Are Cartoonists Masochists? And Why You Should Copy.
- Date: 2008-05-23 - Word Count: 540
Share This!
Well, no actually. However there is a point to the question. Cartooning is generally a solitary occupation. Whilst you may well be a very social gregarious person. And that is a good quality for a cartoonist as you will draw inspiration from many everyday things you see and do. It is a fact that you need to draw your cartoons for yourself.
It's an old adage but we all know the one "You can please all of the people some of the time....." etc. and you certainly won't please everyone with your efforts, so don't try. Draw your cartoons to please yourself, and if you've got it right, you will please (read entertain) most others. Getting back to the masochist thing, you will find that you are spending a lot, if not most, of your time in your studio, work area, wherever you do your stuff. Hunched over your drawing board, working and re-working your cartoons. Probably with an editor impatiently firing dealines at you.
So, you are in effect in self-imposed solitary confinement. In which case don't be afraid to make your cell as comfortable as possible. It's nice to have a window with a nice view. OK, that doesn't work for everyone if you are easily distracted, but then maybe you just aren't commited enough if your mind wanders that easy. Have a coffee machine so you don't need to leave the room. Music works for me, and depending on my mood, or what I'm trying to work on, can help enormously. Really whatever works for you, but there's nothing wrong with being comfortable.
As to copying, well it's a given that most cartoonists, if not all, start out by copying the work of a cartoonist that they admire. There's absolutely nothing wrong in that. It's a great way to learn tecnique, lettering, shading, etc. When you are just starting out grab afew newspapers, comics, or whatever. Find something you like the look of and start copying. It's amazing how quickly things start to come together. Before you know it you are drawing great looking cartoons of your own. Just remember, as soon as you have the mechanics of drawing cartoons down, stop copying and develop your own style. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but plagiarism is something else. Have your own characters and style.
As a final word in this article remember that cartoonists draw what they know, and if you are in tune with what's going on around you, and take notes as you go (best advice I was ever given, you have an idea write it down then, guarantee you'll forget it otherwise before you get home) you'll be a great cartoonist. And don't worry if you are of, shall we say, mature years, wishing to take up this great career. It's afact that most well known cartoonists had a few years under their belt when they began. There's no substitute for experience, I don't know of many 20 year old newspaper/magazine cartoonists.
Whatever you do, practise as much as you can, and remember the words of Winston Churchill when he was asked the secret of success. He stood up, went to the dias, said "Never, never, never, never, never, never, never, give up". And sat down.
It's an old adage but we all know the one "You can please all of the people some of the time....." etc. and you certainly won't please everyone with your efforts, so don't try. Draw your cartoons to please yourself, and if you've got it right, you will please (read entertain) most others. Getting back to the masochist thing, you will find that you are spending a lot, if not most, of your time in your studio, work area, wherever you do your stuff. Hunched over your drawing board, working and re-working your cartoons. Probably with an editor impatiently firing dealines at you.
So, you are in effect in self-imposed solitary confinement. In which case don't be afraid to make your cell as comfortable as possible. It's nice to have a window with a nice view. OK, that doesn't work for everyone if you are easily distracted, but then maybe you just aren't commited enough if your mind wanders that easy. Have a coffee machine so you don't need to leave the room. Music works for me, and depending on my mood, or what I'm trying to work on, can help enormously. Really whatever works for you, but there's nothing wrong with being comfortable.
As to copying, well it's a given that most cartoonists, if not all, start out by copying the work of a cartoonist that they admire. There's absolutely nothing wrong in that. It's a great way to learn tecnique, lettering, shading, etc. When you are just starting out grab afew newspapers, comics, or whatever. Find something you like the look of and start copying. It's amazing how quickly things start to come together. Before you know it you are drawing great looking cartoons of your own. Just remember, as soon as you have the mechanics of drawing cartoons down, stop copying and develop your own style. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but plagiarism is something else. Have your own characters and style.
As a final word in this article remember that cartoonists draw what they know, and if you are in tune with what's going on around you, and take notes as you go (best advice I was ever given, you have an idea write it down then, guarantee you'll forget it otherwise before you get home) you'll be a great cartoonist. And don't worry if you are of, shall we say, mature years, wishing to take up this great career. It's afact that most well known cartoonists had a few years under their belt when they began. There's no substitute for experience, I don't know of many 20 year old newspaper/magazine cartoonists.
Whatever you do, practise as much as you can, and remember the words of Winston Churchill when he was asked the secret of success. He stood up, went to the dias, said "Never, never, never, never, never, never, never, give up". And sat down.
Related Tags: cartoons, deadlines, cartoonist, cartoonists, cartooning, how to learn cartooning, practise cartooning, cartooning classes, political cartoons, cartoon ideas, cartooning course
Chris Haycock is an information publisher, one of whose hobbies is cartooning. For more information on cartooning, including details of a very special insiders course on cartooning, go to http://www.cartoonsforfunandprofit.com Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Kids Halloween Party Ideas
Hard to believe Halloween is just around the corner already. This is a very popular holiday especial - Inexpensive Party Favor Ideas For Party Guests
The cost of a gift is not the most important, but rather the thought behind it. There are different - The Major Benefits of Watching Funny Videos
Funny videos have gained a wide audience all over the world. This is due to the impact it has made i - Handy Things to Know About Concert Tickets
There are a lot of people that spend time and money going to concerts. This makes knowing the facts - Travel Magazine And How To Pick Up A Good Copy
Many people enjoy reading magazines. They are a quick read and can be picked up in many locations. M - Planning the Infamous Holiday Office Party
Ok, so you're in charge of planning the infamous holiday office party. If you've ever seen the TV sh - How to Choose Songs That Are Suited to Your Voice - So You Always Sound Fantastic!
Hello singers! In this article, you'll learn how to choose songs that compliment your voice… so you - Host a Professional Halloween Quiz This Halloween
If you are having a bunch of friends around for Halloween, why not give them a Halloween Quiz? If yo - Discovering How Popular Horror Movies Can Enhance Halloween Fun
Throwing a Halloween party? Why not make it a night with themes from popular horror movies? For, wit - The Art Of The French Revolution
The art of pre-revolutionary France was decidedly frivolous in its subject matter and deliciously de
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Complete Defenition of the 3D
3D computer graphics as seen on FaceYourArt.comA 3D rendering with raytracing and ambient occlusion - Unlimited Movie Downloads Tips - Pick the Best, Dump the Rest
Unlimited movie downloads have made it much easier for busy folks like us to watch our favorite movi - Get Your Alliance Character To 60 In A Week
You may have looked around on the internet for WoW power leveling guides and come up empty-handed or - Why Do We Gamble?
Why do People Gamble? Gambling is a past-time activity enjoyed by many people. Some play at hom - Video Poker (jacks or Better) Tips
Video poker made its entry in the 1970s. It has proven to be a popular form of gaming. Video poker o - Top 7 Video Games For Children Ages 5 - 8
Many parents worry about the video games available to children today with all the violence. However - Why I Love Strategy Games
A strategy game is one in which the skills of the play and his decision making combine to influence - Prison Break's Wentworth Miller: I'm not Gay
In an attempt to put a stop to the lingering gossip and to clarify his name once and for all, Wenthw - Guys, Valentine's Day will be Heaven or Hell for you...
Guys, I know it's not fashionable to get ahead of yourself for holidays. I don't buy Christmas gift - Comparing 6 String And 12 String Guitars
6-string or 12-string Acoustic guitar, which should you get? Both have pros and cons, and both are e