Chewing Pencils

6. Where have you been published?

I am published in various mediums, media, print and internet.

7. What has been the main way you’ve found good paying cartoon work

Advertising, networking and recommendation.

8. How did you get the idea to do the Christmas windows?

I was tired of seeing “stencils” plastered around Bendigo and thought it would be interesting to see my own pictures on the windows.

9. What did you fdo to get it off the ground?

My wife contacted local businesses to see if they would be interested in getting customised christmas toons.

10. How has it grown each year?

I have a limited amount of time, so I have VIP client list. IF I get time, those who approach me may also get one done. But I am very picky and it is not about how much I can earn, more about the quality of the pictures I provide. I start in mid November and finish in the first week of December. It is very hot and the sun can play a part.

11. Can you give us a brief run down on how you do each window?

I use brightglow products, which is for sign writing. I outline with a china pencil and fill it in with a white base. I then use the appropriate colour on top (two coats) and then i black and outline in white. Simple but time consuming. 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on size of the window.

12. Where can we see your window work this year?

Scattered around Bendigo.

13. Do you have any plans to expand this area of your cartoon career?

I think there is a market, but I would need to employ someone else to make a profit. It might be something worth considering later.

14. What sort of advice can you give to aspiring cartonists who have yet to find a market for their work?

Persevere. Keep developing your own technique and style, but learn from others. Watch and absorb what you can and then adapt for yourself. Life is all about learning.

15. Tell us a joke!

A doctor and a lawyer were talking at a party. Their conversation was constantly interrupted by people describing their ailments and asking the doctor for free medical advice. After an hour of this, the exasperated doctor asked the lawyer, “What do you do to stop people from asking you for legal advice when you’re out of the office?” “I give it to them,” replied the lawyer, “and then I send them a bill.” The doctor was shocked, but agreed to give it a try. The next day, still feeling slightly guilty, the doctor prepared the bills. When he went to place them in his mailbox, he found a bill from the lawyer.  

Below is a step by step example of how Grant produces his Christmas windows. If you have any questions for Grant, please leave them in the comment section and I’ll invite him to answer them.