News & a collection of some of the most frequently asked questions about cartoons and the art of cartooning....

   

   

   

   

   

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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ToonMaker.com News

 
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.

 

January 2008

Jack's Teaching Schedule at the John C. Campbell Folk School Announced

Jack’s scheduled John C. Campbell Folk School classes are:

  • Cartooning for Kids at the John C. Campbell Little/Middle Summer School Program: June 2008 (details TBA)

  • Caricature, the Art of Cartoon Portraits: October 24th-26th, 2008

  • Basic Cartooning and More: March 8th-13th, 2009

Watch for additional classes and dates to be announced...

 

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


 

 


 

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.
 

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.

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.

 

 


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.
 


Links

 


 

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