Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Sad News from the Cartooning World

I just got the news that Jack Ziegler, a cartoonist whose work has appeared in The New Yorker since 1974, has died. You can read an interview Michael Maslin conducted with Jack Ziegler in October on Michael's website, www.michaelmaslin.com and click on "Inkspill."

As for me, I'm always looking for new people to write for and ways to improve the writing I send out to my regular cartoonists. I guess you can say I'm focused. This entails studying the cartoonist's published cartoons to figure out what they really want. Sometimes I can figure it out. Sometimes I can't. In the end, I send out what I think is funny. I'm lucky that I can work at home and it's quiet here (usually) during the day which is good because I work best with no distractions. Then, after spending too much time by myself, I need to get out and see people, which is good because I get ideas based on real life, interacting with the outside world as well as with family. And, recognizing the humor that's right in front of me as I observe the interactions between family members gives me plenty of material.

Truth is the basis of the best humor.

Have a productive week.

Email me at: gagsbyhelene@gmail.com.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Last night I attended a party at the Society of Illustrators, where the Manhattan Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society celebrated the 88th birthday of its member, Arnold Roth. It was a wonderful gathering of syndicated and non-syndicated cartoonists, writers, friends and family of a very funny, warm and talented person. There was food, cake, beverage and lots of laughter and good times which comes naturally with being with good people. My husband and I even won a very special raffle prize!

After being away from the group for several months, it was an especially happy occasion for me to be back together with creative people in the industry. I work alone, as so many of the people there do, and it was great to trade stories, meet new people and just enjoy being together in a lovely venue with wonderful people. Gatherings like this keep me going.

Any comments, contact me at: gagsbyhelene@gmail.com.

Have a great day!