Chewing Pencils

One of the things I really appreciate about the professional organisation that I am a member of is the quarterly magazine Inkspot.
It’ always good to hear what’s going on in the lives of some of your cartooning buddies, but the real benefit comes from the shared knowlege and opinions given about cartooning and illustration issues.
For instance, […]

I’m frequently asked by aspiring cartoonists about the software I use to create my cartoons. For many, this question is simply part of their research into improving their craft. For other, it seems to be part of a search for some sort of Holy Grail that will turn them instantly into famous cartoonists…
If you’ve been reading […]

Now this is one interesting site!
Andy’s Early Comics Archives has a wealth of information on the history of cartoons, and images dating back to around 300AD! Something I found really interesting was his article on the evolution of the speech balloon - there are heaps of examples so it takes a while to download if […]

If space is at a premium for you, and your drawing desk also functions as your computer desk, sewing desk or whatever other desk, you’ll find that the tangle of chords hanging over the back quickly become a nuisance. They restrict the movement of your computer ‘bits’, take up extra room and generally look ugly.
Fortunately, […]

Have you heard about the phenomenon that is “Snakes on a Plane”?
Perhaps this is the first time in history that the general public have had such a huge influence in how stories are told in popular culture. The reports state that there was even a four day re-shoot based on what fans were suggesting around […]

If you’re reading this, then you already have access to a computer. And there’s every chance that it is good enough for you to use to make money from your drawing cartoons.
But there’s also a good chance that you’re thinking of upgrading or even getting something brand new for the sole purpose of enhancing your freelance […]

Ahhh, the eternal Mac versus PC debate!
Is there anything that has caused more fights and arguments amongst the art fraternity than this? I don’t know, but in the forums I frequent you can almost guarantee that at least once during the year, this discussion will raise its ugly head. And usually somebody ends up crying…
Perhaps […]

I read this today:
Cartoons are particularly a unique species. They require different criteria of assessment and approach. Unlike editors and news analysts, cartoonists may not feel obliged to present all sides of the story. Rather they make a blunt assault on the characteristics of their subjects, and pride themselves on being selective in their presentation.
And […]

Tip 11:- Always remember family comes first.
I tend to be fairly driven. That is, when I want to get something done, I’ll put every effort into seeing it happen, becoming almost blind to what is happening around me.
Sometimes it is a good thing. Sometimes it leads to nothing but trouble.
In my early years as a […]

I think it has a medical name but I can’t quite remember what it is. In any case, I suffer from “the shakes”. That is, I can’t draw a straight line without a ruler. If I try to, the line looks like it was drawn in the middle of an earthquake.
Some people have used this […]