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On Doodling and Cartoons

December 14th, 2009

On Doodling and Cartoons

I've always enjoyed drawing cartoons. Whether I'm drawing famous characters in order to amuse myself or cheer up others, or creating my own characters, I enjoy the process. I use to doodle all the time, usually using ordinary pens. My doodles have almost always been cartoons rather than patterns or more realistic sketches. I still find myself doodling during meetings (rest assured, I am still paying attention at these meetings--some even say doodling during meetings helps people better remember the important details discussed), but I noticed not too long ago that I hadn't been making time for myself to doodle during any other time of the day. Some might argue that finding time to doodle negates the essence of doodling. I don't agree. While doodles may by definition be considered aimless, I find that I do have an intent when I doodle. My intention is to relax and to find some way to express my thoughts--whether they be boredom, anger, confusion, happiness, wistfulness, love, or something else entirely. Setting aside time to purposefully express these feelings gives me the release I need and provides me with a degree of freedom from rigidity.

A few months ago, when I reflected on my recent artwork, I realized that I had become more rigid as an artist. I was looking to create something that someone else would want to buy, rather than simply creating. I had to evaluate my intentions and sadly realized that, whereas for most of my life I created work for the sake of the art, I had lately been consumed with the commercial side of art. I was trying to figure out what people would want and then creating it, rather than creating work that I or other people would want. Therefore, doodling was pushed aside. I dismissed what had always given me comfort, considering it trivial and not worth my time. (I might add that my photography also took an unpleasant turn. I used to take photos for pure pleasure. Once I began to think of it as income-potential, I lost the passion and the desire and perhaps the artistic eye that a photographer needs.)

I would probably still be mired in rigidity if it had not been for a friend who said I should draw more cartoons. She, being a frequent observer of my workplace doodles, enjoyed my quick sketches and observed that I enjoyed creating them. I was surprised by her suggestion, but it prompted the aforementioned reflection. Now, I do try to make time for doodling and I've re-discovered that the so-called aimless doodles can be fleshed into fully-realized drawings. My favorite method of doodling is with a pen or marker. I like pens that are more "inky" and generally prefer medium-point to fine-tip. I prefer markers like Sharpies for drawing and other types of markers for coloring-in my doodles. I also doodle digitally. While I occasionally use a pen/stylus and tablet, I prefer using a mouse or laptop touchpad. I've doodled using word processors, Mac's, and p.c.'s. As long as there is a mouse or touchpad, I'm good to go. I thought, a few years ago, when I bought a tablet and pen that my digital artwork would be revolutionized, but I realized quickly that I feel more free and comfortable with a touchpad. I'd probably thrive with one of those tablet laptops that have screens you can directly draw upon, but I haven't gotten around to purchasing one of those. I could probably also use a bigger tablet and maybe a better stylus (maybe that would make all the difference in the world), but I'm not in a rush to try this theory.

In the past few months I've set aside more time for doodling and created several finished cartoons of which I'm quite proud. I've also re-evaluated cartoons I had created over the past couple of years for graphic design work and realized that these cartoons can stand alone as illustrations, rather than designs geared solely for merchandise like t-shirts or mugs. I've decided to begin adding these cartoons to my Fine Art America gallery. I no longer consider them trivial. Moreover, my understanding of "fine art" has evolved. I used to think of fine art as somehow not suitable for cartoons. How wrong I was! I will continue to doodle and turn some of these doodles into more complete works of art. Perhaps I'll even start posting doodles and presenting them as complete works in and of themselves. For a look at some of my cartoons, check out my "Toons" gallery.