Statement
My entire body of work is based on failure and the inherent humor that brings. Everyone falls short occasionally and it's that common recognition that we cannot be perfect all the time which makes us laugh and brings us together. My job is to illustrate that fact through my work. I pencil sketch the original design then I ink the pencil sketch using a paintbrush, (Winsor & Newton 000), and India ink, (Higgins), on 100lb. Bristol board. Using a brush allows a line variation which cannot be replicated with a rapidiograph pen. I believe the brush gives my work more of a sense of movement and energy than I might be able to achieve without it.
Resume
I have created a line of humorous illustrations that cover a wide variety of nearly 250 different topics and activities. The process is both very detailed and unique to the subject being rendered as I hand color and personalize my designs to the specific requests of each patron. Each design starts with my rough pencil sketch of a very generic person in a given situation. I try to make the subject in the initial design as non-descript and as simple as possible in order to maximize the personalization aspect. Then, I ink the pencil sketch using a paintbrush, (Winsor & Newton 000), and India ink, (Higgins), on 100lb. Bristol board. Using a brush allows a line variation which cannot be replicated with a rapidiograph pen. I believe the brush gives my work more of a sense of movement and energy than I might be able to achieve without it.
Orders are taken from the customers visiting my booth. I complete the work to the specifics of the customer on-site by incorporating details of the individual into the design, (exp. person’s name, hair color and style, glasses, facial hair, team names and colors, uniforms and numbers, company names and logos, etc…). Pretty much whatever it takes to put that individual into the piece. If requested, I also frame the finished design. I am constantly working on the illustrations as the customers continue through the show. There is exceptional energy at my booth. There is laughter, the recognition of people being people, and the interest in work being created before their eyes.
I have made my living as a full-time cartoonist since 1992. Although, my education and prior background lack an emphasis in art, I am the product of good genes, (both of my parents are artists), and possibly just dumb talent. I have always been able to draw. Cartooning had always been a fun diversion until the day came when I thought I might be able to actually make a living doing this.
In 1985, I graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in International Finance. During school, I took on side work as an illustrator to not only continue my hobby but to also take care of incidentals. After graduation, I worked in Tokyo for a Japanese firm called IES for about 2 years applying what I had learned in school but not addressing any personal goals such as enjoying my work. Subsequently, I took a job with Dun & Bradstreet back in the U.S., continuing my lack of personal fulfillment. Fortunately, at this time, I was able to start doing more illustrating on the side for fun and for a little extra income.
In 1992, I took the leap and never looked back. In addition to participating in top artshows across the U.S., I do extensive freelance and commercial work. My work has appeared in numerous publications for use in both advertising and for general content.
