Rose DesRochers: What was your favorite comic book growing up?

I wasn't a big comic book reader. Infact, I didn't read many cartoons at all. I did like to read Peanuts from time to time.

At what age did you start drawing?

I must've been around 3 or 4.

How did you get your start in cartooning?

I used to doodle all the time. Which is why my grades were poor :O)


What type of background do you have in art?

None. Most cartoonists have very little, or no formal art training. There's very little out there for cartoonists.

What obstacles did you encounter along the way to being a professional?

Rejection, rejection, rejection.

Who are some of the cartoonists whose work has inspired you?

Actually none. There are cartoonists I like, but I've always worked on my own style, rather to be inspired by others.

What materials do you use?

A mechanical pencil and typing paper. I then scan the cartoon and color it in Photoshop.


 What was the hardest technique for you to learn as a cartoonist?

Watercoloring. After I got really good at it, I started coloring on the computer. it's easier and a lot faster!

Where do your ideas for cartoons come from?

Life! No thing more, nothing less.

What's your favorite part of being a cartoonist?

I get to work at home and be with my wife and 2 kids.

What impact has technology had on your work?

The computer saved me! It's opened up countless websites that need content like mine.

Do you have a favorite cartoon that you have done?

A dog says to his owner: "I can no longer go on with this charade. Not only am I not your best friend, I'm not even sure I like you at all."


Are other members of your family creative?

Not really.


How do you promote your work, Jerry?

I contact companies asking them if they'd be interested in my cartoons. Sometimes they contact me. Usually by email.


What opportunities do you see for those interested in being cartoonists?

If a person can draw and they're funny, they can do well.


What advice would you have for others who want to be an illustrator or cartoonist?

Work your butt off! Submit your work everyday to every magazine, website, greeting card company... out there!


 Now you have met and partied with some pretty famous people, what has that been like?

It was fun at first, but now I'd rather hang with my own friends.

Jerry would you say that you have reached your goal?

No, not even close.

Where might one go to see your cartoons?

Just type my name in a search engine, it will show you tons of places that have my cartoons.

Do you have any closing comments?

I went from not being able to afford a meal at Burger King, to being one of the most published cartoonists in America. It's been a long strange trip.



General Humor feature is offered daily, weekly or monthly. Price negotiable. Inquire: jerrykcartoons@nci2000.net . You can visit his website at http://www.jerryking.com

The cartoons reproduced in this feature are copyright ©Jerry King and used with his written permission.

 

Rose DesRochers is the founder of Today's Woman Writing Community, a supportive online writing community for men and women over 18. Rose is also the founder of Blogger Talk Blog Community, a friendly fast growing blogging portal, offering bloggers support, advice, tools, tips and information about blogs and blogging.