Having A Funday

Here's a promotional video I made a while back.  I didn't realize, I'd not posted it here.  I hope you funsters enjoy this.  Thanks for reading my cartoons.

Finally!

It's been a long time since I posted anything to this blog.  By design, I lead a reasonably dull existence and reading about my failed diets or the latest amusements from my cat bores even me.

But today, I have something significant to talk about.  My cartoon officially started running in my hometown paper this morning and I couldn't be more elated!  You can read the story here.

This has been an interesting journey, from quitting cartoons entirely in 2000 - to 2009 when the bug bit me AGAIN!  In the last four years, I've created 583 new gags, reused some oldies I thought were still relevant and published two books.  What a long strange trip it's been.

My work is being syndicated by Bill Kellogg at Ink Bottle Syndicate.  If you're interested in publishing or reprinting my cartoons, his email address is bill@inkbottlesyndicate.com.  Thank you all for your continued support over the last four years!  It's your loyalty and support that has kept me going.  That and 5000 gallons of coffee.  

The best is yet to come!!!

Interview part 5

This is part five of the continuing interview I did covering my artistic career, my influences, and many great, interesting, and sometimes hilarious moments along the way.  In this segment, I show you the step by step process that goes into creating each Funday Morning comic strip.

See you next week for part six!

Happy Birthday, Stanley Mouse

 Let's wish a happy birthday to Stanley Mouse!  His iconic artwork personified the sixties!

Happy Birthday, Jack Kirby!

Jack Kirby may be gone, but his influence in comic books will live forever!  Let's wish Mr. Kirby a happy birthday!  For more on his career, click here.

Happy Birthday, Brant Parker!!!

Today is the birthday of Wizard of Id creator, Brant Parker.  For more on Parker's cartooning career and collaboration with Johnny Hart (BC), click here!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Herriman!

Let's wish a happy birthday to the late, great George Herriman, creator of the magnificent 'Krazy Kat!'

Tuesday Toon-Up: Sleepless

In the 90s, I was reviewing music for my local newspaper when a King Crimson CD arrived in the mail.  I hadn't paid much attention to the band in years.  I was more intrigued by guitarist Robert Fripp's collaborations with artists like Brian Eno and Bowie.  King Crimson's work seemed to have wandered away from song writing and more into improvisational meandering.  

The album was called 'Thrak' and Adrian Belew's contributions piqued my interest again.  This song was on a double live album (BaBoom) that came out shortly afterward.  LOve Tony Levin and love Bill Bruford.  

It's four o'clock in the morning, so this tune seems appropriate.  Enjoy!

Tuesday Toon-Up: Penguin Cafe

Been a while since I posted and I apologize.  Summer has been a bit hectic and I ignored my blog.  

When I feel down in the dumps, I listen to this song.  Most folks will associate it with the film 'Napolean Dynamite.'  The tune is 'Music For A Found Harmonium.'  It was written by Simon Jeffes, creator of the Penguin Cafe musical ensemble.  There's something about the pace of the melody I find uplifting and it puts me in a good mood.  I hope it does the same for you.  Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Watterson!

Today is the birthday of Bill Watterson, the genius behind Calvin & Hobbes.  Let's hope he has 53 more years ahead of him.

Happy Birthday, Berke Breathed!

Let's all wish Bloom County creator, Berkeley Breathed a happy birthday!  For more on his cartooning and film career, go here.

Tuesday Toon-Up: Clarence Clemons

This weeks video is the famous saxophone coda solo from 'Jungleland.'  Rest in peace, Clarence Clemons.

Profile of Sam Gross in the Comics Journal

Anyone who read National Lampoon will recognize Sam Gross's cartoons - he's one of the funniest and most courageous cartoonists out there!  Enjoy!

Great Interview With Scott Kurtz Of PVP Online!

Anyone who follows webcomics is familiar with Scott Kurtz.  Scott has been posting cartoons on the web for over ten years and created a genre in the process.  Listen to his inspiring story in this webTV interview with David Siteman Garland.

Crumb On Crumb

Here's an Associated Press video of Robert Crumb interviewed for his art show.

Interview with Nicole Hollander

Recently, a reader on Face Book commented on how the notes on the refrigerator in my cartoon kitchen told a second joke.  I have to give credit where credit's due, I was inspired by the cat's in Nicole Hollander's classic cartoon, 'Sylvia.'  Here's an interview with Ms. Hollander I found on You Tube.  Enjoy!

Caricature: Gerald Scarfe

Here's a BBC profile of British caricaturist Gerald Scarfe.  Enjoy!

Tuesday Toon-Up

I always loved open tuning on guitar.  A friend posted this on Face Book and I had to share it.  Love the casual enjoyment in the facial expression as well as the simple melody.  Enjoy!

Video Post about George Herriman, the creator of Krazy Kat

Mike Lynch posted this short video on his blog.  It's a preview about a new book coming out about George Herriman.  Enjoy!

You've Got My Attention!

I thought I'd give you folks a peak at the online viewing I do on a weekly basis.  This is a list of the blogs, journals, podcasts and cartoons I think are intriguing.

•Webcomics Weekly•  A podcast with four creators about their experiences as online creators.  Scott Kurtz, Brad Guigar, Dave Kellet and Kris Straub are all excellent cartoonists who were at the forefront of online comics.  Their conversations are lively, insightful and sometimes profane.

•Tall Tale Features•  Tom Racine does excellent podcasts and video interviews with both online and syndicated creators.  He also features insiders in the newspaper syndication business that makes this especially well rounded.  The best broadcasting standard of any podcast I've heard so far.

•Comic Riffs•  Washington Post writer Michael Cavna's blog about all things surrounding comics, animation, movies or cartoons.  This blog is always on top as far as the latest scoop in any of the above and Mr. Cavna is a great writer.

•The Daily Cartoonist•  Alan Gardner launched TDC in 2005 as an open forum to all things cartoon related.  The comments section is especially interesting reading as the pros express themselves in what used to be newsroom only rants.

•Dan Piraro•  The Bizarro creator uses his blog to talk about the inspiration behind his cartoons, as well as a manifesto for his personal views on politics, religion, music or whatever else he considers interesting.  His writing is as funny as his cartoons.

•Rina Piccolo•  Funny, honest and candid, Ms. Piccolo's accomplishments are enviable.  She writes three comic strips (Tina's Groove, Six Chix, Velia, Dear), has been published in the New Yorker, as well as maintaining a highly entertaining blog.  All are executed with amazing quality.

•David-Wasting-Paper•  A great peek at the creators behind all kinds of comics and cartoons.


•Mike Lynch•  Daily news and deep trivia from a guy earning his living as a magazine cartoonist.  He obviously loves the art form.


•Webcomic Alliance•  Four creators deliver a weekly podcast describing the problems and (hopefully) solutions that arise for online creators.

There are a lot more folks online that I read, but this list is primarily where I go for inspiration, education and insight.  I hope there's something relevant in this for you.  Enjoy!