Cartoon Illustration Methods

We work together. My job is to visualise and put onto paper what is in your/your clients head. Plus maybe give you a few new ideas from my perspective.

Every job and client is different. It is up to me to adapt to you. Cartoons, like humour in general, are very cultural things. What works for some won't work for others.

Sometimes a character or scene takes shape very quickly and sometimes it takes a few attempts to formulate and refine our ideas. But usually I can hit the nail on the head first go.

My job is to give you memorable artwork that works for you and your market (and maybe have some fun while we're at it!).

Once you have explained what you want, and we have agreed a price, I sketch rough ideas and email them. If the aim is clear, a whole job can be discussed, started and completed in a few hours.

I work quite fast, starting with quick rough sketches.

My usual methodology is to think about your job and your business, and to try and get a feel for what you want and what will work for your market.

It may take a few attempts to get the 'feel' just right, especially for bigger marketing campaigns where ideas can develop and grow. Sometimes I will do more cartoons, to illustrate more subjects, or different subjects, than was originally the case.

Mail: ElectricEasel@ntlworld.com
Call: +44 (0) 7973 385582

See the BogeyMan Golf page for an idea of how I work on character designs and character development.

Please mail me to discuss your project

Techniques and Equipment
Cartoons don't need much equipment! For those art students who are interested: I use a B pencil and a pen that I am used to the feel of. Pilot 0.3, 0.5 or 0.8mm black, permanent draftsman's pen.

I trace the winning cartoon accurately through layout paper. Sometimes with a lightbox. It's a lot quicker than cleaning it up in photoshop, (even with a Cintiq).

Then I scan it in to my computer, and paint it in Photoshop with digital airbrushes on a Wacom Cintiq21UX.

I have all the usual up-to-date Adobe software but have learnt not to be too obsessive about it. Everything funny or interesting comes from the sketch. The most expensive software and hardware available can neither think of a funny cartoon or draw it. Not yet anyway!

It is rarely asked for now, but I still do some work the traditional way. Using pencil, paint brushes. watercolour and ink.

Children's Birthday Candles Gift Packaging

Cute Animal Cartoons