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Contents:

• 1. Introduction

• 2. Apologies and Promises

• 3. A Bit About Brian

• 4. Interview with Brian Crane

• 5. A Final Word

Introduction

If this is the first issue of The Inkblot you’ve read, for the last several issues we’ve been covering all the basic tools the Cartoonist needs to do their job. We’ve looked into many different types of tools—such as pens, paper, pencils and erasers—and have identified which ones work best for Cartoonists.

In the last issue, we talked about how to develop your own sense of humor. These issues are full of terrific information I’ve personally learned through many years of drawing cartoons, so if you missed them, please check them out! You can get them for free on The Inkblot Back Issues page! Just visit https://www.coolcartooning.com/back_issues.html.

Apologies and Promises

If you’ve been with us from the very beginning, one of the promises I’ve made to all of you is that The Inkblot would include tips and interviews with Professional Cartoonists! After all, if you’re an aspiring cartoonist, even if you’re just looking for a few drawing pointers, you can often learn as much, if not more, from a professional working in the field than all of your art college courses put together! A professional cartoonist knows how it’s done, he’s paid his dues, so to speak. He’s learned all the tricks of the trade, and has used them, along with his own talent, to become successful.

And now, at long last, I keep this promise, with our first-ever Inkblot Interview!

A Bit About Brian

Brian Crane was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, and was raised in the San Francisco Bay area, in California. He graduated in 1973 from Brigham Young University (BYU) with a degree in art. He worked in advertising for years, and became the art director of an advertising agency in Reno, Nevada. He retired from advertising shortly after the debut of his comic strip. For more information about Brian Crane and his comic strip, go to http://postwritersgroup.com/comics/pickles.htm.

I was introduced to Brian Crane through a mutual friend, online at Facebook, where Mr. Crane has an official page devoted to his comic strip. If you’re a member of Facebook, you can become a fan of Brian Crane and view his page by signing into Facebook and typing “Official Pickles Comic Page” into the search bar. If you’re not a member of Facebook, you can sign up for free at Facebook.com!

Interview with Brian Crane

Inkblot: How did you get your start in cartooning?

Crane: I’ve drawn cartoons as long as I can remember. I drew some for the school paper in college. Then when I went to work in ad agencies I used cartoons in some of the ads I designed. I also began doing freelance greeting card design, using my cartoons.

Inkblot: Was “Pickles” your first syndicated comic?

Crane: Yes, Pickles is my first and only syndicated comic, and I have no desire to do any others.

Inkblot: How did the idea for “Pickles” get started?

Crane: When I was looking for a cast of characters for a comic strip I drew a sketch of an older couple, and they immediately appealed to me. They seemed like people I knew and could relate to. They also seemed to present a lot of humorous situations to my imagination.

Inkblot: Who were some of your influences for cartooning?

Crane: Al Capp (who drew the comic strip, “Li’l Abner”) and Charles Schulz (Peanuts) were the two I admired most.

Inkblot: What materials do you use for cartooning, such as pencils, paper, etc?

Crane: I draw on Strathmore vellum finish Bristol paper. I sketch my rough drawing with a 2b pencil, then I ink with Higgins waterproof India ink. I use a Hunt 22b nib for drawing and a Speedball B6 nib for lettering. I erase the pencil lines with a kneaded rubber eraser. Then I scan the artwork in Photoshop.

Inkblot: What is your work schedule like? How many strips do you work on at one time?

Crane: I usually write in the morning and draw in the afternoon. I usually do one or two strips a day.

Inkblot: What are some of the things you do to get ideas?

Crane: Eavesdropping is good for getting ideas. Sometimes if I’m stuck I take a walk or a drive.

Inkblot: Finally, what advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a cartoonist?

Crane: Good luck. It takes talent and perseverance. And you have to believe in yourself and your ability. No one is going to come and offer you an opportunity. You have to go after it yourself with a club.

There you have it, folks, the words of a professional cartoonist! I’d like to thank Mr. Crane for the time he spent to give this interview, and for sharing his wonderful talents with the world! This interview is not available anywhere else; remember, you heard it first at The Inkblot!

A Final Word...

Keep those pencils sharpened, and Happy Drawing!

Michael Richards