BRUCE BLITZ INTERVIEW!! By Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

THE QUESTIONS
Hi! As Promised, I caught up with Bruce Blitz, who was gracious enough to grant me a short interview. Bruce, I realize Im asking you questions that may give others the secret of your success, so feel free to be as vague as you want! LOL :

There is/was no secret to my success. I just worked hard. I will say though... that I changed the way that I approached things like organization, diligence and a different way of dealing with things like rejection and bumps in the business road. I didn't used to be that way but knew that I had to learn those things if I wanted to get ahead. I read a lot of success type books around that time.

It must have been challenging at the time as a relative unknown artist to get his own TV SHOW that showcased his art HOW did you do this?

It was hard, but as I said, I learned to not let rejection get me down. I just kept trying. Before I knew it I wasn't as unknown anymore and things got easier! It's a momentum thing.

You’re obviously a marketing genius by evidence of the fact that your products have remained in the marketplace for so long. What do you attribute to that success?

I was not a marketing genius. Quite the opposite. People only see the results of what DID work, so quite naturally they think that it was easy for me. I made many mistakes and learned on the fly. I didn't give up. Sometimes we, as people, like to think that someone who succeeded at something (it could be anything) had some extra special super power..it let's all of us off the hook for ever trying. Like "Oh, I could never do that...blah blah"

Did you come up with these lessons on your own?:

Yes, I created the material for my books, kits, videos and Television series based on how I thought as a kid about cartooning. I aways try to remember to include the basics in my lessons. It's easy for someone who knows how to do something well... to forget how at one time they didn't know where to begin. I tried never to lose that way of thinking.

Who were/are YOUR artistic inspirations?:

I grew up on MAD magazine and DC comics and Marvel and anything with cartoons on or in it!! I really like Jack Davis, Drucker and the list would be too long, but you get the idea.

A lot of people don’t know this about you, but you’re a concert pianist, and a GOOD one. I’ve heard you play. With the way technology combines, visual images, and sound and movies, are their any plans to do anything that integrates your music with your cartooning?:

Thanks but I am not concert level at all. I can't read music. I played in rock bands since the 1060s. I wrote and performed all the music for my videos and my TV series "Cartooning with Blitz". My music was nominated for an Emmy...(which I didn't win @#$%^&!)

A lot of people don’t realize that you are also a caricature artist. I know these a section in one of your books that showcase your work, and Ive seen it personally at NCN Conventions. Are you Still doing that?:

;I own and operate 2 caricature concessions at Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Phillies! This is our 7th year. I drew there for the first 3 years but not so much now. I love drawing caricatures!!

Any current projects or recent successes that you’d care to share with us?:

I am working on many new projects that will be out soon!!

What’s the single most important thing a professional artist needs to do to be successful?:

To remember that even Jack Davis started at the beginning once! Every professional was once an amature. I could go on spouting motivational sayings here but will spare you. Let me just say practice is the key!!

Bruce I’ve already informed my readers, about how you were impressed with my work after viewing it some years ago, so…. If you want to give a review of My work, and your impressions , feel free to do so now…. Basically I’m asking for a shameless plug, here, GO!! :

I am a huge fan of Elgin's work! I remember when I first saw his drawings. The bold line and direct approach to what/who he was drawing caught my eye immediately. It's real cartooning. He is a great "cross hatcher" too. His work stands out because it doesn't look like anyone elses and is funny. His sense of humor together with his drawing style is what cartooning is all about...a funny drawing expressing a funny idea!!! Keep on cartoonin' Elgin!!

Your friend Bruce Blitz

Thank You Bruce, for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview! there was certainly a LOT to learn! First off, Bruce's success did NOT come overnight, he did not "get a lucky break" but created his OWN luck by showing up, trying new things, failing, and then trying again. As he pointed out we only SEE the RESULTS of his SUCCESSFUL efforts, not his failures that led up to that success and made him wiser. 

 

Whats also important to point out is the value of using ALL of your skills in order to promote your product. I'm sure that if Bruce would have had to hire a "professional musician" to do his music ,the cost would have been considerable, and someone ELSE  could have bragged that they helped to "make the show successful". It Pays to be a do it yourself-er, and although Bruce ISN'T by his own admission a Concert Level Pianist, HIS ORIGINAL MUSIC was good enough to get an EMMY NOMINATION!   You Go! BRUCE!

Lessons Learned at a BAR MITZVAH by Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

"That doesn't look like me!"

I cannot tell you how many times that I've heard THAT line, and it always comes from a person that I drew a "dead on" Likeness of. The fact is, that MOST people do NOT have a realistic objective, visually assessment of how they look,mostly because of a inflated ego or because they're not used to seeing their face at a three quarter angle.

Whatever their reason, I usually just ignore remarks like these, smile, and happily hand the person their "drawing that doesn't look like them".
This time, however, it was different.
This particular young man at the Bar Mitzvah looked at my drawing and pointed out things that didnt match up with his face. He did this so honestly and respectfully, that I was compelled to listen, and did. Apparently, this youngster had the presence of mind to know EXACTLY what he looked like, and what's more, he ACCEPTED himself, for who he was and how he looked.

I drew him over.

The results were fantastic.
He was very pleased with the corrected drawing, and once I had something to compared it with, I saw IMMEDIATELY everything I had missed.

How could I have been so Blind?

Arrogance.

Sometimes we caricature artists get so caught up in "doing our art" that we can get into a mode where we just "give people a picture" not CARING if it LOOKS like them as long as it's "in the neighborhood".
I dint know I had been guilty of that, in THIS picture(Let's not get it twisted folks, the Subwaysurfer RARELY makes drawing mistakes at parties)

This Young man because of his honesty, taught me a valuable drawing lesson. Dont take your subject for granted. The most important person to draw is the one that is in front of you at the moment. Concentrate, REALLY SEE them, and then draw them like they're the only person in the room. If you do that, I learned, the results can be very satisfying. After all, that "bad " caricature you draw is going to have YOUR name on it. Your name is worth protecting.

So The NEXT time I hear,

"It doesn't LOOK like me"

I'll STOP and CONSIDER it!







Unless of course, you're in complete denial!

THE BIG BOOK OF CARTOONING by BRUCE BLITZ

Bruce Blitz is one of my heroes. First off, the man is a marketing genius. Bruce's popular How to draw Cartoons books, videos, have been staples in Art Stores for years, and can even be found at major retail stores around the country and especially in the NYC area. He is also an Emmy award winning TV Personality and his show has captivated youngsters for years, and now that he's online , his work will live on forever.
What I personally find most remarkable about Bruce is that he started his media campaigning, his personal "Branding" of himself and his work, at a time when these concepts, although common place today, were relatively unknown, and under used by individual professional artists. Bruce, IMO is the undisputed heavyweight champ of how to promote yourself as a professional cartoonist. I certainly have learned a lot from him.

Most artists may "pass off" Bruce's style as being "too retro" "not contemporary enough" for today's generation who likes their artwork, especially caricature and cartoons, "more extreme". It would be a mistake, to "sleep " on Bruce's ability, as he is able to draw caricatures with the best of them. I KNOW, because I've seen it.

I Met Bruce Blitz years ago at a Las Vegas Convention held by the NCN The National Caricaturist Network , Now known as the ISCA The International Society of Caricature Artists. I was very excited to meet one of the "ICONS" of the profession, and found him surprisingly, for a celeb of his stature, approachable. Bruce wrote me a few weeks later following that Convention, telling me how much he enjoyed my work. Although he loved my caricature work, he assessed me as being what he called "a cartoonist FIRST" which was something I hadn't at the time, discovered, but once he SAID it, I understood immediately. He further went on to say how much he liked my cartooning and how he was routinely checking out my blog, even at one point, offering me caricature work in his neck of the woods. I was trilled that a "little nobody" like me, .....heh... at the time......had made such an impression on a guy with the stature of Blitz. It gave me the confidence to push ahead through many nights of disappointment, and frustrations, to become the artist that I am today. Bruce Blitz, is truly one of my caricature cartooning mentors, and I owe him a lot.

Im hoping in a future blog post to have a s short interview with Bruce if his schedule permits. Stay tuned. this will definitely be worth checking out!

In the meantime, be sure to check out the youtube link of Bruce's cartooning series, and look at his other work as well. You will be inspired too, just like the SUBWAYSURFER Was!

WI FI IS COMING TO THE NYC MTA SUBWAYS

Imagine the SUBWAYSURFER'S Surprise when he turned on his computer and read this story on Yahoo News by Staff Writer, Pete DONOHUE. (see story below) The Subways where Yours truly does all his Extreme Life Drawing is FINALLY getting Wired and coming into the future that we all always envisioned in those JETSONS cartoons!! 

I wont talk about the potential dangers of having us wired in the subways... for now.... instead, lets focus on the possibilities....

 Drawing/Caricaturing Possibilities... to be exact.... heh, heh..


It's hard enough drawing commuters when they're tired , stressed bored and agitated because they have nothing to do while underground, with the introduction of wireless acess, they all will now be so happily occupied that they will be to busy talking, texting, and "inter-netting" ....gee, is that a word???... to even notice The Subwaysurfer Drawing their happy occupied faces!!! whats MORE is that I TOO can bring my digital devices on the train and happily  bring digital pictures straight to YOU AS THEY HAPPEN!!! according to the article  excerpt below,  My main line, THE A  is definitely getting it... Im waiting with baited breath....


Pete Donohue, Daily News Staff Writer

Six subway stations should be wired for cell phone service by the end of next year - with the rest of the underground system not far behind, authorities said.
Transit Wireless has until the middle of 2012 to provide service in the stations, but CEO Chris Jaeger said yesterday he expects the work will be done six months earlier.
Jaeger said he also expects all 277 underground stations to be wired before the 2016 contract deadline.
The first to get cell service include five stations beneath W. 14th St. on the A, C, E, L, 1, 2, 3, V and F lines.
The sixth station is W. 23 St./8th Ave., which serves the C and E lines.
Trains are not expected to have service between stations.


Transit Wireless, meanwhile, has just inked agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile to carry their signals on the communications system being built at no cost to the MTA. The company is still negotiating with other carriers.

Little Girl with GREAT HAIR by Elgin Bolling

Another person from the Party Art Productions Party!
This is Okemas Daughter, Legend. Love her name and her hair. This is a photo I took, but I loved her "look" so much that I did another from memory.

Man With DREADLOCKED MOHAWK by Elgin SubwaySurfer Bolling

The women weren't the only ones who had great hair at Okema Diiaz's party,for Party Art Productions. The MEN were equally bold with their hairstyles, like this young barber who had this dread locked Mohawk that he cut himself! AWESOME!

Party caricature of hair designer, MINISTA JAZZ by subwaysurfer

"Minister Jazz" was one of the fascinating guests I met/drew at a Party by my agent at Party Art Productions "Minister Jazz" had Fabulous hair and as she sat down I could not wait to draw her. When she turned to the side, Ito my amazement, it was partially bald, except for the word, "BOLD" that was shaved, on the side. I put down my drawing for a moment and quizzed her about the hair.  She explained to me that the word was NOT shaved but written into her scalp with a marker. She explained that everyday she gave her self "an intention:" or word of intent or affirmation which she wanted to embody that day, and also to communicate to others what she was feeling/intending. I found that to be fascinating  that a person would have that much commitment to their art using themselves as the ultimate art object.

Caricature as SACRED ART by Elgin Bolling

I Had this Fantastic Party For Party Art Productions ,That was held for a lovely lady named OKEMA DIAZ for her daughter, LEGEND. EVERYONE at this party had the most fantastic hair!
 The party was held in Okema's home, and I was so flattered that immediately after it was drawn she placed it prominently on what appeared to be an ALTAR, thus treating it as a Sacred Object WHAT A COMPLIMENT!
I was soon to learn that there were some hairstylists, fashion models, and makeup artists present at the party which was no surprize since everyone was BEAUTIFUL! It was a complete contrast to a Bar Mitzvah I attended the day before.

iPad Caricature Demonstration with Art Studio and Pogo Sketch (with Digi...

Angie Jordan is an amazingly talented caricature cartoonist, who I met years ago at an NCN (National Caricaturist Network) I was attracted immediately to her animated cartoony style, and she was one of first caricature artists, who was bravely using the new digital technology available YEARS ago.It comes as no surprise, to me at least that she is the worlds first Ipad caricaturist. Now that I own one of these things Im seeking out the best to learn how to use it, so who else would I turn to? Enjoy the vid. I know I will!

Drawing on the right side of the brain chap 1

Drawing on the right side of the brain is one of the subwaysurfer's "secrets", Folks. That's right. I learned some of my skill from BOOKS , and THIS is by far the one I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
This book is Easily one of the best, if not THE best "idiot proof" HOW TO DRAW BOOKS on the subject. Ive told my students about this book for YEARS. This book is a gem that truly teaches you everything you need to know about the subject in an easy to understand way.
This book should be required reading for anyone who is serious about improving their drawing skills, regardless of their level, but especially for beginners. It helped me in my pro caricature work for sure.
Unlike most art instruction books nowadays, the author is not interested in just "showing off their skills" and stroking their own ego, but giving to the reader a well thought out, systematic road map which will give them NOTICEABLE improvement in a matter of weeks. There is a great BEFORE and AFTER section that showcases work of students MS. Edwards, each possessing a different level of skill. The results are truly inspirational and astonishing. If you're a "bad" artist, this book will make you a GOOD artist. If you're a Good artist, it will make you an exceptional one.

SUBWAYSURFER'S SUBWAY ART STUDIO

VS Live #3 - BAttle for the Mark Event

Top 10 Tips you need to know when choosing a Party Artist by Elgin Bolling

Folks, I aint gonna lie, at the end of reading this post, I hope and pray that you CHOOSE ME each and every time you need an artist to draw for your party. But ... I cant be selfish. I mean I CAN be selfish, but I WONT. There are many great artists in the NYC area and all over the United States and Europe. I KNOW. I've met them. Here is a guide Ive put together that may be of use to you in choosing an artist no matter who he/she is.

But I hope you choose me. Okay... here we go...

TEN TIPS

1 Do you like his style?

2 Does he have pictures of his LIVE work?

3 How FAST can he draw?

4 How Personable is He/she?

5 What VIBE do you get from him/her?

6 How much experience does he/she have?

7 Is he/she affiliated with other companies?

8 Are his/her prices reasonable?

9 Is he/she willing to travel?

10 Has he/she worked your type of venue before?

Ive been a Professional party caricature artist for over ten years, folks, worked every conceivable venue from Anniversaries, To Zoo openings, and Ive seen this ONE thing happen over and over.

After spending time to get just the right decorations, table settings, DJ's< Party Place, etc. When it comes to hiring the best ARTIST they just get "anybody" Ive actually heard people complain: "He didnt draw me right" , "he was rude" , He was slow" etc. etc. Believe me folks having a Poor caricature artist at your party ruins the event! WHY? well because unlike Cake that is EATEN, Wine that is DRUNK Music that is DANCED to, the CARICATURE DRAWING is a KEEPSAKE. It's a memento that is "frozen in time" pointing to that event. It's not "just a picture" it's a MEMORY. BUT HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A GOOD ARTIST OUT OF THE HUNDREDS? Let me go through EACH STEP"

1 Do you like his style?

As the consumer you have the right to choose an artist whose style appeals to you. If you are comparison shopping, and Im not against it, you SHOULD Do this, look for an artist whose style of work you would like to have on your wall. FEW artsits are able to deviate from their "HOME" style (I happen to be one, of course who is at home drawing highly exaggerated or more subdued...just had to tell ya that..heh, heh. ). If they draw wild and exaggerated, chances are they will draw YOU wild and exaggerated, and MAYBE you dont WANT that. Since you're BUYING the service you deserve to get what you want, no?


2 Does he have pictures of his LIVE work?

ANY artist worth his salt can draw an excellent picture WHEN HE HAS TIME. look on their site to see if they 're live work actually LOOKS like the person they're drawing. Ask them HOW LONG IT TAKES for them to draw. Remember you are PAYING them by the hour. If you have 20 or more guests and you get an artist who draws one picture every ten or twenty minutes then you're in for empty pockets, unsatisfied guests and a long night.


3 How FAST can he draw?

If he cant draw with a Three to Five Minute time frame he is SLOW.Nothing is more frustrating to a party guest than to have to wait on a lllllooooooonnnnggggg line by a slow drawing artist, and STILL not get drawn! I've seen it happen, It aint pretty, and whats worse, is that your guests have sacrificed their precious party time in the hopes of getting drawn by this slow poke artist.  If possible have your artist meet you personally. Take out your watch, ask them to draw you on the SPOT. If he/she can draw you quickly, that's a great indicator on how fast they will be able to draw your guests.



4 How Personable is He/she?

The artist, unlike the hot dog vendor at the food court is an LIVE ENTERTAINER. You WANT someone who is going to be able to entertain your guests and be personable. He should be "part of the event" This is one reason I go out of my way to interact with people Im drawing. I LOVE to engage them. It makes the whole party experience a night to remember. Being personable is very important when it comes to children's parties especially. Does the artist even LIKE kids?  Interview your potential artist and ask them questions. It will become pretty apparent to you how personable they are in a few moments.


5 What VIBE do you get from him/her?

Does the artist REFUSE to meet with you prior to the event,; do they rush you off the phone, or are they "all business?" Sometimes this is an indication that they are "all about the money" and while it's TRUE they are working professionals, you want someone who you can work with. Ive heard accounts of people who have been insulted by artists, ignored by them, and even ridiculed all in the name of "fun" Trust your instincts if you get a weird vibe dont hire them.


6 How much experience does he/she have?

How long has the artist been doing his job? While we all must begin SOMEWHERE do you really want a novice to try their skills at YOUR event? While there are some novices who are very talented, the dynamic of a live event makes some of them fold. Ive SEEN it happen! You want your event to be a success, not some "NEW JACKS" experiment.


7 Is he/she affiliated with other companies?

While it's true most caricature artists work as independents I find that it's good to find out who they are or have been affiliated with in terms of other company's. For example I have worked with numerous event planners in NYC and across the United States for many years. Having worked with these individuals has helped me establish a track record with them for being dependable, professional, one time, courteous and fun. ANY artist off the street can tell you "they're good" how would YOU know? Professional affiliations help you to ask artist employers how good they are. Testimonials from reputable clients also fall into this category. Keep in mind that if you go through an Event Planner to book your caricature artist, you will be paying a higher fee than if you approach the artist directly.



8 Are his/her prices reasonable?

As fun as it is, Party Caricature is a business , and yes I want to get paid. After all Ive developed some annoying habits over the years like eating, wearing clothes and having a roof to keep the rain off me. Having said that are the artists rates REASONABLE for YOU? that's the key question. Is the artist willing to negotiate? granted, some things cannot be negotiated , but find out how your artist feels about their price. You might be pleasantly surprised. Ive actually come up with many ways my clients can save money by booking me for different types of events and have even thrown in free additional specials at no cost whatsoever. Keep in mind also that your artist is a professional  who uses a highly developed skill that few people appreciate or even realize. Price is always a "touchy" issue... realize that you probably CAN get an artist for "cheap" but you will definitely sacrifice skill level and professionalism if you are TOO much of a cheapskate!


9 Is he/she willing to travel?

This is self explanatory. Be up front with the artist and tell him/her where the venue will be. Some area are either remote, hard to access or, from the artists position, dangerous!(come on , we live in NYC, we KNOW where those places ARE) Nevertheless, your location IS your location so find out if the artist is WILLING to go there and if there is additional travel costs involved.



10 Has he/she worked your type of venue before?

Every event has it's own dynamic. Ive seen artists show up at formal events wearing jeans and a tee shirt and utterly ruining the "vibe" of the event just because they aren't accustomed to working in that venue. Some artists DON'T work well with children, some do. Ive even met one artist who "didn't like" to draw the elderly! You would be surprise how many artists "cant draw Black people" It doesn't hurt to ASK the artist the truth, and to ASK FOR SAMPLES .

I hope these tips help you in choosing your artist... which of course I hope is ME..hint, hint! ... feel free to email or phone me at 347 424 5349 if you have any questions!

PRETTY AS CAN BE

ELgin Bolling AUTHORSTREAM WINNER PPT

That's right folks! It's OFFICIAL! I didnt want to talk about it until I actually had the physical item in my hands, but YES, your's truly, THE SUBWAYSURFER, thanks to the wonderful folks at authorSTREAM, is now a "member" of the "Steve Jobs Apple Club!"
I've wanted to be a member for YEARS!! Before I tell you MY story, which I KEEP retelling, let me tell you about authorSTREAM. If you like using powerpoint presentation software as much as I do, then you'll love their platform. the folks at authorSTREAM enable you to upload your presentations for your friends and clients to download,and share. There are conferencing features also that I haven't investigated, but best of all, their platform offers a way to load your presentation straight to youtube, faster than you can say...er... YOUTUBE! LOL! That was ultimately MY reason for signing up in the first place.
I use POWERPOINT extensively for my sequential art work and presentations. It's the first graphics program I learned how to use , so there was always this nostalgic value associated with it as well. I wanted to upload some of my presentations to the web but became increasingly frustrated not being able to find a program that would do it EASILY. I dont owe a CURRENT version of PPT which I guess would make this easier, so I was at a loss what to do...
Until I found authorSTREAM that took all the guesswork out of it.
I uploaded my "Father's Day Comic/presentation" to the site first, because it was completed, for one, and It was something I was very proud of. I drew/wrote the story for my own Father as a Father's day gift. I wanted to share with him a memory, rather than the usual "tie and card". Who would have ever guessed that presentation would touch the hearts of so many? Literally overnight, the presentation got close to a hundred views in less than a 24 hour period! and WON!!! For those of you who think GOD DOESN'T perform miracles today, all I can say is, You have your opinion.... I have my iPAD!

Amused and Confused Female Drawing on the Train by subwaysurfer

Two ladies I saw on the train with two interesting expressions! one Looked OOverly amused and the other overly confused! I LOVE IT!

KING OF NEW YORK HACKS BLOGSITE REVIEW by Subwaysurfer

Stumbled across a WONDERFUL Blog this morning that is written by an authentic New York City Cabbie , who we in New Yawk refer to as "HACKS" Dont ask me about the origin of the slang, I really dont know....
According to the Blurb on the Blogsite the author writes...

One of the few NYC born and bred Yellow Taxi Drivers who brings laughter and provokes thought for the meager price of a fare...and a tip of course.

 The current post on the blog , as of this writing, is on September 11th. The Post is touching and powerful. Seen from the eyes of a New York City Cab driver with the soul of a poet. Here is an excerpt from that page:

...So I took my annual walk around Ground Zero on the 8th of September this year. I went in early just like I did when I worked at 4 World Trade so many years ago. I spent most of the morning walking into many of the places I used to walk by or stop in, and went to many new places as the downtown that existed before our Freedom was attacked and The World Trade center was evaporated whilst murdering my friends and fellow Americans, has developed over the last year and it was the first time I felt good and felt enthusiastic about our future being that for NINE years it has been just a pit....that has left a pit in many. I won't let people not remember this day or try to put a different spin on it to make it some kind of holiday that they can capitalize on. This happened. We must REMEMBER....

This is just a taste of what you will experiecne when you check out this great blog. I encourage you to viist DAILY .

http://kingofnewyorkhacks.blogspot.com/

I LOVE TO DRAW A GOOFY LOOKING GURL

APOLOGY TO ALL MY VIEWERS By Subwaysurfer

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO APOLOGY

This message goes out to all my loyal viewers, and now since there is audio on some of the posts, my loyal listeners as well. Please accept my humble sincere apology for being SELFISH, SELF CENTERED, EGOCENTRIC and VAIN.
You tune in regularly, you increase my numbers and visibility, you enjoy and comment on my artwork and writing, and you help to raise my self esteem and encourage me to be a better artist.

And WHAT have I Given YOU?
For the most part,
I DON'T visit YOUR blogs
I DON'T look at your pictures
I DON'T even stop by to say so much as "HI" to you.

No. I just keep on posting picture after picture, poem after poem, rant after rant, all the time patting myself on the back for being "witty, thought provoking, and interesting"

If I was at a party I'd walk away from a person like me and find someone REALLY interesting.

It is for this reason that I am sending out this APOLOGY to all my viewers. I want to change. I want you to know that I DO appreciate you, I DO LOVE WHAT you do, and now that I see what my shortcomings were and are, I will try my best to reach out and touch you as much as you've reached out to touch me.

This is what I promise.
I hope you will forgive me.
And keep tuning in to this blogs as I tune in to your blog.
Love and Respect

Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling.

SORRY ABOUT ALL THE COMMERCIALS FOLKS!

Sorry about all the commercials folks,and THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. Let me tell you FIRST of all, if I've NEVER told you before that I LOVE and APPRECIATE you as an audience. You have helped by your faithful attendance and tuning in daily to make SUBWAYSURFER BLOGGG one of the most watched Blogs online. Your viewership has prompted me to draw more and more and improve my craft as an artist, and I THANK YOU for it.

Iv been putting up a lot of ads lately because quite frankly I HATE to be a member of the starving artists club. It aint fun, and Ive seen enough subway derelicts to know that people would just as soon throw me on the third rail in front of an express train than give me quarters if I start begging on the trains... thus, the need and the desire to do a little self promotion here.

This blog WILL NOT turn into another "MARKETING BLOG" a way to "make money" That would be disrespectful to YOU the viewers.Rest assured that you can look forward to the same zany drawings of those crazy NYC commuters that Ive been entertaining you with for years.

Im beginning to see a couple of other "subwaysurfers" on the web these days, and that's cool I guess. I didn't invent drawing on the trains... but I SURE AS HECK PERFECTED IT! so stay tuned here! the best is yet to come...

And if you LIKE the art, and some of the things I'm offering, than by all means,

BUY SOME WILL ya??

Market yourself like OPRAH Does - cartoonist ELGIN SUBWAYSURFER BOLLING Shows Your how to market/brand yourself like Oprah!

Commercial "CARICATURE IS WHAT I DO! by ELGIN SUBWAYSURFER BOLLING

CARICATURE IS WHAT I DO! LISTEN TO THE AUDIO!

MASTER PLAN PRODUCTIONS Music Studio Ad by Elgin Bolling

 

Every  now and then Im reminded that I used to be a graphic artist and was hired to make flyers one page,quarter page and full  page Ads, like THIS one that I'm doing for a friend. He wants to remain nameless, but has actually toured all over the world working for some of the biggest names in the music industry behind the  scenes. He personally has helped me to get some of the things I want to do musically off the ground, and if you're in the NYC area, and are SERIOUS about learning music production, Piano, and how to sing and record in the STUDIO  you really should give him a call, TRUST ME its WORTH YOUR TIME!

The Art Jumble Blog: Elgin SUBWAYSURFER Bolling's 5 Best pics

The Art Jumble Blog: Elgin SUBWAYSURFER Bolling's 5 Best pics

AFRICAN AMERICAN CARICATURE ARTIST Elgin Bolling

As a busy subwaysurfer slash extreme life drawer on the trains of NYC, I frequently run into people who just cant resist, to my delight, booking me to draw at their party. After seeing me hilariously and quickly draw their fellow commuters quickly, they correctly assume, "hmmmm, if he's THAT good drawing them while they're NOT even paying attention to him, he must really be good drawing them LIVE when they actually know it. And yes, they are right. Ive booked a lot of parties that way, particularly in the Black Community.
I never really thought about it, but a lot of my African American clients have booked me as a result of seeing me draw on the trains. I constantly get the comment, "I've never seen a BLACK MAN do this before," or "I NEVER thought of having an artist for my party before!" Traditionally, us Black Folks LOVE to party! Food is a MUST and of course the DJ HAS to be good! but as far as a caricature artist is concerned.... well, that's something that "other" people do. People who have deeper pockets, or have Bar Bat Mitzvahs.
After quizzing some black folk on why they don't use caricature artists the answer is, "I dont know any black ones". Now on the surface that SOUNDS racist, doesn't it? I mean after all, the ART should be neutral. If artist is skilled, fast, and can make the picture look like you, well, it shouldn't make a difference WHAT color he or she is and YES I AGREE with this viewpoint.

BUT...

I still think it's GOOD for Black People,African Americans, Colored Folk, to Hire African American Artists, If possible.

IMAGE AND SELF ESTEEM

As People of color,who have been in some ways, marginalized and compartmentalized by society, it's important that we see each other doing other things that traditionally we haven't seen.
It's INSPIRING to Black People, especially children to see an AFRICAN AMERICAN Doctor, Lawyer, Pharmacist, and yes, CARICATURE ARTIST.
When a child, and a people see others in these professions it causes them to drewam. it makes them say, HEY! maybe I can do that TOO!
Because President Obama is in office as of this writing, MILLIONS of Black males are sitting up a little straighter and dreaming a little higher, AND feeling a little better about this country in general.
It warms my heart when a African American child looks at my picture , then says to me,
" I want to be an artist JUST LIKE YOU" when I grow up"
I NEVER get tired of hearing that, and Ive heard it a lot over the years.

One last thing....
One of the reasons that IM a professional Caricature artist TODAY is because of an African American Caricature/cartoonist named OVERTON LLOYD.

Overton drew cartoons for PHARLAMENT FUNKADELIC back in the Day and Gave life to George Clinton's outrageous characters like STARCHILD and SIR NOSE DAVOIDOFFUNK!
Overton drew a caricature of my friend, Dennis at a party and i was amazed that a BLACK MAN did this. I couldn't keep my eyes off the picture! and while I didn't get a chance to be drawn by myself, just SEEING that planted a seed in my little artists heart, that grew up into the "TREE" that I am today.

Dreams DO come true, when BLACK CHILDREN have something or someone to hang them on.

THIS CARICATURE ARTIST IS CRAZY FAST Meet ADAM PATE!

This is my buddy ADAM PATE a quick draw artist who THANKFULLY doesnt live in my part of town! LOL Adams strong point is his speed and man can he rock!

MY PERSONAL 911 STORY by Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

Sept 11th sticks out in my mind because it was on that day that I was starting, for me, a "new life" artistically speaking. I worked for years as a freelance artist doing illustration "the old fashioned way" by hand at my drawing board laboring for hours. I grew accustomed to working that way because it was what I was taught, what I'd always done, and it worked. I began to notice that I had my head stuck in my drawing board so long that the world had changed and now EVERYONE was doing stuff on computers using programs like Photoshop, and Illustrator.

I swallowed by pride and enrolled in an 8 week course that would bring me up to speed and make me competitive in the marketplace. It was a BEAUTIFUL day. Gorgeous BLUE sky, and Cloudless. It was the perfect backdrop for a new beginning, and as I got off the bus in Boro Park, I waiting patiently for my connecting bus.

I looked up into the sky and noticed something peculiar. Seemingly out of "No Where" I saw what looked like, at first glance, confetti falling to the ground. It reminded me of a ticker tape parade Mayor Giuliani would throw each year for the Yankees after winning the World Series. As the paper hit the ground and became more visible I could see that they were 8X11 pieces of paper Seconds later,. a man ran up to me holding a sheet, exclaiming, "look at this!" I examined it and saw that it was a page from a larger business document, but how did it get HERE?

I looked to my left, and that's when I saw it. Thick black smoke in the sky coming from the direction of the World Trade Center. I didn't know WHAT to think as I boarded my connecting bus and when to my school.

When I arrived the TV set was on, and that's when I knew that we were under attack. I watched the broadcast in shock along with my teacher and other classmates not knowing what to do, and lacking words... NO ONE knew what to say... Incredibly my instructor broke the silence. "Let's go ahead and have class," he said, so we all sat down at our computers as he gave us our first Photoshop lesson.

I am now very proficient in Photoshop and would be lost without it in my daily work. I don't even REMEMBER the instructor's name that taught me, but will always remember him having the insight and the BRAVERY for going on with the class in the face of this tragedy. For a few brief hours we all were made to forget what happening outside as we focused on the lesson, and for ME at least, it helped to focus me for what I would be facing that day.

Sept 11 we Remember by Elgin Bolling

To The men and women who died
To the Parents who cried
To the husband who lost his spouse
To the mother who comes home to an empty house
To New York's Bravest
Who fought so valiantly to save us
To all the selfless volunteers
To all of you who've shed your tears
And to the God who calms our fears
On the 11th of September
We will always Remember
What we lost
and what we won
There's so much left to be done

Elgin Bolling

The love letter

LABOR DAY CARICATURE GIG by Elgin Bolling

Did a Labor day gig on a street called "NATIONAL DRIVE" in Brooklyn. What could be MORE "Labor Day ish" than doing a gig on "NATIONAL DRIVE?" Much thanks to my gracious host for hiring me for his annual party. I always look forward to coming to his home to draw and entertain his guests. The great thing about his party is that since he's a repeat client I get the opportunity to draw a lot of the same kids year after year and see how they've grown and how my art style had improved.

This is a pic of one of the "bigger kids" , not the host, who posed for a picture. He kept claiming that I made him look like the old skool baseball catcher, "YOGI BERRA"... even though Yogi hads thicker darker eyebrows..darker hair..... tanner complexion.... and is stockier.... it's really amazing the perceptions that people have visually of themselves! His buddies at the party "corrected him"

Comics Power Heals the World

It warms my heart that people in other parts of the world are actually using the medium of COMICS to DO MORE than just make "funny pictures" "soft porn" or "autobiographical egotistical meanderings " as we do so often here in the states where we're either looking to "get paid" or get a photo op. People in Asia, Africa and parts of Europe are using this to make statements, call attention to social and political issues and to give grassroots people a voice to build community. As a political editorial artist myself I see the power in this and definitely want to be a part of it... heck, I AM a part of it already. I need to play a BIGGER PART.

Elgin Bolling Drawing at THE HAMPTONS CLASSIC HORSE SHOW

What an incredible day Sept 4 was! After biting my nails down to stubs worrying all week about what Hurricane EARL would be doing on Saturday... the weather was picture perfect, the breeze was gentle, the horses were jumping , and there I was drawing caricatures under the Big tent to a captivated crowd of children and adults. Drawing at the Hamptons Classic was such an enjoyable event that I refused literally to take a break and ended up drawing five hours continuously, and i can HONESTLY say I did over a hundred drawings all perfect!!!!


sadly, I didn't get an opportunity to draw caricatures of my fellow commuters on the HAMPTONSS JITNEY bus ride over , but I DID manage to capture some fellow commuters on the MTA going to the event and returning home that I'll share in another post.

Here's an excerpt from a press release on the Hampton Classic web site talking about yours truly...

http://www.hamptonclassic.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=159&Itemid=87

Cablevision's Kids Day Shines at Hampton Classic Horse Show
Bridgehampton, NY-September 4, 2010- A beautiful sunny day welcomed children of all ages that came to enjoy Cablevision's Kids Day at the Hampton Classic Horse Show on Saturday.
The Exhibition Kids Tent was filled with exciting activities including the Amazing Zola, the master magician, who mesmerized one and all with his amazing magic tricks. Elgin Bolling, the Caricaturist, was kept busy the entire afternoon offering a free character drawing to anyone who was willing to sit for a couple of minutes, which was difficult to do for most of the children because there was so much to see!

ZOMBIE CARICATURE ARTISTS

Here I am with partner in crime, Kenly disneyland Dillard getting ready for battle on the subway!

HEATWAVE effects kid in subway

The kid is hot and starts to sing...

I cant friggin breathe
in this thing!!

these new mothers
with their kids
they like to wear...
they dont realize
they're cutting off their
babies' air!

Hope the kid survives
his uncomfortable subway ride!

The Heatwave is reallly effecting everyone in nyc and the subways offer no relief! LOL I saw this poor kid sweating up a storm being carried by his mom in one of these "kangaroo like" contraptions that literally straps the kid in like a bad coney island ride. The heat from the mother, combined with the childs, body heat, combined with the heat from the street AND the subwaystation makes for a VVVVVERRRRRY uncomfortable ride.

BULLIES DON'T DISAPPEAR... they just GROW UP and Become the "BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE"

Maybe you're one of those folks who had a carefree childhood where you never got your lunch money taken, your hair pulled, your glasses broken, or laughed at when you walked by a group of kids in the playground.... But I wasnt. I was a victim of Bullies on a DAILY basis, and led a "charlie brown like" existence throughout childhood. I had this hope that when I grew up, BULLIES would be a thing of the past. I thought Bullying was an immature childish behavior much like excessive whining and bed wetting. With maturity and training it would vanish along with other childish things.... at a recent party I was reminded once again how bullis just "grow up" to become "beautiful people". I was drawing caricature at a party where just about everyone looked like they were coming from, or going to a photo shoot. It was a blast. These folks were successful, rich, had great careers, AND were good looking. They appeared to have it all. Yeah, ALL but one thing...another opportunity to make someone "less beautiful" the butt of a joke. One woman asked me to draw the ugliest creepiest looking caricature face of a woman I could think of and give it to her. When I asked what it was for, she gleefully replied, , "Oh, there's this REALLY UGLY woman at our job who couldn't be here tonight, so wehn we hang the pictures in the office tomorrow we want to hang "HER" picture there too and say, "look you weren't at the party , but you were AT the party"
I felt a twinge of anger flare up, but kept my composure and quietly declined, stating it would be right or fair to make fun of someone who wasn't there.

Was it any wonder why she didn't come to the party? I bet she didn't feel welcome in the office either.
That night, catching bits and pieces of conversation I was struck how these folks were busy patting themselves on the back for a successful financial year while most New Yorkers were standing in unemployment lines and wondering where their next meal was coming from. I also thought about the poor "ugly woman" had been as MUCH of a contributor to the success of the company's financial stregth, and yet for what ever reason didnt feel comfortable enough to come to the party...
BULLIES.
They never really grow up do they?
Im glad I took a stand NOT to be part of this nonsense, and in some small way, by refusing to do a picture, I felt I did MY part in stopping the whole bullying cycle..

But before I pat MYSELF on the back TOO fast, there was a brief moment, im sorry to say when I wanted to draw the picture... where I wanted to be thought of as popular and "cool" for having done it. Im glad that I resisted the urge. Maybe that's the CURSE of the beautiful people. They ALL want to remain in the same club, and some are afraid to break out for fear of becoming one of the ugly ones...

THE KOOL KIDS a poem by Elgin Bolling aka El Prophet the Scribe

THE KOOL KIDS
By Elgin Bolling

...THE KOOL KIDS

The look at me, not at YOU kids,

THE KOOL KIDS

The RULE kids
The kids, the teacher thinks
Never Fibs, Never responsible for what he did..

THE KOOL KIDS

The Me Hit YOU kids.

The Spit on your Shoes, Kids
The Push you down the Stairs,
Pull out your Chair,
Make fun of the clothes you wear kids.

THE KOOL KIDS

The ones who make you look like a FOOL kids
The kids who always get the girl
Who laugh at you when you start to hurl
Who pretend to be your friend
Only to embarrasses you in the end
The kids who take your money for lunch
Who in your face, they like to punch

THE KOOL KIDS

The Kids who got
SHOT
Because the poor Nerd
Cant take a LOT
He KNOWS it aint right to HATE
But can’t eat another lousy Morsel

THE KOOL KIDS

Have put on his plate.

Now it’s too late…

The Nerd whose done
Nothing but Heard
His good name
DEFAMED
Who’s taken the
Blame
So

THE KOOL KIDS

Can have FAME.
All he wants to be is the SAME
To have a friend who won’t
Send him away
Who say’s I’m GLAD you CAME!
C’mon! Let’s Play!
Join the game!
But there’s pain in

Isolation.

THE KOOL KIDS

Done his work of mental and emotional devestation
So without hesitation
Things go terribly terribly wrong

RATTTA TAT TAT!!

Goes the semi automatics song that does not cease…

THE KOOL KIDS

Recoil in horror,
To the NERD
It’s just sweet release..

Finally, NOW the angry,
Taunting voices will cease…
Now, finally he’s the center of attention.
And no one in the playground even dares to mention…

His crew cut
His protruding butt
His high-water pants
His bowlegged stance
His coke bottle glasses
The gas he always passes
His hair that’s never neat
His braces, and bucked teeth
His clubbed feet
The way he weeps…

They all fall in a heap
Now silent and bleeding at his feet.

There’s a lesson in this, so do not sleep.

Next time you see a kid being
Picked on
Don’t just sit on
Your Butt
And Ignore
DO MORE
To raise his self esteem
Protect him from
THE KOOL KIDS
Who are mean

Do this and we will hopefully see
Less kids in a coffin
If you do nothing
This will happen more often…

Funny how this brings to mind
A little town called
Calinbine…

Copyright 2010 Elgin Bolling all rights reserved.

Assorted subway faces of diffeent people going places by subwaysurfer

Drew some GREAT faces today. One of the keys to doing great subway caricature is to not SO much "GET THE LIKENESS" in the objective literal sense, but to "GET THE EXPRESSION" I feel that if you go for THE EXPRESSION you will get the likeness as a bonus. Extreme life drawing gives me the opportunity to observe and record expressions in a way that would just never be possible with the live model. The teenager in the middle pic is my favorite. His face literally changed expression three or four times in a minute as he was deep in thought pondering something.
The businessman on top looked at is he was just hanging on waiting for the workday to end, and had that dull thousand mile, businessman's soulless stare.... the guy with the ponytail had this look on his face that said, "HI! ENGLISH ISNT MY FIRST LANGUAGE!"

RAT on the Subway Platform

Ya know SOME people just LOOK like Rodents! LOL! Ive been riding these trains TOO LONG!

The Year In Cartoons - 2009 ... Elgin Bolling

The Year In Cartoons - 2009 ... Elgin Bolling

Awesome corporate gig at the Penthouse

I was sitting on the top of the world drawing at a swank corporate penthouse last night for a leading financial company in NYC. There was a gorgeous penthouse view that over looked the river that made drawing an absolute joy. Weather was VERY good. Not too hot not too windy and NO rain in sight! It was a blast. I can honestly say that i didn't draw ONE bad caricature the whole night. Here are a few of the folks that had fun. Now if you're wondering how I got these pics it's because I IMMEDIATELY drew two pictures of the subject. Ono for them and one for me. Funny thing is I really had to fight to keep my pictures as the guests wanted em both! LOL

The thing I like best about drawing caricatures at corporate gigs is seeing people relax and have a great time, EVEN the boss. I have the advantage of not knowing the boss in the sense that the employees do, and can put him on "equal footing" as the "rest of the victims" I often hear comments like, "draw him nice, remember he's the one paying you!" from the crowd, but I really think that in these situations the boss likes to get treated like everyone else at the event. After all, he's at the party to have fun TOO!. Now that DOESN'T mean I go out of the way to make the boss the "butt of the joke" that would be in poor taste, and I DON'T. I try to feel out the crowd and after so many years of doing this I can tell pretty accurately who really WANTS an extreme exaggeration and who doesn't. My goal is always to get a good likeness whatever Im doing and if I get THAT I'm satisfied. Exaggeration is just icing on the cake.

DOGS ON THE TRAIN! IT’S INSANE! By Elgin Bolling

DOGS ON THE TRAIN! IT’S INSANE!
By Elgin Bolling

You will find it strange
I’m sitting between tow dogs on my train
Boy, oh boy is this insane

Do MUTTS now pay admission?
Who in the world made THAT decision?
Was there some “Formal Presentation??”
Hey! I‘d really like an Explanation!

Excuse my Exclamation
But did my brain take a vacation?
Since when were Canines allowed in the station?
People now board dogs without hesitation!

What’s next?
101 Dalmatians???

THIS is one confusing situation
I can UNDERSTAND the occasion
To have a dog if you are BLIND
You need a “seeing eye” all the time..

But it’s a crime to see your pup’s
Grime in my SEAT!
Don’t you remember?
Dogs walk on their FEET!!

Your pooch may be cute!
But now there’s dirt on my suit!

So sorry miss, I stepped on your poodle!
Er..what’s THIS on my SHOE
Oh, no… It’s DOG ‘DOO-DOO!!
Who Knew that I ‘d be sharing my seat
With a Shih Tzu!! ACHOO!!!!

Doesn’t any one see that this is a HEALTH ISSUE!?
I’m ALLERGIC to dogs!
Please hand me a Tissue!

Won’t SOMEBODY LISTEN???
WON’T SOMEBODY PLEASE!!!!???
I can’t stop this itching
CAUSE IM COVERED WITH FLEAS!!!!!

Copyright 2010 Elgin Bolling all rights reserved.


It started with ONE dog and then another... I've just started to notice lately that the NYC subways are becoming combination Dog park/kennel. This is especially true in YUPPIELAND, my pet name for parts of Manhattan, but ;you can also see dog passengers on the L line that services Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and of course, Canarsie. Mostly you see little dogs like poodles chiwawahs (yeah I KNOW i spelled it wrong) and other "toy dogs" . I dont know when this trend started, but I really think its an unhealthy one and Im really wondering where it will lead. If it's now become "LEGAL" to have non seeing eye dog in the subways what's next? OTHER "exotic " pets??? Oh, dont be scared, that's my pet python,be calm! Pythons can smell fear! just the other day NO LIE I saw a man walking down 14th street carrying a live RAT... not mouse, RATT on his shoulder! Was HE going into the train station with THAT??? getting back to the DOG issue,If the MTA is allowing this now, is there a ban on the size of the dog, or maybe the breed??? I was at the Union square station recently and looked to my left to see a man with a full grown pit bull dog waiting for the train. The dog was on a lease, well behaved and didnt seem too bothered by the crowd, but there is a certain negative reaction that some people have to THIS particular breed of dog. To have it in an enclosed area only adds to the discomfort and stress some feel already riding underground in a post 911 city. And then there is the BATHROOM issue. I dont know about YOU but when a dog "has to go" they usually DO GO! and most pet owners ABOVE ground are not responsible for picking up after them, can you imagine UNDERGROUND??? It's a crazy city we live in... panhandlers are NOT allowed on the subway to beg for food, homeless PEOPLE are routinely rounded up and hurried off the train, while canines are allowed to share space underground.
You cant make this kinda stuff up people! What a city! No wonder I never lack inspiration!!

HOT DAY ON THE SUBWAY PLATFORM!!

There might be air conditioning INSIDE the subway cars, but MAN on the outside of them is nothing but humidity and misery...... MTA doesn't seem to have enough money to cool the trains AND the stations, so they opted for the trains.... only problem is, by the time you board your train...you're soaking wet and NOW you feel COLD on board!! Here are a few people I managed to draw through the sweat and the heat... oh man do they look beat...
The first man was literally dragging himself across the subway platform in a vain effort to find a BREEZE to cool himself off.... the guy at the bottom was so fat he looked like he was going to start sweating chocolate milk any second. He was carrying an umbrella which has been a common practice amongst New Yorkers this summer as they go out in the heat. The umbrella acts like a permanent oasis of shade, and it works wonderfully well! I often find myself packing a mini umbrella in my bag along with my art supplies these dog days of summer....

And for you SMART ALEKS out there,,, They guy at the bottom picture AINT ME inspite of a slight resemblance!!!

Subway commuters I shudda reported sooner by Elgin

Okay your surfer fanatics! Ive been spoon feeding you on dis blog long enough!It's high time I brought you even deeper into the subterranean subway world that is my own extreme drawing personal playground. From now on, as much as possible I will be giving you little subway slices of life, complete with the caricatures in an effort for you to get a feel of my subjects in their natural habitat. Enjoy.