Sketchbook: A swift ensign

I liked the idea behind this sketch, but it occurs to me that one has to be of a certain age to truly appreciate it. And that age is not in the same demographic as the Swifties.

Way back in the 20th century, some of you might recall the Church magazine for youth: The New Era. That's where I got my start as a cartoonist. But before The New Era, there was The Improvement Era. I'm pretty sure that it was later shortened to just The Era, but I haven't found any documentation to back that up.

There's a cool Church History website that talks about different periodicals we've had over time. Interesting reading! 
 

Something to chew on

This was among the first gags I sold to the Church magazines back when it was The New Era and I was still in high school. They had another cartoonist do the artwork (Cal Grondahl), so I was a little disappointed at the time.  My skills as an artist have improved over the ensuing years. I can't say I blame them.

As a result, this little gem has been hidden away. Yes, it would have been better to revisit it last year while we studied the Old Testament. 

My hope is that many of these old prophets have a sense of humor — or at the very least they're forgiving!

Light the World: Thanking a mentor

OK, so this one is a little different. It's more of a true story instead of a gag. It's a nod to one of my mentors.

My Journalism professor at BYU, Ed Haroldsen, pushed me from doodling in my notebook to being a genuine cartoonist. He not only noticed and encouraged me in my cartooning, he gave me ideas to use from time to time. It wasn't unusual for him to greet me before class and give me a critique of the day's cartoon in the Daily Universe.

He had an amazing career as a journalist and as a teacher. I am honored that he took the time to encourage me in my cartooning. He taught me some great writing and editing skills as well!

That said, there are three other people I have to acknowledge for their gentle prods and encouragement. In high school, Valerie set up an appointment for me to meet with the cartoon editor at the New Era. That was huge for me, and started me on the path of cartooning as a professional. It never would have happened without her.

Similarly, in college Susan encouraged me to meet with the editors of the school paper. BYU had cranked out a bunch of editorial cartoonists, but (as far as I know) up to that point they hadn't run a humor strip. That nudging led to my relationship with Bro. Haroldsen, and it led to me achieving one of my bucket list items before I even knew I had a bucket list. The paper ran two daily comic strips: mine... and Peanuts!

My dear wife Christy is a constant encouragement and inspiration. She laughs at my gags even when they're poor and gives me ideas to improve them. She helps keep me motivated, and is the best marketing rep that I have!

I've truly been blessed with some great people in my life. Thank you!

No reservations

There is such a thing as being too prepared!

The New Era has a great packet to help youth (and older folks) get more out of conference. You can download a copy from the conference website.

Save your seats early!

You think YOU have it rough...

I mean, that cuts out about half of our material! At least we still have the missionaries!

Pictured here (in clockwise order) are representations of the styles of Arie Van De Graaff at the chalkboard, Val Chadwick Bagley, Ryan Stoker, me, and "Honest" Jon Clark. Before you say anything (like, "What about Brian Crane?") there are many more Mormon cartoonists, but this is the gang of five who appear most often in the New Era.

Getting through the rain

There are a couple of ways to cope with rainy days. The top one was a promotional ad for the New Era that they put in the programs at EFY.

Snakes on a boat

I was searching through my archives the other day to find a cartoon to go with our Sunday School lesson about Noah. This one didn't show up in my search, but it's one of the first cartoons I ever sold to the New Era.

Gospel topics

Just once I'd really like to see this happen. It would probably have to be one of Arie Van De Graaff's cartoons, though!

In which I become accountable

Today marks the eighth anniversary of this blog! That means I've reached the age of accountability, so now I guess I have to start being responsible. Dang!

As usual when I reach a major milestone, I bring back my first cartoon ever published — that was a LONG time ago! Since that time my cartoons have appeared in many newspapers, magazines, websites (in several different languages), and many have been appropriated to be fill material in ward bulletins!

Thank you for your continued support and readership. Keep coming back!

Like unto him

Because as every parent knows, it works to compare siblings!

Let's keep this a secret

It might be too early to start on the presidential election...

2001: A Cartoon Odyssey

Today marks blog entry No. 2,001! As usual when I hit major milestones, I rerun my first published cartoon. I don't know why. Maybe I'm still surprised that the New Era ran one of my cartoons.

Recycled: Wagons

Here's another old one that ran in the New Era many years ago. What kid wouldn't want a tricked out Conestoga to cross the plains, right?

The exception to the rule

This is a reworking of one that ran in the New Era many years ago. I no longer have the original, so I recreated it.

Flashback: Best ever!

When this cartoon ran in the New Era, the son of the Den Leader in question ran downstairs yelling, "Mom! Mom! You're in the New Era!"

I hope by now she's forgiven me!

Happy Anniversary!

This marks my fifth year of doing this blog! Some of the gags have been good; some of the gags have been, well, less good -- but they've all come at the same low price!

As usual, I mark this significant milestone with a rerun of the cartoon that started it all -- my first published cartoon that ran in the New Era when I was still in high school.

In celebration of five years, I'm going to rerun some of my favorite cartoons during this week. I hope you like them, too. Thank you for joining me!

Share and share alike

I lied. But not intentionally. There was one more New Era promo that I inadvertently skipped over.

With one accord

I think this might be the last of my New Era promotional cartoons for a while. This one features most of their regular cartoonists (from left): Me, Arie Van De Graaff, Val Bagley, Jon Clark and Ryan Stoker. I drew a character in the style of each. I just thought it was kind of fun.

Something in the way

This is another of the New Era promos that ranks among my favorites.

A burden of light

No, we're not done with the New Era promos yet!