25 Absurd-Yet-Funny Cartoons I've Made That Got Rejected By "The New Yorker" (New Pics)

The average cartoon from concept to completion usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Of course, there are exceptions where either the concept comes very quickly, or the gag isn’t being delivered as well as it could be. Sometimes it takes a few days to get the idea right.

I don’t have any personal favorites. I’d say that I’m more interested in creating consistently well-executed cartoons. Spending a little extra time on draftsmanship and clear ideas is what I strive to do. My favorites are the cartoons where I drew well and had a simple, understandable gag.

I tend to work on cartoons in batches. I’ll go to my local coffee shop with a pad and paper. Sometimes I’ll take my 18-year-old daughter with me and test out ideas on her. I think some of my best cartoons come from her input. I write down concepts in a rough list. I’ll make notes of how I’d like to draw the idea and what seems to be the funniest way to execute it.

I try to get at least 10 strong ideas down on paper before I ever think about real sketching. Once I feel committed to an idea/gag, I’ll sketch a bit and get the concept and background ironed out. I like to keep my sketches very loose, so I don’t lose any spontaneity during the inking phase. Ideally, I strive to execute 10 (or more) strong ideas per week.

Some days I just don’t feel funny or have the juice to find absurdity in what’s going on around me. There are times I must force myself to sit down with my pad of paper and start kicking around ideas. Consistency is key. If I do it every day, I’ll have more to show for my effort. Even if my list of ideas is weak, the exercise still makes me better. I admire anyone who can do this well. For me, it ebbs and flows.

I think spending too much time honing a unique style can get in the way of productivity. Not that it should be ignored, but executing a well-drawn, conceptual cartoon should be the focus. Style usually comes on its own once the artist commits to creating on a regular basis.

As for the future, I’d like to continue getting published. The New Yorker would still be a nice get. Of course, that requires quantity and consistency. Two things I work very hard at. I’m working on three children’s books at the moment. I’d be happy to see them completed.