Howls to the Night Owls
But no howls for our feline sponsored “Cat Themed” week. Why not? The only way to get good at something is to keep on working at it.
What do cartoonists think about in the morning? Well if you’re this cartoonist, usually about the cartoon from the night before. Questions about word choices, for example. Yesterday’s cat cartoon had the line “when cats rule the earth.” Originally it was to be “when cats rule the planet.” Two possible choices, but which is best? I was leaning towards “planet,” but Earth was 1 syllable, and it was probably a more relatable word for our Earthling audience. But then this morning, while washing the dishes, I realized that maybe “when cats rule the world” might’ve been an even better word choice. Ruling the world is something everyone has heard before somewhere, or even wished for themselves.
But now, still reflecting on it, maybe Earth WAS the better choice.
So, for me, cartoons are actually closer to writing Haiku poetry than comedy skits. I’ve got a certain amount of space, which means I have a limited amount of words I can comfortably use. Every word has to count, be meaningful to the cartoon’s message, and hopefully, build a 2nd picture in the reader’s head. I used to fret when I went to sleep, worrying over how the cartoon looked, or sounded, or if I used too much shading. For example, the sizes of the cats’ legs from last night didn’t really match up well. So I still fret a little. But, my perfectionist tendencies, thank the Big Cat in the Sky, are loosening their hold. Which is why I could comfortably create tonight’s Essential Cartoon and not feel embarrassed.
I hope that was interesting.
And a big Happy Birthday to my Dad coming up real soon!
I wish everyone a restful rest of your night.
Until mañana . . . Enjoy
Ian S.
Salinas!
P.S.
“No rulers were harmed during the making of this cartoon.”
“Let’s still be careful out there.”