Q: Where can I buy your books?
A: Thanks for asking! Sellers of my books include: Michael’s Arts and Crafts, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Hobby Lobby, Joann’s and independent booksellers and art stores.
Q: Which of your books would you recommend for beginners?
A: For cartooning, I’d recommend, “Cartoon Faces.” For anime, “The Master Guide to Drawing Anime” series is an excellent place to start for beginners as well as for those who have some experience. And for figure drawing, “Figure It Out: Simple Lessons; Quick Results” will get you up to speed fast.
Q: Do you do drawing demos or appearances at comic conventions?
A: Yes, It’s fun. And I especially like to meet my readers and YouTube watchers. You can contact me at artstudiollc@snet.net
Q: I’d like to be a cartoonist or a manga artist someday. Are there any jobs in those fields?
A: Oh yes – the horizon is bright! Animation and video games are billion dollars industries, which are always hungry for new talent. Comic books and graphic novels are another venue. And today, there are many more venues for such things as art licensing. I suggest that you peruse the Las Vegas Licensing show to see the opportunities that may be of interest to you.
Q: Is your dog’s name really Spencer?
A: Yes! And he’s as cute in person as he is in my drawings.
Q: What should I do when I get stuck?
A: Keep drawing, but switch to an easier subject. Switching to a different subject matter keeps you in the creative flow, while also giving you a little breathing room. When you feel the creative juices return, go back to what you were originally drawing.
Q: I’m rediscovering drawing later in life, and I love it. But can I still improve?
A: Absolutely. But it’s helpful to learn the fundamentals first, which will help you to problem solve. Drawing is all about solving problems. In addition, if you’re drawing cartoons, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some of the popular styles. So get out the popcorn and grab a seat in front of the TV!
Q: I have a question about which supplies to get.
A: I don’t recommend supplies because there are so many of them and every person has a favorite. What I do recommend is taking a few scrap pieces of paper, going down to your local art store, and trying out various supplies on them. That’s the best way to judge. Children should only use age-appropriate art supplies.
Q: How can I show you my work?
A: Many of my readers send their drawings to me on Facebook .
Q: What are some good schools that teach comic art or animation?
A: Here are a few: CalArts, SCAD, Sheridan, SVA, Ringling, NYU. If I’m leaving out someone’s school, let me know!
Q: How many books have you had published?
A: Over 100.
Q: Are you kidding me?
A: Nope.
Q: Where do you get your ideas?
A: Often, a good idea isn’t a single idea. They’re several idea melded together and edited down into a single concept. So if you have an idea for a show or a character, but it’s not quite working, instead of tossing it out, try combining it with another idea that you have. Together, you might just have something that works.
Q: Any advice on how to create a portfolio?
A: Most people arrange their portfolio so that their weakest work starts off the presentation, and progresses to their best works. First, don’t include weak work, even if it means your portfolio is thin. If a client says he or she wants to see more, you can send it to them later. And that’s not a bad comment to have received. Second, always put your best work first. If you impress the viewer, they will be predisposed to liking the rest if your portfolio. But if you save the best pictures for last, the viewer (or client) may never see them. They will often stop halfway through the portfolio, having already made their judgment.