My Cartoonagrams are cartoon characters that are easy to learn to draw and easy to remember. Students use letters of the alphabet arranged in a key word or phrase to construct amusing cartoons. This program is ideal for students who don’t think that they can draw: they will discover that they can. It is also very stimulating for artistically inclined students since they can learn a new

ABOUT THE CARTOONAGRAM METHOD

I developed my Cartoonagrams while working with hospitalized children. I needed a way to teach cartoons that would be fun, easy and satisfying for the student. Cartoonagrams are what I came up with—and they work. To date, the age range of my students has been from three years to 100 years (no kidding). Anyone can enjoy this method of drawing and results are evident within minutes of beginning. Students get to keep all drawings that they do with me, unless a display of the work is planned as part of the program.

It is important to note that creativity and diversity of result are emphasized in this program and perfection, though strived for, is ruled out. My goal is to relax students about final results so they can completely enjoy the learning process. I strongly encourage the, “practice makes perfect” theory.

Over the past 10 years I have delivered this program in many school, hospital, library and senior center settings. The success of my program has led me to England four times on invitation to teach primary school students how to draw cartoons. Beyond the information contained here, I will gladly provide references from past clients regarding the nature and success of my program.

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PROGRAM POSSIBILITIES

I have delivered my Cartoonagram program in a variety of settings to

various numbers of students. The range covers one-on-one work at the hospital to auditorium presentations for up to 100 people, or so. I can adapt the program to virtually any size audience, but my preference is to work with up to 25 students at a time. With a class that size, I can provide some degree of individual attention during the program.

Though I have an ideal class size, I understand that for good reasons this preference may not work with the needs of a particular group. That isn’t a problem. This program is just as effective with larger groups as it is with smaller ones, as long as the student courtesy level is good. With larger groups of children, additional adult supervision is requested.

At this time, I am offering three lengths of programs for schools: one-hour, half-day (approximately three hours) and full day. My program is most effective when delivered in one-hour classes. I can impart plenty of material in one hour without wearing out students or pushing their attention span. On any occasion it is far more satisfying for me, and students, if I spend one hour with three classes as opposed to three hours with one.
 

At some schools I have done Artist In Residency programs where I have spent several consecutive days (up to one week) at a school, delivering one-hour (or normal class-length) lessons and scheduling time to allow students to watch me work on my own assignments. Questions related to my career are encouraged. The greatest benefit of an Artist In Residence program is that students get to know me better as a working professional cartoonist outside of the time they spend in class together.

You can work out what length program will best suit your school or group. My personal goal is to allow as many students as possible to enjoy this program with maximum individual attention and encouragement.

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MATERIALS NEEDED

Materials needed for this program are all commonly found in a school classroom. They are paper and drawing implements such as markers and crayons. I will need a blackboard, dry-erase board or easel with a large pad to present my lessons. I do not provide any drawing materials for students. They should have all they need at their desks.

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RATES

The following rates are based on specific length programs up to one full school day. Depending on the needs or preferences of your group, a more specific rate quote may be needed beyond what is listed here. I can work out details in those cases over the phone.

One-Hour Program: $100
Half Day: $180
Full Day: $275

These rates include a nominal travel expense fee for programs delivered in Rhode Island. Travel expense allowance for programs delivered outside of Rhode Island can be worked out at the time of booking.

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SPECIAL NOTE: I cannot accept responsibility for student discipline during my programs. Common sense guides me in how I handle a classroom—and I rarely have discipline problems. However, any such behavior problems will be the responsibility of the contracting group or institution. My goal is to use the available time to best deliver a successful program to attentive students.

FUNDING NOTE: I am an approved roster artist for both VSA Arts of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.

I look forward to hearing from you about scheduling a program. Thank you for your interest and consideration. Please use the Contact Steve link for further info and booking dates.