Happy Spring! (But watch out for opportunistic scallawags in the shadows.)
(Clicken to embiggen)
Lots of things on the drawing board right now, including illustrations for a couple of children's books, a humor book, and several corporate humor writing and illustrating jobs. Just stopping by to share a few things, starting with the above piece for Silicon Valley IT security firm, CGNet.
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After a month of interviews, and competing with several other cartoonists, and a final multiple-party Zoom meeting, I began writing and drawing a series of cartoons for Fidelity Investments. It features a comic strip, and stand alone illustrations for twice-monthly newsletters and emails to their corporate customers. The themes will center around technology and IT security for investors.
It looks fun, particularly since I'll have some freedom to choose subject matter and write humor. (Of course, as always with a client of that nature, the language and concepts will need to steer clear of controversial subjects and be business-friendly.) I'm looking forward to trying to make their customers laugh, every two weeks.
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Due to my usual corporate and book illustration work, I don't create as many political cartoons these days as I once did. So, I was humbled, and honored to receive First Place in the Society of Professional Journalists' TOR awards for Political Cartoons in 2024 (also last year, 2023). This covers over 85 newspapers in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. This was a surprise, since I didn't enter - an editor submitted on my behalf, both years. (link)
An excerpt of an article From the Denver Post:
2024 Society of Professional Journalists TOR Awards Winners
MAY 4, 2024 / COLORADOSPJ
The Society of Professional Journalists has announced the winners of the annual TOR Excellence in Journalism competition.
This year, more than 85 news media outlets from Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico entered the contest, which was judged by the Los Angeles Press Club. In all, the contest saw more than 1,900 entries.
“The competition grows each year, and with that, we honor outstanding journalism throughout the four-state region,” said contest coordinator Deb Hurley Brobst. “It’s an honor to recognize the hard work of these journalists."
Wow, nice drawing of the outdoor scene, with garden and the animals.
ReplyDeleteThe ongoing cartoons and illustration for Fidelity Inv. sound really cool. How does a company of that size find you, and the other cartoonists you mentioned? I’m trying to get more traction/attention for my work with large companies, but it seems spotty.
Also congrats on the political cartoon award!
Hey Chris,
ReplyDeleteAlways good to hear from you. Sorry about the delay in response...I haven't been here in awhile. (Deadlines and visits from family).
To answer your question, companies like that usually find me (and other cartoonists) after a process of online searching. For Fidelity, one of their procurement officers found me directly, after seeing some of my work...I was one of nearly 80 cartoonists contacted , and they narrowed that number down to around ten...and we went through interviews.
I also have an agent who finds some projects, and that came into play this month, for a new project with a large company, McKesson Pharmaceutical & Healthcare. A similar process, they initially sent RFPs to around 60 cartoonists, and I was awarded the project after they went through my portfolio.) I think we discussed some of that when you commented a couple of years ago.
Additionally, I'd recommend creating a website that shows your best work quickly, and up front. Specialize - don't cover everything under the sun. Then try to find an online portfolio site that will promote you. (My agency happens to works with artists, writers and creative people by invitation - and they contacted me a few years back.) But there are others who will allow you to apply for representation. Do a search for those...but if you like, we can talk about this, and I can point you in the right direction.)
Thanks for your reply, and the great advice. That helps. if you’re willing, I’d love to another phone call at some point, too.
ReplyDeleteApologies - many deadlines to start Sept. Sounds good. We can set up a time for a call...Feel free to email me with a few days times that work for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to chat last week. I appreciate the great insights and advice!
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