Monday, December 31, 2007
Something's brewing...
Just a heads-up for all you loyal readers of this blog (all 2 of you). Heard through the grapevine that something big might be happening next year for for syndicated black cartoonists. Can't let you in on it just yet. Stay tuned for details.
New Year's Eve: Fireworks and stuff
So, it's the close of the year, time to look back and reflect on what has happened in 2007. Well, I guess that biggest news for me this year is the launch of my second cartoon "Cafe con Leche." I must admit, I had a really tough start with this toon, but soon felt very comfortable with its characters and story lines. I took a month-long sabbatical to New York City last summer to specifically define the strip and focus on making it better. Now the tough thing is marketing it.
Going forward to 2008, my main goal will be to market "Cafe Con Leche" heavily. I plan on taking trips to newspapers, specifically small newspapers and African American newspapers in hopes to start a base. That was the winning formula when I launched "Working It Out" 6 years ago.
Going forward to 2008, my main goal will be to market "Cafe Con Leche" heavily. I plan on taking trips to newspapers, specifically small newspapers and African American newspapers in hopes to start a base. That was the winning formula when I launched "Working It Out" 6 years ago.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Wish List
So, today is Christmas morning. Actually, its about 12:30 a.m. and I just got finished drawing a daily "Cafe Con Leche" cartoon. Such is the life of a syndicated cartoonist, the work never stops. Anywho, it got me thinking about newspapers I'd like to see "Cafe con Leche" in. Here we go.
1.) Toledo Blade:
Medium-sized newspaper located in Toledo, Ohio. This paper is significant to me because I read it almost everyday when I was a student at the University of Toledo. I like the Peach section, though I hear that it's not actually the color peach anymore (Thank God).
2.) The Orlando Sentinel:
Well, as many people know, I consider Orlando my hometown and it would be great to give my mother something to be proud of. She's always on my back about contacting the Sentinel and making my pitch (which I do). Besides, I think it would make a nice story. Guy from the 'hood does good and makes the local paper. Now, that's a human interest story.
3.) The St. Petersburg Times (Fl.)
Reason 1: I work there.
Reason 2: I work there
Reason 3: I work there.
Geez! Give a brutha a break, already!
4.) Chicago Tribune:
I know Geoff Brown and a few other features editor there. And, of course, I used to work there. Plus, I think CCL would do well considering the diverse population of Chicago.
5.) New York Daily News:
One of my favorite papers. I used to read it a lot when I lived in the City. I'm also a fan of their comics section, which is the only decent legitimate one in the City. Are you listening, NY Post?
6.) Miami Herald:
Well, I was born down there in South Florida and they already run "Working It Out" (thanks for that).
7.) (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger:
I think the "voice of New Jersey" as they are called has by far the best comics section in the Tri-State area. I've been in that part of Jersey and I am certain that it's community would embrace CCL.
8.) Los Angeles Times:
When I lived out in San Diego (notice that THAT paper isn't on my list) I read the L.A. Times religiously. Prolly the most diverse comics section I've seen. I also like that fact that they aren't afraid to take a few risks, like adding relatively unknown comics.
9.) Houston Chronicle:
Also a very good selection of comics on their page. And, a very diverse population.
10.) San Francisco Chronicle:
One of my all-time favorite newspapers, though I've noticed that the paper is getting smaller and smaller. They really sick behind their cartoonists. Just ask Don Assmussen.
That's just a wish-list. Keep in mind, I'll take ANY newspaper that is thinking about picking up either comic. But the above papers have special meaning. After all, this is Christmas.
Ho ho ho.
1.) Toledo Blade:
Medium-sized newspaper located in Toledo, Ohio. This paper is significant to me because I read it almost everyday when I was a student at the University of Toledo. I like the Peach section, though I hear that it's not actually the color peach anymore (Thank God).
2.) The Orlando Sentinel:
Well, as many people know, I consider Orlando my hometown and it would be great to give my mother something to be proud of. She's always on my back about contacting the Sentinel and making my pitch (which I do). Besides, I think it would make a nice story. Guy from the 'hood does good and makes the local paper. Now, that's a human interest story.
3.) The St. Petersburg Times (Fl.)
Reason 1: I work there.
Reason 2: I work there
Reason 3: I work there.
Geez! Give a brutha a break, already!
4.) Chicago Tribune:
I know Geoff Brown and a few other features editor there. And, of course, I used to work there. Plus, I think CCL would do well considering the diverse population of Chicago.
5.) New York Daily News:
One of my favorite papers. I used to read it a lot when I lived in the City. I'm also a fan of their comics section, which is the only decent legitimate one in the City. Are you listening, NY Post?
6.) Miami Herald:
Well, I was born down there in South Florida and they already run "Working It Out" (thanks for that).
7.) (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger:
I think the "voice of New Jersey" as they are called has by far the best comics section in the Tri-State area. I've been in that part of Jersey and I am certain that it's community would embrace CCL.
8.) Los Angeles Times:
When I lived out in San Diego (notice that THAT paper isn't on my list) I read the L.A. Times religiously. Prolly the most diverse comics section I've seen. I also like that fact that they aren't afraid to take a few risks, like adding relatively unknown comics.
9.) Houston Chronicle:
Also a very good selection of comics on their page. And, a very diverse population.
10.) San Francisco Chronicle:
One of my all-time favorite newspapers, though I've noticed that the paper is getting smaller and smaller. They really sick behind their cartoonists. Just ask Don Assmussen.
That's just a wish-list. Keep in mind, I'll take ANY newspaper that is thinking about picking up either comic. But the above papers have special meaning. After all, this is Christmas.
Ho ho ho.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Sad news
Well, sad for my. I recently learned that Kathy Kei, my long-time editor at Creators Syndicate, is moving on. She was in the midst of taking time off for maternity leave and I got the news a few weeks ago.
Kathy and I shared a good working relationship. She was the one who called me, in 2001, to tell my that Creatos Syndicate had picked up Working It Out. She also help guide my way through the odd world of syndication. To say that she'll be missed is an understatement.
Kathy and I shared a good working relationship. She was the one who called me, in 2001, to tell my that Creatos Syndicate had picked up Working It Out. She also help guide my way through the odd world of syndication. To say that she'll be missed is an understatement.
Holiday break
It's been so long since I last blogged. I've taken some time off due to the Christmas break and also due to my day job. Things are coming along ver well for both cartoons, particularly Working It Out. I must say that I was a bit surprised to learn that my long-running cartoon has picked up a few new clients in the last few months. I guess you could say that it's going to be a very happy holiday season for me, cartoon-wise that is.
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