In a recent exchange with Bored Panda, Doug opened up a little bit more about his work and life.
Doug shared, "Well, I've never really aimed to target a specific audience. I guess my humor naturally appeals to a wide range because I draw from a lifetime of experiences. The fact that I'm 76 probably flavors my cartoons with a bit of boomer humor, but honestly, I just write about life as I see it. Whether it's something funny I've noticed on television or something absurd about daily living, it's all fair game. My grandkids think some of it's funny too, so maybe I'm doing something right!"
Reflecting on his over 30 years in teaching, the artist noted, "Teaching never really changed the way I make comics, but it sure did give me a lot of material! And perhaps, without realizing it, the way I approach teaching—breaking down complex ideas into something digestible and entertaining—has seeped into my cartooning. I've always included a cartooning component in my classes. Sharing what I love about comics and animation with my students has been one of the best parts of teaching."
Doug admitted the challenges and his approach, stating, "I wish I had a magic formula for this, but I don't. Sometimes, just stepping away and doing something else lets the ideas start flowing again. I might catch a phrase on TV or mishear something someone says at the store, and suddenly, there's a cartoon forming in my mind. It's funny how creativity works—often when you stop trying to force it, that's when it decides to show up."
The comic artist also discussed the evolution of his work, saying, "Over the years, my style has definitely evolved, shaped by everything from my early days copying Mad magazine cartoonists to my formal art education and even my stint in the army. Transitioning from magazines to greeting cards was a big shift, too. Each stage has taught me something new about my craft, whether it's refining my drawing skills or finding new sources of inspiration."
On his preference for traditional tools, Hill explained, "I've always been more comfortable with pencil and paper. There's something about the tactile feel of drawing that digital tools can't quite replicate for me. Sure, I use Photoshop for coloring and text, but the heart of my work is all done by hand. It's how I started, and it's how I'll probably end. Plus, I think there's a certain charm to hand-drawn cartoons that just feels right for the kind of humor I'm going for."
