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General FAQs |
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News | Links
ToonMaker.com News…
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March 2008
Caricature Class at Campbell Folk
School
Five students recently completed Jack's Cartoon Portrait course at the John C. Campbell Folk School. During the weekend course and they all drew at a frantic pace and produced some fine caricatures. Pictured are:
(L to R) Jesse, Lee, Georgette, Christine and Jerry.
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January 2008
Jack's Teaching Schedule at the John
C. Campbell Folk School Announced
Jack’s scheduled John C. Campbell
Folk School classes are:
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Cartooning for Kids at the John C. Campbell Little/Middle Summer School Program: June 2008 (details TBA)
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Caricature, the Art of Cartoon Portraits: October 24th-26th, 2008
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Basic Cartooning and More: March 8th-13th, 2009
Watch for additional classes and dates to be announced...
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August 2007
Out of the Boxx
Jack recently designed and
illustrated the logo for a new publication
from
California, titled "Out of the Boxx". The
monthly publication is a labor of love by Joyce and Ladd
Miller, former publishers of ProTooner. The journal is
aimed at cartoonists, writers, comic art collectors and
fans. This is a fun and useful publication for anyone
interested in this funny business...
Funny Business, the Art in
Cartooning DVD's Now Available!
 Your chance to order a copy of any of Jack's "Funny Business, the Art in Cartooning" TV shows.
Click here for more info
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July 2007
| A Kind Word
by Cartoonist Scott Adams
of “Dilbert” fame.
Scott Adams’ comic strip “Dilbert” appears daily in hundreds of newspapers world wide. His characters have also appeared in many books and motivational materials and are licensed for many uses. Dilbert has become a favorite of workers in the Corporate World. Scotts’ Dilbert also has a strong Internet presence. It was to his Internet fans that this letter was written.
Read Scott's letter here.
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April 2007
Tribute to unsung heroes of
the funny business of cartooning.
In professional cartooning there
are several ways for a cartoonist to come up with
ideas. The first is to generate all of his/her ideas
alone. Next, the cartoonist may exclusively use ideas
generated by professional humor writers. Finally, the most
common method used by active cartoonists is to generate
their own ideas about half the time and to use gags
submitted by professional writers the other half. While
writers are compensated for the ideas a cartoonist sells,
they rarely receive recognition for their creative products.
They are truly unsung heroes of the funny business of
professional cartooning.
Some of the talented writers Jack has worked with over the years include: Rex May, Lloyd Byers, Harald Bakken, Rex Stein, Coke Ellington, Norb Otto and others.
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Comics Conventions
Each year throughout the U.S. a
series of ComicCons appear in many different cities. These
Conventions usually celebrate Comics and Cartoon Art.
Visitors will find many booths displaying collections,
original cartoon art and a wide array of other interesting
subjects. Most ComicCons are family friendly and make for
fun and informative outings.
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General FAQs
When did you start Cartooning?
I started when I was about four or five years old.
What’s the best preparation for one who wants to be a Cartoonist?
Read, write and draw extensively.
Are all Political Cartoonists mean people?
Some of their targets think they are. However, most are just
passionate about their ideas.
Are there Professional Organizations related to Cartooning?
Yes, there are a number of organizations catering to Cartooning and
Cartooning specialties.
Are there Professional Publications or Journals associated with
Cartooning?
Yes, there are a number of fine magazines, journals and newsletters
related to Cartooning and Cartooning specialties.
Who is your favorite Cartoonist?
I don’t have one favorite cartoonist, rather a collection of many
past and present Cartoonists whose work I’ve admired over many
years.
Are most Cartoonists left handed?
Indeed, many are.
Does it cost much to get started Cartooning?
Start-up costs vary, but generally it’s only the cost of good paper,
pencils and a few quality pens.
I’m incarcerated in a maximum security prison, can I be a
Cartoonist?
One of the nice things about being a free-lance Cartoonist is that
you can do it from nearly anywhere.
How does a Cartoonist get ideas?
Most Cartoonists get ideas from observing and listening to daily
life. However, there’ve been rumors about a huge secret “idea
computer” located in a secure underground installation somewhere
near Seattle.
Is it difficult to sell a comic strip?
Yes, but like the lottery, you can’t win unless you play. Don’t quit
your day job.
ToonMaker Course FAQs
Do you have to be able to “draw” to be a Cartoonist?
No, but it helps.
I want to take a course, but I’m not sure which one I should take
first.
If you’ve had no previous art or design training, the best course to
start with is the “Introduction to Cartoon Drawing and Lettering
100.”
How long will it take me to complete a ToonMaker.com course?
Most of the courses are designed with ten to twelve lessons.
Students should be able to complete a course in a year or less. It
really depends on your comfortable working speed.
I’d like to learn Cartooning and do it as a hobby. Would a ToonMaker.com course be right for me?
Yes. Whether you intend to Cartoon for a hobby or to eventually sell
your work professionally, ToonMaker.com will get you started in the
right direction.
I’ve had some drawing and painting classes. How do I find out if
I’m eligible for “Advanced Placement”?
Contact Jack by email at ToonMaker.com and ask.
Will I receive grades for the lessons I complete in a ToonMaker.com course?
Standard letter grades are not used in the ToonMaker.com program.
We’re more interested in you learning the appropriate process for
the specialty or type of Cartooning you study. As with many things,
practice leads to improvement.
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