I haven’t been updating this blog nearly as much as I should have, but there’s a few exciting changes just around the corner. First, my new website is being completed by the exceptionally talented people at Digital Tap – I’m blown away by what they’ve put together. The new site launch should be sometime within … More Cartooning Update
I sometimes get asked for advice from aspiring cartoonists. As someone who has a passion for the art, history, process, writing – all aspects of cartooning, I’m happy to offer whatever guidance I can. Recently, I was approached by a young lady who told me she wanted to be a cartoonist. She had brought a … More Becoming A Cartoonist/Illustrator – Starting The Journey
When I started in cartooning many years ago, I drew in a way that, at the time, was natural to me. I’d read a few books on the subject, visited a few websites and applied what others had done before me. When I started, I suspected that the characters I drew would always have that … More Evolving As An Artist and Cartoonist
It’s been a challenging start to the New Year, with a series of events, both in and outside of cartooning, that have kept me insanely busy. While some opportunities fizzled out into nothingness, others have appeared seemingly from nowhere, and I guess that’s the nature of this business. I’m elated with the results of the … More Cartooning Update
I’m frequently asked to provide advice on cartooning and on resources available to cartoonists. There are books in my library I consider essential reads, and I find myself going through them often, rereading, discovering new information, and reminding myself of the important elements involved in creating this challenging form of art. I’ve mentioned them in … More Great Cartooning Books
I suspect most of my fellow scribblers face the same issues I do – finding that ever-elusive balance between family, outside responsibilities, and the profession of cartooning. As with most creative endeavors, and this is just my opinion, you work best when the muse is with you, meaning that there are moments in your day … More The Cartooning Life
I’m always looking for ways to improve as an artist, and have had the good fortune to stumble on this video on Youtube – Patrick LaMontagne is a syndicated Canadian cartoonist and unbelievably talented. Stick around toward the end of the video as he shows his paintings. I’ve learned volumes from this video tutorial and … More Cartooning In Photoshop
I’ve had the good fortune to have been approached by Bill Kellogg, marketing director of the dynamic Ink Bottle Syndicate, to run my cartoon “Spectickles” in a new weekly feature, “The Funnies Extra” (coming soon to a town near you – ask for it for your local newspaper!). “The Funnies Extra” is put out by … More Ink Bottle Syndicate, Funnies Extra, and Introducing, “Karma Cafe”
One of the announcements that I’ve had to refrain from mentioning is a recent project that has been long in the works by Ink Bottle Syndicate. I’ve just signed for their new syndicated newspaper insert, the Funnies Extra, which will now present Spectickles to a national audience. Question: How cool is that? Answer: Extremely cool, … More Exciting News – Funnies Extra!
Probably one of the most influential cartoonists in the history of the art is Charles Schultz, the creator of “Peanuts”. My first experience in cartooning was recreating the images emblazoned on the bedspread and curtains of my bedroom. Even at 4 years old, I was captivated by the story, the characters and the artwork created … More Great Cartoonists – Charles Schultz
Bill Abbott Cartoons 