|
|
anyone can draw cartoonagrams
 In
October of 2008 I published
my first book, "Anyone Can
Draw Cartoonagrams." The book is a how-to-draw guide using a method of
teaching I developed while working with hospitalized children at Hasbro
Children’s Hospital in Providence, RI.
"Anyone Can Draw Cartoonagrams" teaches cartooning using letters of the
alphabet linked to a key word or phrase. The Cartoonagram characters
are both easy to learn and easy to remember. The book is designed for
anyone who knows the alphabet, generally five years of age and up.
"Anyone Can Draw
Cartoonagrams" features 26 characters. It is published
in paperback and was first introduced to the public at the 2008
Scituate Art Festival in Scituate, RI, where it was very well received.
It is now available for purchase from my company, Fly By Knight
Designs, through my online
store.
The book is also available at several bookstores in RI.
 BACKGROUND FOR THE
BOOK
My professional
cartooning career
began with guidance from two of my favorite cartoonist/illustrators:
fellow Dartmouth College alumnus Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and
celebrated Rhode Island cartoonist Don Bousquet. I first corresponded
with, and met, both mentors in 1984. They helped coach me towards a
cartooning career that has included national as well as local
publication. I remain in touch with Don, who is quoted on the back of
my book.
"Anyone Can Draw Cartoonagrams"
developed over many years as I worked on perfecting a book presentation
for my Cartoonagrams drawing method. Two years ago I began
collaborating with my editor and longtime college friend Richard
Goldman on a digital, press-ready version of the book. Richard’s
computer expertise and design skills brought the book to life.
I am proud to be known
as the "Cartoon Guru" at The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp in Ashford,
CT—Paul Newman’s original camp for children with life-threatening
illnesses. While spending a day drawing cartoons at camp in the summer
of 2007, I was summoned by Mr. Newman. He let me know that he had heard
of my Cartoonagrams book project and wanted to assist me in getting the
book published. He believed it would be something that would be "great
for the kids." That offer quickly inspired a prototype for the book and
its delivery into Mr. Newman’s hands, then his agency’s. Despite Mr.
Newman’s intentions and efforts, the project stalled with the agency in
the summer of 2008. I then decided to publish the book myself.
Beyond teaching
students a desirable, fun, lifelong skill, "Anyone Can Draw
Cartoonagrams" is also helping to support The
Tomorrow Fund for Children with Cancer. Based in Rhode Island,
it is the only local nonprofit
organization that provides daily financial and emotional support for
children with cancer and their families. A portion of the proceeds
from
the book is being donated to The
Tomorrow Fund, with whom I have a long
and ongoing association. Every week I am in the company of Tomorrow
Fund kids and families, drawing Cartoonagrams—and receiving inspiration
to create more.
"Anyone Can Draw Cartoonagrams" not only
teaches drawing skills. It can
also be used as a means to get kids focused on learning and practicing
their letters. In the short time the book has been
available, I have
been delighted to hear reports on how kids have surprised their parents
with not only their new-found drawing skills, but also their direction
following and letter making.
"Anyone Can Draw
Cartoonagrams" can be purchased for $12.95 by credit card or PayPal at
my online store. It can
also be purchased by check by contacting me directly.
|
|
