What goes around, paints around

I talked a bit about it in my previous post about how cartooning has been lackluster this past summer.  How do I mean?  Let me put it this way –  I have good things going, but they’re not really going anywhere.  At least not quickly.  Things have been a bit stagnant recently.

I keep up my daily cartoon series.  That’s not going anywhere.  But not much has grown.

The newspaper business is dismal as ever.  As a child, that was my initial intention for my work            (syndication in the daily rags).  But, times have changed.  That’s an area a bit out of my control.  The newspapers aren’t budging when it comes to adding new comics (which, I truly believe would help skyrocket their declining sales).

However, there are other media outlets.  Which I push for constantly.  Sometimes they hit – sometimes they miss.  Regardless, it’s very inconsistent.

I have high hopes though for the future with a lot of my work.  One is the licensing part.  The work I produce IS getting licensed out regularly – which is great.  But, it’s kind of like car sales in the sense that I have good months and bad.  I’m not sure how to make that much bigger, but I’m hoping it grows naturally (which, I feel like it is).

Then there’s greeting cards, my online syndication and the newspapers I’m actually in (thanks, Tampa Bay Times).

Cool.

But, it’s not GROWING at a comfortable pace.

I almost feel like I need to reinvent the wheel on how to make the gag cartoons a more substantial part of my work.  So, I’m tinkering around with some ideas for it.  I have no idea what this new reinvention is yet – but I am trying to think.  You know how Uber changed the taxi service?  Okay, well that’s my mindset.  It’s a stretch – I know.  But at least I’m bouncing around ideas.

As a lot of my regular work is really so-so, I have other ambitions in cartooning and other mediums I’m wanting to pursue.  I have my graphic novels, books and on a side note, I really want to start producing more MAD Magazine material.

That all needs time.

Along with time, I need to keep the lights on.  Sources of income are important.

Therefore, this past month I started a new company that fits with my field.  It’s designed to keep me busy with cartooning ambitions during the day and art at night.  It’s called Painting Around Dayton.

The idea came to me actually about four months ago as I tried my hand at teaching paint and sip venues around the area.  I thought to myself, “Hey, I should just do this on my own.  My own business.  Yeah, let’s try that.”

It’s painting, drinking and having fun.

So, I brought on a good business partner and we launched last Saturday.

We basically go to different restaurants, bars, establishment and paint and drink (like I mentioned).  I standup in front of everyone, give a step-by-step instructions on a featured painting and we offer two free alcoholic beverages.  And then if a attendee wants more to sip on (or food) they can order more.  It’s about two hours long and everyone has fun.  I coin it as more of a good time than an art lesson.  At the end of the night (or day) though, it’s a bit of both.  And everyone gets to take home their masterpiece.  It’s a win-win for attendees, the businesses it’s hosted in and us.  Oh, and again – it’s a blast.

It’s not a brand new concept.  Nope.  Paint and sip venues have been around for about a decade or so.  But, it is a growing trend.  And we (Painting Around Dayton) separate ourselves from others by being local, featuring local Ohio/Dayton scenes (most of the time) and providing imported wine (free) to many events.  I feel it’s much better than any other venue(s) around here.  Plus you get to hear my attempts at lame jokes – which can sometimes be worth the ticket price alone.

As I try to figure out cartooning and what can be done with my gag cartoons, this is a great filler.  It’s nice to get out of the studio and still create art.  Having an audience in person (instead of imagining them reading my comics online) is a satisfying experience as well.  I’ve made new friends along the way and am anxious to meet more people as I continue to do this.

The business IS growing.  And I plan on keeping it around for a long time.  I’m envisioning hiring on some new artists soon.  I’m not sure how big it’s going to get (considering we’re staying in Dayton), but it’s fun.  And it works.  So for now, that’s what matters.

My lackluster summer for cartooning I’m putting behind me.  I’ll work on making cartooning better and while I do so, I’ll be painting around Dayton.

Below are some pics from our recent event.

Bottled-Up MAD and more

I know there are around a billion deserted-island-in-the-middle-of-the-ocean cartoons out there.  We’ve all seen them.  And actually, I try to avoid creating anything based off that premise.  However, when an idea hits for one, I’ll do it.

And an idea hit me.  So I did it.

It’s funny how that theme is such a hot-topic for cartoons.

There really are a billion ideas for such a concept.  I mean, an island – in the middle of the ocean (with a palm tree, of course).  Comedy gold!  Right?  Eh, maybe….

Actually, I’m not sure why there aren’t MORE reoccurring themes like this in the cartoon universe.  The only other one I can think of are ones featuring Mr. Potato Head (and I’m proud to say, I believe I only created one cartoon in my lifetime featuring him) or Humpty Dumpty.  Seriously.  Just Google either of those topics and you’ll find tons.

AS for the next cartoon, the main character has been displayed probably more times than deserted island cartoons.

Many of you know that I occasionally get a cartoon or article in MAD Magazine.  So, when I created this one featuring Alfred, it was something right up my alley – something dumb!

With MAD I hope someday I can be one of the more regular “usual gang of idiots”.  It’s NOT easy writing for them.  I still do send my ideas in though on a regular basis in hopes of getting picked-up.  It’s not about the money, but the thrill of getting into MAD is still a major high.  It’s just fun to see my work amongst the rest of the stupidity in the issue.

It’s been hot as hell (if Hell is hot) around here (Dayton, Ohio).  That’s probably why I created this next cartoon.

If I had to guess, it’s not that original.  I actually created a similar concept a long time ago featuring snowmen in a car and one of them turned on the defrost.  However, since I couldn’t think of this being done before, I went ahead and created it.  And if anything, it will just make viewers hungry for ice cream.  Like me.  I’m hungry now.  For ice cream.

My cat actually DOES have insurance.

In fact, I believe she has better coverage than me.

When it comes to life insurance though, I don’t believe they offer that for our feline friends.  Curiosity is quite deadly.

Luckily, Tiger (my cat) lives indoors and can’t get in too much trouble.  I live on the 4th floor of an apartment building.  I just know that if she had the chance, she would totally jump out the window at the birds that hang outside (we have a screened in window – so there’s not a chance of this actually happening).

When I drew this next cartoon, it took me a few attempts.

Believe it or not, drawing checks WAS NOT easy.

I had an actual physical check as a reference.  There are a lot of little details in checks that I never realized until I featured a couple of them.

Plus, I was trying to make the details somewhat unique.  Like, you’ll notice the account number is the same on both.  And one is numbered just one about the other.  Does that make them family?  If so, it’s kinda a sick relationship….I guess.

Now onto Oz.

I changed the caption on this cartoon.

The first one said ‘Teenage Tin Man’.  When I thought about it though, isn’t there a transition between a teenager and a man?  So, I made it simply Tin Teenager.  I think it is better this way.

As for what those stains are, I have no clue.

Now onto the final cartoon of the week.

This was another awkward drawing for me.  I’ve always had a minor issue drawing silverware.  I’m not sure why.  I’m guessing it’s because in real life, silverware is so precise, straight and perfect.  My drawings are never straight-looking and always a bit wobbly.  So, that throws them off.  And I’m left never feeling happy about the way I drew it.

But, it is what it is.

I can say I’m very thrilled with how I drew than non-circular dinner plate.  Very professional.

That is all for this week!

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Hair It Is

The first cartoon of the week didn’t seem to get much of a good response.  I say that by the amount of “likes” and comments on social media and various other places the comic appeared.

I, however, thought it was pretty good.  That’s probably why I made it.

I’ve mentioned it before, but the material I enjoy the most typically isn’t the fans favorites.  I can never really tell what will hit or miss.

Hair if I know….

Birds on a wire though….HAS to be good, right?

So this idea was one of a few wireless premises I’ve ever made over my years of cartooning.  But, this is a different take on it.  Something I’ve never done before.

When I draw – well – not DRAW, but color birds, I’m always trying to figure out what color to make them (unless they’re specific birds that are a known color).  I sometimes mix-it-up or I’ll get lazy and make them all the same.  As you can see, I must have had a lazy day when I made this bird/wireless cartoon.

My next one with the magician was inspired off a different comic I saw once. 

It featured a bunch of tiny coffins and something about a chainsaw.

I found the idea funny and took it a step further and featured a magician.

After I drew this, I noticed I didn’t make the coffin in half – like they typically do during the magic trick (you know – saw a person in half).  So, it turned out more brutal that originally planned (if you use your head).

And now another one from the vaults…

Yes, this cartoon featuring the Monopoly Man is an old one.  It was only published for a realty company I worked with (and I own the rights) so I thought I’d send it out here in the mainstream universe.

It’s not the first time I’ve featured the old man.  I had a cartoon once (if you remember) where he went to go eat out and left the waitress – you guessed it – play money.

I’m sure there are more cartoons I can create with him.  Just wait.  You’ll get sick of them eventually.  And probably avoid playing Monopoly, too.

Steak, anyone?

This is another cartoon that nobody really “Wowed” over.  I, again, liked this one.  (Geesh…what do I know.)

And now one for you grammar people!

It’s a known fact that I often times can suck at grammar.  So, when I can pull-off creating a decent grammar cartoon, I pat myself on the back (unless I’ve eaten a ton of donuts and cannot reach it).

This one turned out well for several reasons.

One is, this is probably the EASIEST cartoon I’ve ever drawn.  It literally took me a minute or two (same with coloring).

Two is – I learned what an Oxford comma was.  Yeah, I didn’t know until I googled it and found out.

So, I learned something and got a cartoon out of it.  Not a bad day.

And for the last cartoon of the week – well – it’s a sweet one.

I like drawing objects that typically are inanimate.  Candy in particular.

And what’s NOT funny about a sucker knocking out gum?  Comedy gold, right?  (Again, I can never tell what is funny or not.)

Anyhow, it’s your off-the-wall feature for now.  I’m sure many more are coming (just like Monopoly Man cartoons).

That’s all!

Hope you enjoyed and…did you know that you can receive these cartoons EVERYDAY via my email subscription?  You DIDN’T know that?  Okay….that’s alright.  CLICK HERE and find out more.

Hope you’re having a great hair day.

 

 

A Cage-Free Week-In-Review

Except for this cage.  This is the only cage you will see in this new Week-In-Review.  Don’t worry…don’t worry.  These aren’t REAL birds.  It’s only a cartoon.

Really though, I don’t like the idea of caging a bird.  I mean, they’re birds, so they are birdbrained.  Maybe they don’t care.  I’d have to assume though they’d rather be flying out in the open air.  But, what do I know….

I used to have parakeets and I’d let them fly around the house.  They probably had it pretty good (except they did have to stay in their cage at night).

Another animal I used to have are dogs.  (And I still consider my mom’s dog, Ursa, mine as well in some sense.)

Enough about dogs though (even though one is featured in this next cartoon).

I used to NOT enjoy public speaking.  As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts though, I actually enjoy talking in front of a crowd now.  Well, not really “talking”, but having fun.  I’ve been teaching painting in the evenings.  Usually, there are over 50 people in attendance and I have no problem teaching them a thing or two about art.  As LONG as I can goof around at the same time.

If I had to give a political speech or something – well – serious, I doubt I’d do as good.  THAT would get on my nerves.

Lucky for slugs, I’ve never tried this.  I’ve never tried to brutally murder a slug with salt.

That being said, I have (in my past) demolished numerous ant hills with my sneakers, smashed a large quantity of flying insects that land on trees with dirt balls and have wiped-out entire hives of wasps that try to build a nest close to me.

Again though, every slug has been pretty safe around me.  I hope slugs appreciate that.

In this next cartoon, I had a heck of a time trying to draw the stupid soccer ball in it.  (Sorry to soccer fans for calling your ball ‘stupid’.)

I’m not sure why, but it was not easy for me to draw.  A soccer ball has all kinds of awkward lines that – if wrong – will make it look like a mentally disturbed ball.

So, I hacked at this cartoon several times with the eraser to get it right.

Now THAT’S dedication!

As for witches, well, I can draw those at any time.

I was surprised this cartoon was rather popular considering it’s the middle of summer and not close to Halloween.  However, people seemed to enjoy it (online, at least).  Witch is really weird to me.

Bug zappers always fascinated me as a kid. (Notice how I throw-in the ‘as a kid’ reference a lot on here?  Not sure why….)

I just couldn’t understand why they would keep going up to the light when all their buddies were getting zapped and dying.

Then again, instead of birdbrains – they have bugbrains.  Must be even worse.

Last but not least, this was my favorite cartoon of the week.

It’s my favorite for several reasons.  One is, my daughter is due to arrive this November (yay!), so any cartoon depicting a newborn, I can relate to.

Also, it hits close to home because I have a feeling this is how my cat, Tiger, is going to react when we bring home Ella.  She seems discouraged already when I pay attention to my new fish instead of her.  I guess we’ll find out soon.

Okay, well, that wraps up this edition of a Week-In-Review!

Tell your friends, fwd this off and remember:  We keep most of our cartoons cage-free around here.

Business As Usual

I’ve never claimed to be a businessman.  Nope.  I really wish I was, but I’m not.  I always have these really BIG ideas, however, from a business perspective, I sometimes never know quite how to achieve big things.

I’ve read numerous business books (and still keep reading them), worked in marketing and more.  But when it comes to MY business, well…..

I watched a documentary about cartooning recently and there was a section in there about a couple of cartoonist (web cartoonist, that is) that got a pretty decent following.  A business-type knew of their work and offered to take over the financial/marketing side of things.  And, the couple of guys agreed.  Seems like things are well.  It’s what they needed to become financially well-off.

I think about that sometimes.

Marketing, business and “getting the word out” is not my forte.  I wish – at times – I had just a total business guru come along, see my work and offer to figure out ways of making it all happen.  I do have people I work with on certain projects (like my partners at BizComics and my website) – which is great – but I’m still stuck in a rut to numerous other prospective things.

Here are several thoughts I’m trying to figure out if I can do or not – assuming I’m on my own and no business guru comes along and gives me a hand.

My Own Painting/Drinking Events:  Right now, I’ve been currently teaching painting in the evenings for some extra money (after all, I do have a daughter on the way) and experience.  I actually find it fun.  It’s at restaurants and participants can enjoy a drink and meal while they paint.  I just joke around with them, paint and let my sarcasm rip.  So, I’ve thought about opening up my own painting at places type thing.  Right now I’m working under someone.  No, I’m not an employee – but as an artist, I don’t make as much as the person who brings in the cash from ticket sales.  My thoughts are why don’t I just have my own?  After all, I know restaurant managers, can hire painters (and do it myself) and a good friend of mine is in the wine business.  Why not?

Oh yeah…it takes money and marketing to do this.  Riiight.

A Cartooning Talk:  I’d love the opportunity to go around and talking about my cartooning career.  I’m imagining a slide-show presentation that was fun and all about my journey of being a frustrated cartoonist trying to make it when a lot of possibilities of cartooning are basically extinct.  Seems like a good thing, but I can’t exactly say “I’ve made it” with this talk since I’m constantly looking for new ways of making money.  I have professional work in publications and so-forth, but consistency is my issue.  So, not sure if I am qualified to talk about cartooning when it’s still a struggle for me at times.  (Although, that being said, has any cartoonist nowadays actually “made it”?)

Some cartoonists get calls to do talks.  I’m assuming they just don’t have my phone number.

Online Cartooning Course:  I tried this last year and it didn’t do too well.  I would create the whole thing over and try again.  Thinking of something along the lines of selling cartoons.  Again, how do I get the word out about this?  Eh, something to think about.  I just have a feeling – like last time – marketing it would be my issue.  I have people that read my work on a regular basis but probably aren’t too interested in learning cartooning.  At least that is what I experienced when I tried this before.

Books:  I’ve got gobs of books I’m working on.  My fear is getting them out in public.  I had a failed Kickstarter several years ago because I couldn’t get enough attention for it (or people didn’t really find it something they wanted to support).  It did have some awesome supporters – but not enough.  And I think from a business point of view, I asked for too much money.  Anyway, it wasn’t very pleasant.  I have a hard time pitching new things.  I get overwhelmed when I go to Kickstarter and see cartoons I’ve never heard of just raise $50,000 on a project and I’m like, “How?  I’ve never even heard of you guys!”

Well, these are just a few ideas I’m thinking about.

What’s frustrating for me is consistency and time.

I consistently make money off of numerous platforms, but these platforms aren’t growing quickly enough.  I have some NEW venues I’m excited about.  Here again though, they will take awhile to take-off.  I’m hoping they become more consistent, but only time will tell.  In the meantime, business as usual needs to pick up.  I have a new addition coming, so that’s why I say that.  We’ve been getting by okay for now, but I want something my family can really feel comfortable with.  That will be numerous sources of income (like I have now), but I need to get some new stuff out there.  Baby Fakes will need diapers.

And the time thing.  What DO I focus on the most to generate more income?  Here’s where making a good decision helps.

So, I’m hoping I make some good business decisions from now and throughout my life. (A lot to ask for, I know.)

I hope I’m not coming across as a “poor me” in this post – because I think all of us have been here before whether you’re a business owner, employee or anything.  Sometimes, you just want to make the best decision about switching a job, relocating, hiring/firing, etc.  I know I’m not alone.  But it is frustrating, right?  I always feel like there’s just one, itsy-bitsy element that I’m missing that makes the difference between a few cents and a modest living.  Think, brain.  Think!

I know many new parents feel the need to make more – so that’s where I’m at.  After all, I need to think about sending my child through art school in the future, right?

Chances of a multimillionaire calling me up and putting an ad out for my work on Super Bowl Sunday probably isn’t too likely, so I continue to work away at new ideas and try to prepare for the future.  Things aren’t horrible – but again, I want them to pick-up.  It’s natural.

And while I’m at it, I’ve surrounded myself with good people that tend to help the cause more than hurt it, so that’s a plus.  And I do have exciting, new things that I’m anxious to grow (like BizComics and my website).

While I might not be the best businessman on the face of this earth, I do feel like I have just about every other element that I need.  I work hard, dedicated and – well – good stuff.  Really, I can take things far.  I’ve done it before.

Just those BIG ideas and where to take them.  That’s the BIG question.

 

A Brand-Spanking New Week in Review

As a business owner, I’m constantly thinking of business cartoons.  Although I don’t use a boardroom or have executive office suites, I am familiar with a lot of this-and-that that about office life.  Many previous day jobs have provided me with ample information and that has lead to many cartoons.

This is the first time though I have used a chairman as a premise.

And as a chairman, yes, I agree they probably should get some chairs.  He would be in charge of that, right?

Somehow this year I – again – forgot to make a holiday-related cartoon.

Father’s Day was this past Sunday.  And so did I publish a creative cartoons for fathers?  Nope.  Instead I featured a creepy clown.

Like business cartoons,  for some funny reason, I have a lot of ideas for clown cartoons.

Some find them scary, some find them amusing or some find them repulsive.  Either way, I’m sure there will be more on the way.  And hopefully, the next time a holiday rolls around, I can have something more suitable.  (Come to think of it, do I have any good July 4th cartoons?  Yikes…)

I’ve mentioned before in numerous posts about my enjoyment for the local craft beer here in the area.

The craft beer trend seems to be exploding all across the country.  And I like it!  Before these new beers, I used to just have the occasional Bud or Miller.  Now I can barely drink the “cheaper” stuff. Taste like muck.

And since I’m not in college and don’t drink like a fish, I only have a few beers now and then.  So, hey – I might as well make them quality ones.

As for crafty beers, well, I haven’t come across one of those yet (except in my comics).

This next knife gag is very cutting edge.

Okay, sorry – that was a very awful pun.

Anyway, I have always liked the notion of knives and their different uses.  Probably because in the kitchen it’s very true – only certain knives do certain things.  I’ve tried using butter knives for cutting purposes when desperate (like I didn’t feel like doing the dishes so all my sharp knives are dirty).  Yeah, it doesn’t work well.

Moving on…

If I were a bird, it would probably be more of a late bird rather than morning.  As much as I like to fool myself into thinking I’m a morning person, I’m not.  Well, not really.  I WAKE UP in the morning, but I’m pretty content with getting up naturally around 8-8:30.  Most people wouldn’t consider me a morning person waking up that late.  I always think of morning people as the ones that get up around 5-6 and have no problem with it.  That’s totally not me.

And now, for the last cartoon of the week.

I’m not sure where this idea came from, but I found it funny.

I almost drew Father Time mowing, but not many people are familiar with his image (think about it – can you envision what he looks like?).

A clock mowing though is just as solid.  At least in my humble opinion.

Well, that is all!

On a side note, sorry I’ve been lagging on my daily blogs (somewhat daily).  I’ve been busy teaching and other things.  I know – excuses.  I hope to getting back to more frequent posts soon.  And I will.

In the meantime, be sure to put chairs in your boardroom and keep your lawn pedicured in a timely matter.

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A Week-in-Review is Here

Along with everything else, I have ANOTHER Week-in-Review.  I know, right?

Let’s start with some hilarity.  What else is more funny than close talkers (okay, a lot of things)?

I’ve known a few close talkers in my lifetime.  Sometimes, it’s because they’re hard of hearing or just aren’t aware of what they’re doing.  To test what it is, I’ll either raise my voice or move in even closer to see if they back-up.  If I’m very close to them talking loudly, chances are, it’s a hearing issue.  If I move pretty close and they move closer still, well, that’s just creepy.  Or maybe they want a kiss.  Either way, I’m married.  So, unless it’s my wife, I’m bailing.

In a dog world though that is full of dog breath, this is probably a worse experience than us humans have considering all the butts they lick.  Yuck.

With all the rain we’ve been getting around here in gorgeous Dayton, Ohio, it (along with several bolts of lightning) sparked this idea for the next cartoon.

I was probably a weather man in a past life.  No, really.  I talk about the weather a lot.  It was my downfall on first dates back in the day.  I didn’t do it (talk about the weather) though because I couldn’t think of anything else to think of.  Nope.  I genuinely interested in clouds, storms, floods – you know – weather stuff.

Plus, if you’ve been reading for awhile, you know I’ve recently experienced quite the weather condition with a tornado going past my front window (it’s a few blogs back, if you’re interested).

So, as cliche as it is to talk about the weather, I do.  Anyway…

Do mobsters even meet in remote locations anymore? Probably not.  But, let’s pretend they do.

If anything, I’m pretty sure they don’t dress like this currently.  Maybe back in the 30’s they would.  But, when putting together a cartoon, I have to be some-what able to relate with people.  And I believe most people associate the hat, suit and all with a wise guy.  Hence my mob cartoon and toy car.

You see how I put these suckers together?  It’s just a bunch of assumptions on what I think YOU want to see.  Easy, huh?

My next cartoon was one that – I hope – I was the first to create.

Yes, in this industry, often times ideas are used by others unbeknownst to the creator.  Trust me – I know a lot of cartoonists – and we don’t rip-off each other.  Sure, we take elements and bits of ideas off of others work, but rarely copy directly off one another (a.k.a. plagiarize).

I think every cartoonist out there has been accused of ‘stealing’ or copying someones work off from a reader.  However, the reality is, great minds think alike and it happens (not saying my mind is great, but you know….).

Anyway, I hope I was the first to think of this one.  It’s a pretty obvious selfie gag, but I enjoyed making it.  I don’t want to get an email saying, “Hey!  That selfie cartoon was in last week’s Garfield!”

As for salad dressing, well – I’m pretty certain only I could come up with such an awful pun.

There were a few angles I could’ve went with this.  My intention was I wanted the caption to sound like, “I don’t want to look like a slob.”  Not sure how many people caught-on to that.

I used to sleep walk (and still might…not too sure).

I know I lose a lot of sleep thinking about things that need done.  Naturally, I thought that anyone that enjoys caulking is probably bound to lose some sleep as well.  And if that caulker is a sleep walker (hey, that rhymes!) then this cartoon might actually have a touch of reality to it.  (But seriously, who DOES enjoy caulking?)

And my last ‘toon of the week consists of my least-favorite subject:  math.

You know those equations with a ton of ‘X’s’ in them?  Yeah, I hate those.

They’re the reason I flunked out of a lot of math/algebra classes growing up.

I can, however, handle a good game of Tic-Tac-Toe.

Okay, well, that’s all, folks!  Nothing more to see here.  BUT, there is a lot more to see at the new Nate Fakes Cartoons.com.  Head on over.

In the meantime, watch out for those close talkers and if you sleep walk, try to keep the caulking to a minimum.

 

 

 

Take Note: Another Week-in-Review

Music note that is…

Wait a minute, it’s not a music note – but it IS a musical symbol (if that’s the proper term) that will kick-off this week’s Week-in-Review.

In this day and age with people not happy with their looks and getting implants, plastic surgery and other body modifications, it only makes sense that – if musical symbols had thoughts – they may want a few changes as well.

They’re just looking for that finely-tuned image.

As for a dogs life, well, life on a leash is no way to reach your full potential.

Dogs that go far in life usually live indoors or have a fenced in yard.  Those are the type that can speak, sit and lay.  Ask Lassie.  That boy, er – girl – made it pretty big.

Talk about big – what’s bigger than a bear?  (Okay, lots of things.)

There are a million and one puns that I could use here, but I’ll stop myself and use NONE.  Bear in mind that….oops.

Anyway, I’ve featured koalas in previous cartoons and have mentioned them as bears.  I typically get a handful of emails or comments about how THEY’RE NOT bears – they’re marsupials.  It appears to offend some people when mentioning them by what they’re not.

However, aren’t they technically called Koala Bears?  I dunno…. I’m confused.

My next cartoon was my favorite of the week, but I don’t think it was for everyone else.  It didn’t seem to “take-off” on social media or elsewhere online as much as I thought it would.  Again though (I’ve mentioned this many times in the past) that doesn’t mean anything.  A good cartoon isn’t measured by “likes” and shares.  It just isn’t.

In my personal opinion though, I like this one.  If you look at it closely, it has several layers of humor I tried to add to it.  At least I think.

If you thought my vacuum cartoon sucked (Ha!  Another pun!  Eh…sorry.) you might enjoy one with some colorful birds involved in it.

Has this bird joke been done before?

It was one of those obvious gags when I wrote it.  And as far as I know, it hasn’t ever been done by another cartoonist.  I try to stay original, so I hope I was the first one to this.  But c’mon…’grounded’.  Get it?  Get it?

And on this next cartoon, I’d label this a hardcore pun.

Can a pun get any worse than this?  I’m not too sure it can.

An interesting note on this next cartoon.  When I first drew it, I had the bigger TNT saying the caption.

I thought about it though, and it would make more sense to have the littler one saying it.  Why?  Well, because it’s smaller and would have a smaller “boom”.

See, even if I don’t know what I’m doing at first, it often times comes together with the help of the eraser in Photoshop.  (Yes, the original cartoon of this has two lines forming out of the speech bubble.  Looks awkward, at best.)

That’s it for this week!

Have you been over to Nate Fakes Cartoons yet?  I wrote a post about it’s GRAND opening yesterday.  Click back to read it or just head on over by clicking here.

 

Nate Fakes Cartoons and BizComics

The day has come where I can introduce you to the newest go-to source for all your cartoon needs, Nate Fakes Cartoons (www.natefakescartoons.com).

I’m thrilled to announce I actually have a full, functional website that features all of services which includes custom cartoons, stock cartoons, illustration and the latest feature, BizComics.

In the past, I’ve tried (terribly) to create my own site where customers could purchase my stock cartoons for use.  Let’s just say it was a failed effort.  Luckily though, roughly a year ago, I got together with my friend Mark, who is owner of O’Brien Communications Group and asked for help.

Throughout this time, I’ve been corresponding with Mark and the rest of the team (Jonathan and JoAnna) and they helped develop Nate Fakes Cartoons.  Despite being great people, they know what they’re doing.

This new site still has a few upgraded features being added – but is basically complete.  Soon, there will be a search bar where you type in a keyword for what type of cartoon you’re looking for and it will pull-up everything associated.  Right now, what’s holding that up is my tagging of all of the cartoons.  There are over 1,500 of them in the library (and growing everyday), so it’s a lengthy process.  In the meantime though, everything is categorized, so you can still browse through and look for a specific cartoon.

For the stock cartoons, once purchased, it’s an instant download, so you get the cartoon(s) instantly.  Prices vary on use – but there are three simple options to choose from.

As for custom work, there are several exciting options for that.

I do custom illustrations for basic needs – such as a birthday card or something simple – for a fair price.  However, most of the custom work I do is for businesses and corporate clients.  Therefore, as of this past Tuesday, another collaboration with O’Brien’s that we just launched is BizComics.

BizComics is – in my humble opinion – the absolute best marketing tool that can be used for any company to help support their brand.  And the best part is – it’s fun!

It’s not just a website but it’s a club.

The idea sparked from one of the features that I’ve created with O’Brien’s, Thought Leadership.  It’s been a success.  And so, why not take that to the next level and introduce cartoons to other companies?  What business WOULDN’T want their own feature in their newsletters, website, emails, etc.?  Many probably haven’t even considered them (cartoons) an option, however, BizComics let’s them know about it – and why it works.

I always ask people when DIDN’T you pay attention to a cartoon on your Facebook feed, in a magazine or email?  Think about it – if you see one, you typically read it.  BizComics once again enforces my belief that cartoons are the most effective marketing tool for any brand.  They WILL draw (no pun intended) attention.  And customers take notice.

There is a link to BizComics on the Nate Fakes Cartoons site and also you can read the official press release of it by clicking here.  Or, jump right to it and visit BizComics at www.bizcomics.club.

So, for stock cartoons, custom work, BizComics, illustrations or to just send me a note that says “hello” – Nate Fakes Cartoons is open for business.

Hope you stop by, hangout for awhile and I’ll see about offering coffee and donuts while you’re there.

This Week-in-Review Gets an ‘F’

Well, at least at the beginning of this it gets an ‘F’.

Yes, the first cartoon of the week featured a letter that I used to be VERY familiar with back in high school.

It’s true about that letter disappointing parents (I know firsthand).  But, little did we know how sensitive ‘F’ is.  To the point of where they’d need counseling.

‘A’s’ probably don’t have as many issues.

Everybody looooves the ‘A’s’.  They get all the praise in the world.

Poor F’s.

How are sales doing?

It’s funny that I create a lot of cartoons featuring the corporate office and sales charts.  A lot of other cartoonists feature the same thing.  And I really try to differentiate myself from other cartoonists.  I really do.

I was thinking about it though and I doubt this day and age many companies still use actual sales charts.  I mean, do they?  I honestly don’t know.  I’ve been out of the corporate world for awhile now.

I might have to check into that.  If they’re using something else to project sales, I want to draw it.

If I had to guess, most companies just use computers instead of the old paper charts or whiteboards.  Or, maybe to my surprise, they use pocket calculators.  I dunno.

Speaking of computers, my cat enjoys my computer probably more than me.

No, really, she does.

If I leave my MacBook open and on the couch, for some odd reason, it because a very comfortable cat bed for her.

Luckily, I don’t have a problem with her scratching posts online.  However, if she saw a cat tower on the internet, she likely to try and climb it.

The fact that I had some fish featured this past week was interesting considering I wrote about the recent editions here at home.

To save you from time from reading my latest post about my fish (although, it is quite fun), I’ll just mention that yes – I have two new goldfish.

I’ve been studying up on raising goldfish all week.  It amazes me all the care that is needed for them.  I had no idea!  I posted about my new fish on a fish forum and the responses were interesting to read.  They can live over twenty years and grow up bigger than I imagined.  Who knew?

It’s looking like a bigger tank is in my near future.

If a dog does catch his tail, that’s pretty big (for the dog).

What else is there to accomplish? 

I guess there’s the old routine of chasing tires, running after a mailman and peeing on bushes (which doesn’t require much of an effort).  But, the biggest challenge seems to be tail catching.

After one is caught, well…..

And if you work at a furniture store, this cartoon is probably quite true.

I just hope employees might get a bit of a better raise than just pocket change.

I’m sure some interesting items do pop-up at these stores though if it’s anything like my couch.

Sometimes, I’ll discover wrapped gum, receipts and pennies.  You know, valuable items.

And finally, the last cartoon of the week was another one of my classic Reader’s Digest cartoons that was rejected.

If good does outweigh the bad, it’s best to keep it that way.  And what’s better than some burgers and a shake (or maybe that’s a soda)?

I had to redraw this one a few times.  Why?

First, I drew a digital scale.  But, that didn’t look to good from this perspective.  So, I grabbed my eraser and went to town.

I then drew the angel (good guy) facing straight ahead with the devil in the background.  That looked screwed up as well.  Another eraser was frantically put to use.

So, finally I was able to sketch-out this version, which I’m happy with (although I’m not too sure about the way I drew that scale).  And luckily, my eraser was able to catch a break.

Aaaaaand, that’s it, folks.

You DO realize you can subscribe to these cartoons and get them first DAILY by CLICKING HERE

Otherwise, til next time.

Hopefully the next Week-in-Review will get something better than an ‘F’.