Chewing Pencils

This week we head off to the USA to visit the studio of Lola (L - O - L - A, Lola! Sorry, couldn’t resist). While you’re there, be careful of some of the office supplies on her desk. They seem to have a life of their own.

Read on to find out more.

NAME: Lola Akinmade
AGE: 28
LOCATION: Washington DC Metro Area
SITE URL: http://www.officesuppliescomic.com

How long have you been drawing cartoons?

It wasn’t until the last six, seven years that I started drawing seriously and creating strips. Before then, I just dabbled and actually worked as a student cartoonist for my college paper.

What made you start to think more seriously about making some money out of it?

Even though I created Office Supplies many years ago, it wasn’t until earlier this year that I officially launched the website. Right now, I’m trying to build readership because I believe the premise transcends more than its core 9-5 cubicle audience.

That’s my top priority

Have you done any formal training? If so, what and where?

I have no formal cartooning training unfortunately

Where was your first cartoon published?

My first cartoon was published in the The Spur - a college paper way back in the nineties. It feels so long ago, doesn’t it??

What materials do you use to create your work?

Legal size 8.5 x 11 white paper and my black markers - Sharpies. I love that stuff.

What hardware and software do you use?

Regular old scanner and once I get them in; I use NetStudio to make the text presentable and clean it up. Nothing fancy.

From where so you draw your inspiration?

I work as a system designer and so I’m usually typing away on my keyboard, drawing and sketching out ideas, travelling on business, jumping from meeting to meeting, looking for items in my cubicle, arguing with tech support, etc. You get the drill. Pure unadulterated inspiration for a strip called Office Supplies.

What are some of the resources you’ve found most helpful?

As I am slowing learning the ropes of the cartooning industry, the web in general is an amazing resource - a cesspool of endless information. Friends and family are always sending me ideas and tips. Like “Hey! Do something with a paper copier!” or “What about the new iPhone? Make the cell phone jealous!” etc

What is the best piece of advice you have EVER been given? The worst?

I would have to say the best piece of advice I got was to stay true to my style. In its pure simplicity, I give life to a pen through expressions and gestures that communicate what the “lifeless” pen is actually feeling.

The worst advice actually came from a close friend who suggested I create a “gangsta” version of the comic strip. I don’t know where that came from. I sure hope he was kidding.

Take us through the process you use to create one of your drawings:

I post 3 strips a week - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Sometimes, it takes the night before a scheduled post when an idea comes and I sketch it out. I usually do 1-2 in one sitting.

How long does it generally take to create one piece?

It takes just a few minutes to sketch out an idea. The lengthy process is actually scanning the darn thing and making it web ready. I’ve got it down to a science now though.

What do you find the hardest to draw?

The drawings are so simplistic in their rendering. Coming up with witty liners that people can associate with is more of the challenge. Outside of cartooning, I am an oil painter

What do your friends and family think of you being a cartoonist?

I work with a group of developers so we get a chance to geek speak and they totally relate with it. My family loves sending ideas when they pass or even look at an office supply item. “Hey! I just saw a sharpener! Do something with it!”

What do you think is the best part about being a cartoonist?

Right now, the best part of being a cartoonist is sharing my unique sense of humor with others - it blends technical, dry humor with lively, social banter. This is an insight into the dynamic of me as a person - a core technical programmer who is also an artist on many fronts.

What has been the standout post on Chewing Pencils for you? Why?

Without a doubt, “Top Ten Tips for Becoming a Professional Cartoonist” has got be the standout post. And a lot has got to be said for you gladly helping out other up and coming artists in a very competitive industry. So cheers!! I also love the Friday Feature Artists section as well. Very inspiring.

Thanks to Lola for being part of the fun this Friday. Make sure you visit her site!