The 99 Cents Art Power Tool

Subway surfer live interview on the subway

GET PAID CASH BY THE SUBWAYSURFER!

Folks before your eyes start rolling out of your skulls and you start mouthing the words, MULTI LEVEL MARKETING im NOT advocating THAT! and this is not a get rich quick scheme I PROMISE! It is a legal legitimate and WORKABLE way for you to get PAID by the Subwaysurfer, BUT you will HAVE to email me at
Cartoons4u2@aol.com to find out!

I will give all the details via email AND have make you eliginle to receive my monthly DIPP Drawing In Public Places Monthly E Newsletter!)

HOW TO BE A STARVING ARTIST part 3

21. ALWAYS KEEP IT "REAL"

 Complain loud long and often! it's good to vent your feelings, especially when you’re depressed, frustrated, worried, angry, confused, or annoyed with your client.  It’s so freeing letting people know exactly how you feel so there's no guesswork involved.  Behaving otherwise, is not "self control" or "discipline" or even "maturity". Those are just fancy words for BEING FAKE.  Just keep it REAL. You and your client will be happier. If they get angry, hurt, or scared, it’s because they have grown accustomed to hearing lies. Break them out of that habit, and they will thank you for it.

 22. NEVER NEGOTIATE EVER

There’s only ONE way for a project to be done, YOUR way. Period, end, dot.  If your client was so smart and knew what e was doing, then why would he come to you anyway? Again, this is just another lame tactic they use to take away your power.  Secretly they want you to take control. It shows them you are confident. Even if they won't admit it.

23. DO WHAT EVERYONE ELSE DOES

Always look at what everyone else is doing and do that too.  This is a sure path to success, and you will also be perceived as "cool",Remember that  image is everything! ask any high school cheerleader!  Besides,  if everyone else weren't doing it then it wouldn't be popular, and you would  just look like a fool doing something different by yourself! Remember High School? It's a metaphor for life.  All the so called "innovators"and "visionaries"  of the world were all just uncool losers who got lucky. Yeah, I said it!

24. OVERTIME IS FOR IDIOTS

Work your standard 8 hours and take your butt home. Work is always going to be there, so why keep at something you'll never finish anyway? Ask any fool who works overtime if they enjoy it. If they tell you they do, go on and ask the NEXT person for a TRUTHFUL answer.

25, DON'T DO BUSINESS WITH EVERYONE.

Don't do business with Arabs, Asians, Blacks Whites, Christians, Jews, Democrats, Republicans, Gays, Lesbians, or people you don't know. They just can't be trusted. Everyone knows that.

26. NITCH rhymes with ITCH FOR A REASON

Doesn’t scratch an itch, or you'll eventually bleed. You don't need to find a nitch group.  To do so would limit your options and alienate you from people who could possibly buy from you.  Better to be a jack of all trades, a chameleon who can service everyone, rather than a select few.

27. BECOME GOOD AT GUESSING

If you don't know the answer to a clients question about something, then guess! You MIGHT be right! Your client will never know, if he KNEW he wouldn't be asking YOU.  Searching for the right answer s too time consuming and stressful. He's not paying you  THAT much to know everything, anyway.  

28. NEVER EVER DO MORE THAN REQUIRED

Going the proverbial “extra mile” for a customer will only leave you with tired feet, and empty pockets. They don’t deserve more. EVER. Time is money. YOUR  time, THEIR money.  If anyone wants more than they paid for, they are stealing from you. Who wants to do business with a thief?

29. BECOME A MAN/WOMAN OF MYSTERY

Limit the amount of time you communicate with clients via phone, in person, or email. The artist is supposed to have an aura of mystery. If the client is allowed to peek behind the curtain, the illusion is over. Besides, once they feel comfortable with you, they will tell you more to do, and then you will have to work harder when all you wanted to do was a little picture thing and go home.

30.  ALWAYS CONSIDER YOURSELF THE BEST IN THE WORLD, PERIOD,   END. DOT!

And DONT be afraid to let EVERYONE know it at every opportunity. Some people need a lot of reminding.  Some call that arrogance. I call it confidence. If others want to put themselves down and lower their self esteem in the process, let them live in the basement with the rest of the losers.  People ALWAYS want to hire the best. That's why they LOVE the YANKEES. You dont see them calling THEMSELVES losers, do you?

The 5 Stages Of Getting Your Caricature Done For the First Time

STAGE ONE: OPEN MOUTH SHOCK

 At this Stage we finally see ourselves through the eyes of the caricature artist, and realize for the first time, we are not as good looking as we think we are.

STAGE TWO: ANGER AND DENIAL

In a lame effort to fool ourselves we insist that the artist that drew us is blink, nearsighted , or crazy. Phrases like,"THATS NOT ME!"  are accompanied by fits of rage and rising blood pressure. This is a dangerous stage for the offending artist who must be wary of blows, spittle bullets flying in his/her direction

STAGE THREE: MIND NUMBING  SHOCK

Once past the intense energy of the Anger Denial stage the subject falls into a state of mind numbing shock and hopelessness. At this stage all he can do is stare aimlessly at the caricature drawing. He reluctantly sees points of recognition and is coming to terms with the possible resemblance on the page being accurate. This stage is unpredictable and can last for several minutes or days in some cases.

STAGE FOUR: DESPAIRING RELUCTANT ACCEPTANCE

At this stage , your customer's skin may take on a bluish tinge, it's where we get the expression, "having the blues" At this stage, your customer has come to the awful realization that he is IN FACT , NOT as good looking as he previously thought and acted for years, and realizes that he must now change his entire world view and self concept.He feels a sense of hopelessness knowing that plastic surgery is not an option  and is not covered by his insurance plan. This is a dangerous time for the customer as he might throw himself headlong into traffic, or impail himself on your magic marker. bouts of intense weeping and gnashing of teeth are not unusual at this stage.If the customer can get past THIS stage he will make a startling breakthrough...

STAGE FIVE: UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD AND SELF ACCEPTANCE

At THIS stage, the customer realizes that he is just as funny looking as every other human on this big blue marble. He comes to the realization that God MUST have a sense of humour, otherwise how could a face such as HIS possibly exist!? He begins to LOVE his imperfections and glory in his own personal uniqueness that no one else has! He begins to feel good about himself again, THIS time with the realization that he is NOW relating to his TRUE self, not an idealized concept. He begins to feel superior in that knowledge  knowing that the "average human" is still in the dark and that HE is now smarter! THIS makes him feel even BETTER! At THIS stage, he can now appreciate the awesome talent of the caricature artist in the first place and glory in the technique demonstrated.

Very few people get to THIS  transcendent stage, but for those who do, some of THEM end up not only having a fantastic time at parties and special events, but some go on to even  become caricature artists themselves! We are, after all, an enlighted group!

Have Elgin SUBWAYSURFER  Bolling  Take you safely through the five stages by inviting him to draw at your next party! dont just trust ANYONE to do this! leave that to the professionals! that way you dont get hurt! 

For more info, email Elgin at

cartoons4u2@aol.com

HOW TO BE A STARVING ARTIST part 2

11. PROCRASTINATION IS THE NATION YOU LIVE IN

Your national national anthem is the song, "Tomorrow" (it's always a day away )live by that!

12. THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS WRONG.

make him know that at every opportunity, in subtle and direct ways. Clients need to know who the professional is, and understand who is in charge, at all times.

13. "DONE" IS BETTER THAN "PERFECT"

Since NO ONE is perfect, or can ever BE perfect, why even strive for such an unrealistic, unattainable goal? Stop setting yourself up for inevitable failure. The fact is, your job doesn't have to be your best. It just has to be SOMETHING TANGIBLE. Your client will never know the difference, anyway.

14. DEADLINES ARE RELATIVE
Never let anyone bully you into finishing an assignment until you are good and ready. Clients who push for deadlines are trying to take away your power. Never give away your power, they never give it back.

15.FORGET ABOUT CALENDARS

Calendars and-appointment books are for morons with bad memories. Whatever you can't remember in your head, you can always scribble onto random slips of paper envelopes napkins whenever you can make a mark .
16. FORGET ABOUT BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

You don't need to form good business relationships you're not going to marry these people so what is the point? Just get their money, and go on to the next person. This isn't about romance! This s business! If you're swimming with the sharks you gotta keep it moving.

17. GIGS ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN

The word "GIG", means Get Income (that's)Greater!
Always take a better gig over your current gig, especially if it's more money! After-all
that's all about the Benjamin's and your client understands this. Even if they don't admit it.

18. CONTRACTS ARE FOR MOBSTERS AND HIT MEN

People are basically honest. A simple head nod, and handshake is enough to seal any deal. Your clients always have your best interests at heart.

19, YOU'RE NOT A FASHION MODEL, STOP DRESSING LIKE ONE.

Dress up is a pretend girlie game, and you need to act like an adult. Dress for comfort. You're only doing art, not selling real estate.

20. REPEAT THIS AFFIRMATION AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE.

IM JUST A STARVING ARTIST! IM JUST A STARVING ARTIST!
IM JUST A STARVING ARTIST! IM JUST A STARVING ARTIST!IM JUST A STARVING ARTIST! IM JUST A STARVING ARTIST!

Say it long enough and you'll definitely believe it, and most of all, live it! Say it to your friends, your family, even your other artist friends. With any luck, they'll join in the chorus, and you all can happily warm yourselves By the garbage can fire, as you collectively wonder where your next meal is coming from. Congratulations on achieving your goal! You worked hard to achieve it!

Quite Possibly the most fun Ive had doing an Avatar Yet

Just Completed this Avatar for a client who wanted an Avatar where he's changing from Clark Kent to Superman/ I suggested instead of the big red "S" we use the first letter of his name. The results were magical.

HOW TO BE A STARVING ARTIST EBook By Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

Recently while speaking with some artist friends, the subject came up , as it always does, about "how business was ".  as usual  my ears were bombarded with the usual answers, " people just aren't buying," "this isnt the season" "its not what you know, its who you know" etc. etc. I mentioned a few things that had been working for me lately and was met by polite smiles and nods of the head, only to have people return to the same chorus of "Why Business Is Bad"....It occurred to me that perhaps I am doing things all wrong. In fact, maybe theres something wrong with ME! Conventional wisdom seems to suggest that Artists actually LIKE the title of "starving artist" why else would they fight so hard to live up to it? Being the entrepreneur that I am, I went to work on what perhaps will be my most successful Ebook: HOW TO BE A STARVING ARTIST! Here are a few excerpts from the upcoming book:

1.YOUR FRIENDS OPINIONS ARE ALWAYS RIGHT
Your friends who never lie to you. Thats why they're called friends.  You're friends after all because your opinions are the same. Refuse to listen to another point of view on matters regarding your work and your career. Listen to your friends ALWAYS. they are ALWAYS right. That's why they're your friends.

2.FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR BED
The Early Bird catches the worm is a dumb saying. Who wants to eat worms for breakfast anyway? Life is really stressful. Especially when you are an artist. You need all the sleep you can.  Your bed is the only place where you can find rest and peace. Dont just settle for sleeping at night, take a couple of naps during the day your work can wait.

3 WAIT FOR THE MOOD TO HIT YOU TO WORK
Its all about mood. You work best when you are happy. Whats the point of working when you feel sad, frustrated, or when your favorite sitcom is on? Work is one of life's constants. Its always going to be here, and there is always going to be more, not less of it. Since Work is already waiting to be done anyway, why not wait until the right MOOD hits you to do it then you can just breeze through it. Anyone who says otherwise is just a workaholic.

4 ALWAYS WORK AT THE LAST POSSIBLE MINUTE
Think about it, if someone put a gun to your head and said run the 100 yard dash in 2 seconds, you'd probably do it in one second. Pressure is GOOD for you. It energizes you. it makes you decide quickly what to do. that's how ALL the professionals work, regardless of what they TELL you. 


5 WHY READ IF YOU AREN'T IN SCHOOL?
If you've gone from kindergarten to college, you've already done a lifetime of reading. Trust me, there aint nothing new in those books anyway, so why waste time reading? All the author wants to do is get rich off of you, and give you useless advice. Leave the research to the professors. It's their JOB to read, after all....

6.FORGET "PRACTICE"
Practice is something beginners need to do.You are a professional, therefore, you dont NEED it.  You're not in art school , no one is grading you, so you dont need practice EVER. .Practice is for people who dont know what they are doing.


7 LEAVE THAT "TECHIE" STUFF TO THE GEEKS
Computer technology is for geeks. Leave that stuff to the techies. You're an artist. No need to learn this stuff anyway. If something breaks down you can just call someone to fix it. 


8 THE SUPERMARKET is The ONLY MARKETING YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Marketing involves unpleasant things like Math, Research, testing.... all of those annoying left brain activities that  will just jam up your creativity. Marketers are all soul less business drones in suits. Never sell out and be one of them! always know WHO you are! An ARTIST!


9 STAY IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE.... ITS COZY THERE.
Why do you THINK it's called a "comfort zone?" It's COMFORTABLE! Duh!!!  Lets be logical here, if someone asked you to trade in your nice comfy bed and mattress, for a bed of nails, what would you say? Yeah. I THOUGHT SO!


10 STOP LIVING IN A DREAM WORLD
We dont live in our imagination, we live in reality. The reality is that things are tough. You were dealt a certain "deck"in life, and NO amount of dreaming, affirming, or wishing will ever change that. Anyone who believes otherwise is fooling themselves.  


Yep folks, there you have it. If you want to be a success, and being a starving artist,  there it is! Good luck! These techniques WORK Guaranteed!   

The Caricature Comic Connection! Character Design Ebook is out!

Its finally here, caricature /comic fans! the companion Ebook To my lecture at the April 20th Big City  Drink and Draw session held at Jack Demspeys.  This 33 page Ebook covers with words and pictures the concepts spoken about in the lecture on how to use caricature to create compelling comic characters for graphic novels and comics.The book covers different storytelling methods you can use to overcome writers block, as well as step by step instruction of how to draw live in public settings. ( The art of DIPP. Drawing In Public Places) Of course the hook is jammed packed with lots of great art done live on the Subways of New York City, and other public venues. A must have book for any comic /caricature enthusiast interested in adding more power to their character designs.Buy your copy for only $5.00!

HERES A FANTASTIC REVIEW OF THE BOOK BY AN ENTHUSIASTIC FAN!

In his new E-Book, "The Caricature/Comix Connection," Elgin Bolling
a.k.a "The Subwaysurfer" shares with the reader his unique insights
into the arts of caricature and cartooning. Based on his many years of
experience drawing live in New York City, from underground subways to
black-tie galas in high-rise penthouses, Bolling shares his extensive
knowledge of this enigmatic subject, with abundant wit and humor. Here
you'll learn his practical solutions and original theories that will
have you thinking like a caricaturist. All presented here in a highly
entertaining format, and backed up with numerous caricatures,
cartoons, and illustrations. Prepare to have some fun! Highly
recommended for both the novice and the seasoned professional. No
matter what you might have already read on the subjects of caricature
and cartooning, you can't afford to miss the mind of The Subwaysurfer!

Chris Collins
Graphic Designer and Photoshop Educator

When Somebody Believes in you

I love my life as a professional artist. It offers me a lot of rewards. Most people dread coming to work, dealing with the grind, the calls, the same old routine. For me, every work day is a new challenge. Whether I am doing a character design for a film,  drawing avatars for the next great internet mogul, or laughing with corporate execs in plush NYC Penthouses, my art has taken me places far beyond my expectations, and I look forward to even higher heights.
But it wast always that way.
Like most artists,I was  just the lonely nerdy kid who "could draw" People took me for granted, used my talent when it was convenient for them, and pretty much disposed of me  when it was time to play their reindeer games.I might have even given it up at one point if not for my cousin John.  Cousin John affirmed me a LOT as a kid. His door was always open and while he had children of his own, he always made me feel welcome and treated me like a son. John was fascinated watching me draw and encouraged me my whole life, pushing me to do better, and better.I think abotu John often but neglected visiting him  due to the distance separating us. One day a few weeks back I was working a gig near his Brooklyn home , and inspire of a torrential downpour I made the trip to his house. John was glad to see me as always, and we spoke for hours just as easily as we had always done. It was like I never left.Following a pause in our conversation, John pointed to two pictures on the wall, stating that he still had my masterpieces. To my shock John had framed two black and white pieces that Id  drawn well over twenty years ago when I was still searching for an art identity. He framed them because , he said, he knew the value of them, and said they were his favorite pictures. He then took them out of the frames made two photocopies for me, and sent me on my way with a present so valuable that I dont  have words to describe it  He Believed in me. Even before I believed in myself. Thanks John.

Caricature Quick Tip #* Dont THINK , FEEL

Was thinking about Bruce Lee's famous line from the movie, ENTER THE DRAGON, when he SLAPS this kid in the beginning of the movie, for thinking too much when he should have been FEELING. The prininciple is applicable for betting over artist block when you're staring at a blank page. Listen to the podcast, grasshopper and learn.

Be  glad that I'm not infront of you to slap you and reinforce this lesson like Master Lee had to!

Ipad Gift Caricature of a Pirate King.

In addition to party caricature, Gift caricature is one of the staples of a successful caricature business. I especially love doing gift caricatures, because it also allows me to operate in the capacity of a character designer, especially if the client, like in this case, gives me full reign to let my creative abilities run amok! . My client wanted this picture  for a buddy  who possessed  a notoriously red beard. We immediately decided on a pirate theme and I went to work. creating the red beard character here. I wanted this pirate to look kind of classy, so I took a few items from Captain Hooks closet to clothe my character. .  When doing gift caricature, If possible, I like to play with, manipulate , and borrow from cultural icons that are immediately recognizable to everyone. I do ad my own flair so that its not outright plagiarism 

Overall Im vary pleased with the gift caricature. The only thing missing is a Pirate and a bottle of rum. But we're trying to keep things nice and sober here on the subwaysurfer blogggg.

This caricature was colored beautiful in my trusty ipad using the art studio app.

My client let me know that his buddy was notorious for wearing hats, so I did give him a Fancy Pirate hat, but couldnt resist doing one without the hat also. 

Big City Drink and Draw Demo by Subwaysurfer

Caricature Quick Tip Series TOOLS