Chewing Pencils

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 style to their advantage. But for me at least, it only makes my work look terrible. But there is a way around it….

At an online gathering of cartoonists a while ago, one artist shared this tip with me. He said, “Draw it big and then reduce it.” What he meant was, make the original cartoon at least twice the size you need it to be, and then reduce it by either computer or photocopier. That way, any imperfections in the line are reduced and your work looks smoother.

Good advice that has worked a treat. Try it.