Fight the power!

Well, I guess its time to let the cat out the bag. For days I've been saying that something big has been brewing for minority cartoonists. Well, time to let the cat out the bag. Some well known cartoonists of color (myself included) are staging a 1-day protest on Sunday, Feb. 10.
I driving idea behind this is that representation in newspapers, or lack thereof. I've been communicating with several black, Latino and Asian syndicated cartoonists over the last few months and there seems to be a general consensus that our cartoons are under represented in the daily newspapers across the country. Generally speaking, most papers tend to pick a few (maybe 2) minority-centered cartoons, regardless of subject matter. This means that essentially all minority-centered cartoons must then fight over 1 or 2 spots.
The basic premise of this whole thing is that, for one day only, we're going to draw the same Sunday cartoon. It was a cartoon idea originally conceived by Cory Thomas from "Watch Your Head." This thing should be good, especially since nothing like this has ever been done before. Further details will follow, but in the meantime here's a short list of some the cartoonist who will be participating...

Cory Thomas “Watch Your Head” (Washington Post Writers Group)
Charlos Gary “Café con Leche” and “Working It Out” (Creators Syndicate)
Nate Creekmore “Maintaining” (Universal Press Syndicate)
Darrin Bell “Candorville” and “Rudy Park” (WPWG)
Stephen Watkins “”Housebroken” (Tribune Media Service)
Jerry Craft “Mama’s Boyz” (King Features Syndicate)

There are other cartoonists that I haven’t mention because I’m not sure of what their status is yet. Anywho, there you have it.

Post-New Year's hangover

Fireworks, champagne toast....now what? It's 2008 and I'm trying to figure out what changes are in store, personally and professionally. I hinted on an earlier post that something big may be happening regarding minority syndicated cartoonists this year. I promise that as soon as I hear something definite you readers (both of you) will be the first to know. All I know is that, for the first time in a long while, I'm excited.
As we speak I'm working on this years marketing plan, which I should start implementing in a few weeks. As soon as I put some cartoons to bed. I wonder what this year is going to be like for newspapers? Things haven't been looking good and can only get worse.

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.

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.

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.

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.