increased or decreased the amount of money spent on art in print and electronic publishing.

Did either of your parents draw?
My mother painted when I was young and took it up again in retirement, having her first show at the age of 70. I couldn't be more proud of her. I hope I can still speak in complete sentences when I’m 70.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
The person who buys a drawing of mine.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
“A”?

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes. I find that teaching helps me as much as my students, as I have to think about the basics I’m trying to teach them.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Passion will make up for lack of talent. I’m not sure the opposite is true.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Books I intend to read. Emphasis on the word “INTEND.”

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

Are you a righty or lefty?
Lefty.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I’d like to be a good carpenter.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Never the same, two days in a row.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I used to play drums. I have a drum kit set up in my barn, in case my neighborhood evacuates.

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

Who is your favorite artist?
I have no clear favorite. There are so many talented people in this field that it makes my kidneys hurt.

Here are just couple from John's site that I found very funny.


Thanks for your answers John.

Ontario, Canada based cartoonist Lar deSouza is up next with his answers.

Lyman Dally - Cartoonist Survey #42

Lyman Dally's answers would have been posted a couple of weeks ago, but unfortunately they disappeared into cyberspace and never made their way to me. A special thanks goes out to Lyman who was nice enough to redo them AND he even supplied me with a bio to use. Thanks Lyman!

Lyman Dally, former skinny kid turned competitive bodybuilder who used his experiences to become a leading fitness/bodybuilding illustrator from the early '80's thru' 2007. Created sci-fi adventure series MAX REP in the Age of the Astrotitans which ran in Flex magazine and then Muscular Development magazine for a total of 10 years. Did over 5000 editorial illustrations for Muscular Development. Taught anatomy/life drawing at The Joe Kubert School of Cartoon from 1991-1996, plus lectured comic book anatomy at The Big Apple Cons in Manhattan from 1997-1998. Presently doing surrealistic paintings on the love of wine and an online cartoon about the economy. Websites where you can learn more Lyman Dally and see some of his work: Lymandally.com, Oentourage.com and Livingwithles.com .

What is your favorite pen to use?
I do 99% of my work with a Raphael Kolinsky #2 brush (orange handle). I even do most of the straight linework with this brush (the trick includes holding a ruler on its side).

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
I draw in pencil first using a #3H pencil.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Right now all by hand, but I'm slowly learning how to use PhotoShop.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
Windsor & Newton gouache and watercolors. If I'm airbrushing (yes, old fashioned airbrushing) I use Badger Air Opaque paints (do they still make these?).

What type of paper do you use?
For big jobs I like 4-ply Strathmore (the big sheets). For smaller, simpler stuff I love Strathmore Bristol 300.

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Cars and babies!!

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

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
Coffee in the morning along with reading The New Yorker. I seem to draw better in the early afternoons thru' evening.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I like spacey techno, 80's New Wave or dark moody stuff. Sometimes Gregorian Chants are fun.

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Superman, The Flash and The Incredible Hulk. I preferred strength-based superheroes.

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
I liked "Blondie" when I was young, Peanuts in grade school and The Far Side and Red Meat as an adult.

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
No. It was a library book on great escapes. I wish I owned it.

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I'm a good deal self-taught but I had wonderful experiences at The Joe Kubert School and a fabulous painting class (in '08) at The School of Visual Arts.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
BOTH! It's wonderful for research and promoting your work but HORRIBLE for real illustration jobs. If you look online everything is photos and text! No art.

Did either of your parents draw?
Mom was artistic and dad wanted to be.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Both of my parents and their friends.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Not really, but that is one of my New Year's resolutions.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Yes. I taught for 5 years at The Joe Kubert School. I got burnt-out on it near the end.

Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Passion uber allis, but talent is also important. I've met many enthusiastic artists with no talent.

Do you collect anything and if so what?
Wine. I love wine.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Conan the Barbarian-but I'm not sure he's ever been animated. Perhaps the most fun on a gender-bending slant would be Eon Flux!

Are you a righty or lefty?
Rightie.

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Probably be a fitness trainer. Or a wine salesman...

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Attic studio with money-green slanted walls, track lighting and a lovely window at each end that I can look out of.

Do you play any musical instruments?
No. Absolutely no talent (see question on talent above).

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
PERFECT YOUR CRAFT! Don't show the world your work before you've spent a lot of time and made it as good as possible. Also learn business and legal concerns so you won't get cheated and undermine the art business in the process.

Who is your favorite artist?
Boris Vallejo, Peter Paul Ruebens, Frank Frazetta, Richard Corben and Bernie Wrightson. I know that's not "one".

Below is a painting by Lyman entitled, "Heart of Glass." More of Lyman's work like this is available here .

Thanks again Lyman.

The next set of answers are from cartoonist John Klossner and with any luck should be posted tomorrow.