RACIST CARICATURE? in the eyes of the beholder

As a professional live party caricature and humorous illustrator for over ten years, I've drawn at every conceivable party event, fundraiser, and corporate venue. I actually think I've done more Bar Mitzvahs than the average Rabbi!
I'm taking a long time to say that over the years I've drawn thousands, if not millions of faces and that's not even counting what I've drawn on the subways of this city as the "Subwaysurfer" that you loyal readers are well familiar with if you follow this blog.

Caricature, by it's very nature, exaggerates, amplifies,stretches, squashes, and liquifies the facial features of the extended target. Webster defines the word, caricature, as a "loaded portrait" one that has "weight," and " "impact".

Some people find it difficult to receive that impact. From time to time, I've heard the words, "THAT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE ME!" "YOU MQDE ME LOOK LIKE A WITCH!""MY NOSE ISN'T THAT BIG!"
I'm accustomed to hearing these remarks and totally understand them. Heck, I've even said them myself when I was caricatured for the first time by fellow artist, Kenly Dillard. My objection to the artists depiction was the same as most others. We all have a physical image of ourselves that we project onto the screen of our minds, and think every one else sees the same altered image objectively that we see in our imagination. This altered image we project onto our mind screen is crucial to our self esteem. We see ourselves as having chiseled features, soft curves, seductive eyes, where none exist. Most artists, even some caricature artists, and illustrators, are willing, for a price, to engage peoples fantasies and draw that "imaginary image".
And then there are some who aren't willing.
I'm one of THOSE artists. At least when it comes to drawing political editorial caricature.

EDITORIAL CARICATURE AIN'T PARTY CARICATURE

A distinction needs to be made between political editorial caricarture and party caricature.
PARTY CARICATURE is drawn in drawn in 2-5 minute time frames. Which necessitates that an artist uses a streamlined approach so that the maximum amount of party goers get drawn. The overall vibe is lighthearted and whimsical.

POLITICAL EDITORIAL
Is more illustrative. More time is given to the picture, and facial features and subtle nuances can be pushed squashed and pulled for effect.

BUT IS IT RACIST?
I've taken a while to get here, but wanted to set a tone for my answer. Recently, the above caricature featuring Sen Smith and Con Meeks has gotten a reaction out of some people, perhaps supporters, I'm unsure whether or not the politicians themselves feel this way, that my representations are racist.
I received a call from a reporter of a major Queens weekly, asking for my response to peoples response to the picture.

My reply can be summed up in my general approach to caricature.

MY APPROACH TO CARTOONING CARICATURE
First off let me say that no other artist has any control whatsoever of how their work is going to be received by the viewer. I do, however, have control over what I draw and know what my intent is.

It's not divisive, I can tell you that.

I'm an AFRICAN AMERICAN artist myself, and more than familiar with derogatory images and their power to incite, demoralize and ridicule. I did not depict anyone in Blackface, I seimply amplified facial features, of an Afrucan American man. Period. Because I am a caricature artist, I have a tendency to see things through a fun house mirror, so to speak. In other words, if you have a big fore head, it gets bigger, if you have a weak chin, it "goes into your neck" if you have large eyes, they become saucers, and your eyelashes, wings.

And if you have big lips

They become BIGGER.

It's not racial, some of us Bkack folk have big lips.

We do.

Perhaps it's the color, which is a darker gray, than the face, cases attentioned to be drawn, pun unintended, to them. In this case, I simply used a darker color to separate the lips color from the rest if the face. It could be argued that I could have used a lighter shade of gray, but, what's done is done.

I've seen JayZ in person.... trust me, some of do have big lips.

Beautiful full lips are a known, observable physical trait of African Aericans that vary in terms of shape and size.


If a person has a reaction to the way they are drawn, it might have more to do with thoughts they have internalized on what is racist and divisive.

For me, I'm being objective, making an observation, caricaturing it, and drawing a picture. That's all. Sen Smith seems to have, in my opinion, a lot of space, visually, between his nose and his top lip. It's long, comparatively speaking, compared to what caricature artists call "the average face prototype"

THE JOB OF EDITORIAL CARICATURE
Unlike a political columnist who can make his point in two or three paragraphs, I must make my visual point in a single panel, using the strongest images. Can I draw them humorously? Yes. Divisively? No. Keep in mind also, that the editorial artist, in some cases, acts as illustrator to the editor writing the copy. Although I have done cartoons on my own of political figures like former Sen Anthony Weiner, in most cases I am interpreting editorial copy, and coming up with the cartoon angle that I feel expresses visually the overall article. I am, since coming on board at the Wave, have increased the visibility of African Americans in my cartoons, many if which feature African Americans in prominent roles.

I have no Ax to grind.
If some one thinks the toon is racist, it's in the eyes of the beholder,

SPEAKING OF ANTHONY WEINER...
A past cartoon featured Anthony Weiner, following the Twitter fiasco. Weiner, a Jewush Politician, s depicted with a large Nose. Is that to say, I'm making a statement about Jewish People?

NOPE I'm just making fun of Weiners facial features.

At the end of the day, as a CARICATURE cartoonist, I'm using making fun of their FACES. I've even made fun of mine.


SEE ANTHONY WEINER EDITORIAL CARICATURE HERE

FEEL FREE TO COPY DOWNLOAD AND SHARE THIS PIC IF YOU LIKE IT, JUST TELL PEOPLE WHERE YOU GOT IT.  IF YOU WANT TO USE IT ON YOUR BLOG YOU HAVE MY CONSENT! JUST CREDIT ME AS THE ARTIST AND GIVE ME A LINK

http://www.subwaysurfer.blogspot.com  

 Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

CARICATURE OF ME DRAWN BY ME. Folks, I'm African American, right now I'm built like a chocolate version of the pillsbury doughboy(but I'm losing!) I have large eyes full lips bigteeth with some spaces,a full nose, bug nostrils, and I'm full of enthusiasm! I've posted this in hopes of clarifying what CARICATURE IS as I express it. Your comments are welcome...and feel free to hire me,

WAVE NEWSPAPER SEN MALCOLM SMITH ,GREG MEEKS CARICATURE

HERE IS THE CARICATURE AND EDITORIAL COPY AS IT APPEARED IN THE WAVE NEWSPAPER WHEN THE CARTOON WAS INITIALLY INTRODUCED




Senator Malcolm Smith has been the subject of numerous Editorials Ive done for The Wave In the Past few weeks. In this episode, He's pictured here with Con Greg Meeks. Sen Smith is drawn here "milking" their Non Profit Cash Cow, "The New Direction Developement Corporation" I got this illo in just under deadline, because I had an difficult time drawing a believable looking cow! LOL! this is just another case of why it is SO important as an illustrator to be able to, quote, "DRAW ANYTHING". In a recent discussion with Fellow artist, Andere Jardine, he mentioned how if you asked the average artist to draw a "superhero action scene" they'd be able to draw it with ease, yet would be scratching their heads trying to render a man tying his shoes, or putting on his jacket. It's SO important to learn how to draw the "ordinary" and mundane things in life.

HERES THE EDITORIAL
All In The Political Family
It seems clear to us that the dual investigations centering on two of our local politicians, State Senator Malcolm Smith and Representative Gregory Meeks points out once again that non-profits should not be run by and for the benefit of politicians and their families. Take, for ex-ample, New Direction Local Development Corpo-ration. Founded in 2001 by the initiatives of Meeks and Smith, state papers show that Smith’s wife, Michelle, was a founding board member. Also on the initial board, papers show, was Cathy Green, the wife of Darryl Green, Smith’s former business partner. Green was convicted in 1999 of stealing $500,000 from city agencies and private firms that hired him as a consultant on affirmative action hiring practices. He was also a partner, along with former Congressman Floyd Flake, in the Aqueduct Enter-tainment Group, which was just awarded a $300 million “Racino” deal at the aging racetrack in Ozone Park. Flake, you will remember, was the political mentor of both Smith and Meeks. Records show that between 2001 and 2006 Smith helped funnel at least $56,000 to the char-ity through state earmarks. The largest chunk of money came to New Direction at the behest of Smith, $250,000 from the devel-oper of a cargo facility across Rockaway Turnpike from JFK Air-port. The deal to trade the right to build the facility in return for community development money was brokered by Smith, Meeks and City Councilman James Sanders Jr. Edwin Reed, who is listed as the treasurer of New Direction is also the head of the development arm of Flake’s church, the Greater Allen AME Church in Jamaica. Flake has become the power behind the scenes in Queens Democratic circles. His development group was recently given the keys to Aqueduct Racetrack to run a gambling Racino there. A week before Flake’s group got the nod, the min-ister was talking up Andrew Cuomo for governor. Shortly after the deal was made, Flake visited the governor in Albany and then declared that his mind was not made up and that he might back Paterson for a full term. Under the New Direction um-brella, Smith and Meeks started a charity for Katrina victims who had come to New York city. It collected some $30,000. It paid out less than $2,000. Now, federal investigators are looking for the missing money. They are also looking into New Direction and the connection between Meeks and Smith and the Aqueduct deal. Some non-profits that deserve a closer look are also closer to home. You’ll remember Democratic District Leader Geraldine Chapey’s Trinity Seniors organization. She ran a single van, providing rides for seniors to luncheons and events. For that, she took in more than $1.5 million in public money over a ten year period, both from city agencies and from local politicians who provided her with earmarked funds. Allow politicians to run their own non-profits, or to turn them over to family and cronies only provides the possibil-ity of corruption, and the practice should be stopped now.

CARTOONING FOR KIDS! HOW TO DRAW A COW

Here's another beginner drawing tutorial for kids! How to draw a steak! ...er.. I mean cow!....same thing!

How to Draw a Cute Cow —powered by eHow.com

CARICATURE QUICK TIP THINK ABOUT DESIGN

A couple of years ago, cartoonist/marketer extraordinare, Bruce Blitz made the observation about me that although I was adept at drawing exaggerated caricatures, a semi realism, that I was, as he put it, "A cartoonist, FIRST!" He was definitely right. Cartooning is my first love, and I love to incorporate it into my own caricature style. I'm inspired by other great caricature/cartoonists like Kenny Durkin, Pete Emslie, Steve Silver, Hrschfeld, and the afore mentioned Bruce Blitz.

Although each artist has their own signature style, each share that intangible element of clean crisp design of their characters.
The concept of good design is somewhat elusive, but it's a combination of clear flowing economy of line, store clear geometric shapes, and easily identifiable curves and straights. When these elements are present in ones work, the cartoon/caricature takes on a personality that makes their characters instant,y recognizable, and pleasing to the eye.

When putting together your cartoons always strive for goid clean design. Start learning by copying the work of other artists who embody this quality. In time you will learn it by imitation.trust me, it's worth it. It helps to pretend that you are part of a production team of animators, and ten other artists have to copy your design. This exercise will develop your design skills in no time, and you'll have a new skill under your belt....Character Designer!

DRAW ME

PRESENT YOUR BEST SELF EVERYDAY

Have you ever heard the term, "Starving Artist" there's a reason for this. Truth be told, most artists are "starving" in the sense of personal prosperity. Niw all prosperity means is INCREASE. So when I say prosperity, I mean Increase, advancement, progression in all areas: social, amongst ones peers, professionally, in terms of clients and sphere of influence, and of course, financial. Prosperity has to do with a posture, a mindset, an attitude. When I was a younger artist, I thought that all I had to do was show up with my ability, and I would get the job. Sadly, in a lot if cases, I didn't. What's worse was the jobs I did manage to get paid so marginally, it was like working for free. As you might expect, I approached every job with a "let's see if this works, I hope it does" mindset, and correspondingly I spoke hesitantly, and unauthoritatively, and dressed like a bum...heck, I looked like I was starving, and was treated as such. I can literally recall clients saying to me, " I'm giving you this job, just so I can help you out, so you can get exposure"
Whoopie....
I was tired of this, and knew that I needed a change.
I asked my Father for help, and being the wise guy that HE is, I finally began to listen. First thing I did was to see myself as HEE saw me. That I was loved, valued and affirmed. I began to hang on the words he said concerning me, and slowly my attitude and self esteem changed. I began to speak positive words over myself, and instead of waiting for things to happen, I put my nose to the grindstone and worked.
HARD
CONTINUOUSLY
DAILY
Working hard is one way of presenting your best self, to yourself, and to God.
He's my Father, by the way. There's a passage if scripture that says that whatever your hands find to do, that you do it with all your might, and that one should do ones work, enthusiastically as unto the Lord. I dud that and began to see results that were tangible. I've also had a few things miraculously drop in my lap too, just another by product of getting in alignment, and presenting my best self everyday.
Once my attitude changed, I actually became more relaxed. I no longer felt anxious and nervous, trying to "fake the funk" wearing a mask of false vibrado. Instead, I became eloquent, articulate and decisive in my speech, with just the right amount of HUMOUR. Those who couldn't accept me, were just not "my clients". I was able to accept peoples right to refusal, and move on. I did notice, there were a lot LESS refusals though... Oh yeah, about the dressing it became much classier. No more jeans and tee shirts. Clothes "really do make the man" and I've noticed a marked increase in personal confidence when I'm quote,"dressed".
The last secret is that you have to be committed to doing your best everyday. If you let thins slip, you'll slide gradually back into starving artist, failure mode... Trust me, been there done that too.

Wow. That was preachy.

SPRINT STORE SALESMAN FLATBUSH/NOSTRAND by Subwaysurfer

In keeping with my policy of drawing outstanding customer service people, here is caricature of a CSR I drew recently who instructed me on how to upload a number of films and pictures I recorded on my communication device.

DRAWING LESSONS FOR KIDS BY SUBWAYSURFER ON E HOW.COM

Have you ever wondered how to draw a dragon dancing?, No? Well, how about a werewolf head? Not really?, c'mon, you must wonder how to draw a scared bear? Negative, you say? 
Well, this particular post isn't for YOU....and rightly so.

Because its for KIDS! 
Let me explain.

For the past couple of weeks, I've been  working with the folks at ehow.com in putting together a DRAWING 101 series, that focuses on beginning artists, KIDS! I like kids, after all, I used to be one! I was delighted when the folks at ehow approached me to do this, as it was something I've always wanted to do, just like two of my cartooning heroes, Bruce Blitz, and Mark Kisler.

Don't expect to see complicated, highly exaggerated drawing in this series, I'm not promoting myself as a caricature artist in this venue. This is a way of getting young artists started on their cartooning journey...some of which will get so good they will one day challenge me, but that's a risk I'm willing to take!

I filmed  a little over 90 instructional videos with ehow, which can be viewed at this site

DRAWING 101 for kids ehow.com
http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_12133783_drawing-101.html

Be in the lookout for my CARTOONING FOR KIDZ  book  that will be out soon! 

Incidentally, if you ARE curious about seeing a Dragon Dance, check it out here

http://www.ehow.com/video_12133799_draw-dragon-dance.html

VIDEO

How to Draw a Dragon Dance —powered by eHow.com

"THE BATTLE FOR BREAKFAST" CHARACTER SKETCHES

MORE GREAT SUBWAY CARICATURE FACES

CARICATURE OF SINGING SUCCESS VOCAL COACH JESSIE NEMITZ

Hands down, Jessie is the best Vocal coach IMO on Brett Mannings wildly successful and informative singing success site. What makes Jessie such a great teacher is his no nonsense, yet unconfrontational teaching style. Jess gives clear analogies to explain complex vocal theory, demonstrates the exercises in a way that's easy to follow, tells you what you are likely to have difficulty with, and tells you what you should be thinking as you practice. He has certainly helped expand my vocal performance, and while there are many fine coaches on Singing Success, I encourage everyone to check out Jessie first.

Jessie Has a great look. The first thing that you notice are the eyes. Penetrating and dark, like a bird of prey. Firey,intense, and intelligent. He also has this edgy scruffy look that reminds me of the punk rockers http://subwaysurfer.blogspot.com/2011/10/caricature-of-singing-success-vocal.html ago that populated the village in NYC. These were the tough unpredictable, cool white guys that the brothas respected, cause you never know what they would do.....Jessies vocals are the same way. Unpredictable, strong, and ferocious.

I didn't set out to actually draw Jessie at first! I was listening to one of his sessions on The Singing Success site, and was randomly sketching his face with a dry black Tombo brush marker. I liked the scruffy result.

I would love to do a CD cover in this style as a way of thanking him....who knows? In the online works anything can happen!

CARICATURE OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA BROTHER NAMED EVOLUTION

My wife and I were traveling together on a Manhattan bound bound A Express train outta Queens that day in joyful anticipation. My wife loves driving more than subway riding, so I advised her to bring a magazine along as I would be "working" for a portion of our journey. I took out my sketchbook and randomly started sketching some passengers, which sparked the interest of a young man in the next seat. He was a fan of cartooning, and in no time I began drawing his mug, much to his delight. I found out he was visiting NYC from school, where he was a member of a fraternity, Alpa Phi Aloha. Alpha has the distinction of being The first Back College fraternity. His frat name was Evolution, which undoubtedly eluded to his er..Simeon like appearance...line names are nit picked, but GIVEN to a pledgee by his big brothers, and have a tendency to stick. I couldn't help but feel a slight swing if jealousy as I too, wanted to pledge Alpha in my college days, but that's another story.

UNAPOLOGETIC CALL TO ACTION

ATTENTION ALL FRATERNITY AND SORORITY MEMBERS...ELGIN SUBWAYSURFER BOLLI G DRAWS AT SMOKERS, FUNDRAISERS AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS!

TURTEL ONLI inspired caricature drawing by subwaysurfer

Okay, remember, the operative word here is TURTEL ONLI INSPIRED meaning I wasn't going for a literal visual interpretation of the Father of The Back Age of Comix Movement, I just took elements from his features to create my own character. This is what character design is all about.

caricature of black musician with geometric Afro hairstyle

Barnes and Nobles is one of my favorite bookstores for a lot of reasons.No matter what branch you go into, there is a plush , professional atmosphere, friendly knowledgable staff, and this intangible chill factor effect that makes you want to kick back and relax. Not to mention that Barnes and Noble has a star bucks inside where you can sit and sip coffee, water or tea, plug into the free WiFi and surf online till you drown in information! What's NOT to love about the place? I particularly love the cross section of the population that comes in and out if the store. As a professional character designer/caricature artst I'm always on the lookout for good faces, and Barnes and Noble is a reliable fishing hole.

I was on my way out when I spotting this massive shock of Bkack hair. It was geometrically cut in such a precise way that was startling. I found myself staring and reaching for my drawing pad...who was I fooling though? I knew I'd never ave enough time to get all this fantastic detail, so I tapped the guy on the shoulder and asked my old familiar question?..
"DO YOU MIND IF I DRAW YOU?"

When you blatantly ask a person if you can draw them , or even tae their photo, which I did also, they usually answer with a polite, but firm "No". To my delight he agreed, and stopped just so I could get the right angle. As I had suspected, he was a perfomer, a guitarist in a rock band in fact. I noticed that he also had a big spider tattoo that was in the center of hs chest, the legs extending out over his rib cage, pointing to perfectly chiseled six lack abs. I sucked in my pot belly and completed my preliminaries thanking him for his time and promising to upload the pics on my blog.

As you can see I've done a number of rendition of him which I often do to teach myself how to caricature, exaggerate, and tem simplify, as you can see with the bottom drawing. Whenever you caricature, never bbe satisfied with your first drawing. Keep at it, and you'll make some great artistic discoveries, the least of which is finding your own style.

Live Caricature drawing of man with a big Chin

There are those times at alive gig when all the planets align perfectly the wind is at your back, and you're pumping adrenalin in just the rift amount...annnnnnnd the perfect subject sits in front of you. I had this experience at a gig I did for the prestigious Hampton Classic horse show a few weeks ago. In fact, the gig was exactly the following week that Hurricane Irene touched us here on The East Coast.

I drew this with a Tombo Brush pen, and an indigo Primacolor art Stixx on 8X11 card stock. in three minutes flat. It was pure perfection, and started me on a five hour roll that left me feeling energized, and a little richer at the end.

SUBWAYSURFER UNAPOLEGETIC CALL TO ACTION

If you notice, on the upper left corner if the caricature is a printed copy of the company logo. This serves as an advertisement that stays in front of the person as long as they have their picture, and believe me, they keep these pictures. Why not use me to promote your business or special event?

Caricature of BIG NOSE INTOXICATED MAN ON THE BUS

I was coming home energized like I always am after a great caricature gig. This "energizer bunny" phenomenon is unique to us caricature artists after hours of intense drawing. It's almost like a type of drawing fever takes a hold of you, and it takes hours to calm down. I do some of my best "subway surfing" during these times, and today was no exception.

I was fortunate enough to get a nice window seat on a Rockaway Bound 35 bus traveling from Brooklyn. The 35 is the only bus that travels directly to the Rockaways from Brooklyn, and comparatively speaking the ride is fast compared to the train. The only drawback is that you board the 35 bus on Flatbush ave, a major shopping area, with 100 of your neighbors, each competing for the same limited seats.

When I say I was fortunate, I ain't kidding.

Within minutes, however, I almost regretted sitting down. Directly in front of me, was a man so heavily intoxicated that he seemed to be sweating Vodka.to say that this guy reeked of alcohol is like saying Niagra Falls is a little wet. It seemed that Any minute this guy was going to pitch over and vomit on his shoes.... And if he turned just a little to his left... I'd have a lap full of vomit stew.... Not a pleasant thought.

Oh....but what a face he had! Beautiful dramatic angles and folds, and a nose that only a caricature artist could love! I HAD to draw him! But HOW?? I mean, he was sitting right across from me! I had to think if something unconventional.... So I put on a pair of dark shades. Now normally doing this would make draw g a little harder, but somehow the dark glasses served as an invisible barrier that gave me confidence to look at him for extended periods without alerting him.
The strategy worked beautifully, and I managed to get this great sketch without one drop of vomit landing on me. We both got off the bus at the last stop,I went happily to my studio to put the finishing touches on the sketch, as I watched him stagger slowly in the direction of the bar...

STEVE JOBS RIP CARICATURE BY SUBWAYSURFER

THANKS FOR LETTING THE WHOLE WORLD 

TAKE A BITE OF YOUR APPLE

It turns out that "god" is dead today. Alas, Steve Jobs, is mere flesh blood and bones just like the rest of us.

I know my aforementioned remark will come of as cynical to most people, and I apologize for that. My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the men and women who worked beside him to create the most revolutionary products the planet has ever seen. I'm grateful to Steve Jobs and applaud his vision, creativity and genus. Heck, I'm typing this on the iPad he envisioned, which has made my job as an illustrator a billion times easier.

Yet I maintain that for many of his legion of fan "god died today" and that reality leaves us all with a sober reminder: man, no matter how great, in the cosmic scheme of eternity, is only a vapor in comparison. In our arrogance and enthusiasm to applaud ourselves, we forget that, as we go about worshipping the works and clever devices of our own hands, or those made by the gods we make, like Steve Jobs.

No, I'm NOT saying, that Steve is now "going to hell" and suffering for his "arrogance", what I am saying is that every now and then, with the passing of a notable public figure, we are all reminded of our own frail humanity, and also start speculating about eternity and our place in it.

I find it particularly touching that as his health began to take a turn for the worst, Steve Jobs did not give his undivided attention to the creation if a new electronic device, or business venture. Instead, according to a New York Post article, he was working diligently on a biography for his children. His desire, was that they would know him, in his own words. As a father myself who has written many letters to his children over the years, that is precious to me, and resonates on a deeper level. As men it's sometimes difficult to express in words the deep love we have for our kids, even if, on the surface, it doesn't show. The culture f manhood sometimes demands that we be driven and stoic in our desire to build a business or reputation. The more successful the man, perhaps the most difficult this is. I hope he completed that project. For those of us who remain, there is a great lesson in this. I pray that we learn it. I pray that I learn it as well.

Steve Jobs was a great man who inspired us to dream, and to create. His final lesson causes us to THINK about the one journey we all will take.

rip steve jobs

STEPS OF THE FIFTH AVE APPLE STORE THE DAY FOLLOWING STEVE JOBS PASSING

CARICATURE QUICK TIP INKING A SUBWAY CARICATURE FACE

HOW TO EXAGGERATE A CARICATURE EXAGGERATION

CARICATURE QUICK TIP DRAWING A SAD FACE

HOW TO DRAW A CARTOON DOG

CARICATURE QUICK TIP SERIES INKING A PENCIL SKETCH

HOW TO MAKE A COMIC STORY THAT IS GUARANTEED TO SELL!

http://cinch.fm/subwaysurfer/293405

HOW TO DRAW A BOY WITH DREADLOCKS

I was having some fun drawing one night and decided to make a video on how to do a boy with dreadlocks! Sorry it's upside down I'm a better artist than ohotograper!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0Qu-K4T4bA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE AN ARTIST?

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE AN ARTIST?
What drives you? I keep coming back to this question because it's an important one. I've found that depending on what my answer is, it will sustain and encourage me through times of discouragement, doubt and disappointment.

BEING AN ARTIST CAN BE LONELY

no matter how gregarious some of our personalities are, art making is a solitary activity. We are confronted with blank paper, computer screens or canvas and forced to bring something into being that has never been seen by the world, or us before. No one can tell us how to do this, we alone must bring it into being, and that requires intense introspection, experimentation and isolation. During these times of loneliness the question of why I'm doing this keeps haunting me...here are a few of my answers and perhaps some of yours

FINANCE
I've grown accustomed to having food in my refrigerator, clothes on my back,and a roof over my head. On a very basic level, I make art to survive, literally. I continue to work because there is that fear that concern that if I stop I will cold,hungry and naked. Fear becomes my companion, motivator that I cannot stop doing what I am doing to maintain my lifestyle. And yet Finance and Fear can't drive me alone, because then I will come to resent my work.

EGO

I absolutely LOVE to be recognized for what I've done. It's a tremendous ego boost. I recall going to a NCN Caricature convention, and overhearing people I didn't know whisper, "that's HIM, that's SUBWAYSURFER!" I was flattered. It was an indication that my peers respected me, recognized me. Just this week I received a phone call from a FACEBOOK fan who thanked me for influencing him! He went on to tell me how he had been following me and read everything I'd written, viewed all my videos and downloaded my printed materials. I'm overjoyed by this. I work hard in not letting ego rule me, that would be arrogant, but I do admit that since I know people are viewing my work, I am motivated to always do my best.

As a professional caricature entertainer my work, by it's very nature is under immediate scrutiny since it's created right there in front of a crowd. Drawing live and being congratulated and applauded publicly has built up my ego and self esteem substantially.

LOVE

I decided to save the best for last.
LOVE. Before there was money coming in for doing my art, before there was anyone to congratulate me, or hang it kn their refrigerator door, there was the pure love of just doing it. There is an indescribable pleasure in drawing a line, creating composition, bringing to life something that I see in my head, being able to personify feelings. Like most artists, I started in childhood, and was a"good kid" mostly because I would entertain and quiet myself for hours on end just by doing art.
I would do it even if I wasn't paid a single dollar on recording a single handclap. It's who I am, my own personal pleasure. To steal a line from the character in the movie Chariots Of Fire, "God made me an ARTIST! And when I draw, I can feel his pleasure!"

For me, art is a form of worship, a form of appreciation to the God who made me.

These are the things that keep me going. How about you?

911 memorial poem September Memories by Elgin Subwaysurfer bolling

SEPTEMBER MEMORIES By Elgin Bolling

On a clear day, they say
You can see forever!
But we never thought
That our Friendly Skies
Would ever witness

THOUSANDS DIE.
Or hear Billions CRY..
White Hot Tears
Falling from sorrowful eyes
Of Burning Towers Like
Post Summer Rain

A testimony that Our Great City
Would Be Forever Changed…
Insane Day!
Inane Day!
The Day I hated Planes…

Who’s to Blame?
What’s His Name?
What Foul Victory Did He Claim?
By having people Slain…

If you went to work, THAT Day,
You were sorry that you came.
That is, if you SURVIVED
Some didn’t come home…
Alive.

In September…
I Still Remember…

People Broken and Dismembered!

Towers Falling!
People Crawling
Men, Women, and Children
Bawling.

Running blindly down the Halls
Fire Burning on the Walls
Somewhere …in the desert air…. Osama…Laughing…
Struggling for breath… Gasping …
Getting help from strangers
Without Asking.

Firefighters bravely answering the Call
Hundreds of people starting to Fall…

Flying Briefly in Empty Space…
Savoring the last sweet breath of freedom
Before landing on their face.

The Twins begin to crumble…
People Stumble…
I mumble…
“Our City…..Humbled”.

Who Fumbled?
Who Dropped the Ball?
My mind begins to Stall..
Is this All?
Or is there more to come?
Do we evacuate?
Or Get a Gun?
No Where To Hide
No Place to Run…

The Mayor’s Finest Hour
He spoke with resolve and did not cower.
Regardless of your Political Affiliation
On THAT DAY we were ALL ONE NATION

And even though it was Hard
On that day even Atheists Prayed To God

The pain never ceases
We continue to this day
To pick up the broken pieces
But as Americans we stand strong.
In the aftermath of this terrible wrong

From the EBOOK, "Annointed Verse, Unrehearsed"
available for purchase, here:
http://elprophetthescribe.blogspot.com/p/annoited-verse-unrehearsed-poetry-ebook.html

Caricature quick tip How to draw braided hair part two

The first post was so popular, I decided to include this second one in the series. Sorry about the view. I got disorinted on this camera. Hope its  not too much of a distraction.

Live Caricature Drawing on NYC Subway By Subwaysurfer

I absolutely LOVE it when passengers are bold enough to ASK for their picture, like this gentlemen did  here. I was sitting across from him and noticed he had an interesting look for a character design I was developing of a scientist, or something like that. I did a quick sketch and turned the page when he inquired about thedrawing. we went on to have a great discussion about social media, character design, and entrepreneurship. He even gave me some social media tips! what did he tell me? HEY! that's MY secret!   Sorry for the shaky picture I was on a moving train and took this with my camera phone. The guy in the picture  name is WES. I told Wes I would be doing some character studies on his face, much to his delight,.... 

Caricature Quick Tip How to Draw Braided hair

Have you ever found yourself horrified frustrated and frozen with fear someone with braids approached you to be drawn at a life event? I sure did! I hated drawing braids so much that I carried scissors in my bag with intentions on cutting them off the persons head! since being a barber is not in my skill set, I had to devise a method for drawing them quickly and easily. Nothing can ruin a caricature more than drawing braids sloppy, especially if its a major part of the persons, visual persona... er... is that even a word? This video goes into one of my methods that not only make drawing braids easy, but also a lot of fun! forgive the quality of the video, I filmed it on my smartphone while waiting for my wife while she shopped at Trader Joes....

William Shakesphere iPad caricature

Talk about a different and unexpected assignment.... I'm currently working with a client who commissioned me to draw some character designs for a board game he is currently developing, and one of the characters is William Shakesphere. I must admit, I've never had a request to draw that before, and was very excited on how I would interpret the character.

The client wanted the illustration to be a full body shot, no gross exaggeration, and recognizable. I immediately thought of the style and approach that Alex Toth used when he was commissioned to draw characters for Saturday morning toons back in the day. The design had to be elegant and simple. As has become my habit, these days, I drew the character in such a way that if it were being animated, it could be easily copied, and quickly reproduced. I looked at pictures online to see how Shaesphere had been depicted by other artists, and then gave it my own particular flair, as I did with the period clothing, after researching that. Google and YouTube make research like this a snap.

I couldn't resist adding the skull as a accessory, and within a few hours, I had a character design but artist, and client could be proud of.

What I love about assignments like these, is the opportunity to draw people and things I wouldn't ordinarily draw myself. Another great benefit if drawing William Shakesphere, is the potential of bring new viewers to my blog who come, not necessarily because they like art, per se, but because they like William Shakesphere. Hopefully in the process of viewing this illustration, they will be encouraged to check out the rest of the blog.

I'm giving a subtle hint here, fellow artists, so listen up.

If you want to increase traffic to your blogs start including pop culture pieces, as well as "traditional" drawings like Will, here. The goal is to get new people looking at your work, and if you're selling something, hopefully, they will be impressed and encouraged to buy something.

Speaking of buying... It's time for another...

UNAPOLOGHETIC SUBWAYSURFER CALL TO ACTION!

If you are impressed with this character design and have a project that you feel my talents are suited for, don't estate to let me know! Prices are not "cheap" but they're negotiable, and more affordable than you think!

Newsletter illustration of couple on Jetski

Just completed this assignment of a couple on a Jetski for their company Newsletter. The hardest part was drawing the Jetski jussst right! they loved it.

As an artist, I have been fortunate to have rubbed shoulders with, taught by, influenced by, and even "stolen from" some of the best caricature artists in the world, all of whom have contributed to, influenced, and enhanced by approach to caricature.
One of my favorite character artists, is Terry Dunnett, affectionately known as TEL from Australia. (http://www.terrydunnett.com.au/Tels_Caricatures/Home.html)
In addition to being an excellent draftsman, Tel is a master of drawing accessories. By "accessories" I mean supporting items in a picture that the main characters interact with. Examples of accessory items, are cars, planes, snowmobiles, and jet skies. Prior to being exposed to Tel's work, I focused pretty much on the individual figures, and pretty much "winged" everything else. Even though my clients did not complain, I knew deep down, I had compromised, and given into lazy drawing. In comparison to Tel, whose accessory items were just as meticulously detailed as his caricatured. Visually, this added to the overall unity to his pieces as well.

That's when I started really concentrating on getting the accessories correct.
If a client takes time to mention they want a particular car or golf clubs in a picture, then obviously the item is an extension of them. This is the Bain reason why they should be given as much attention that you give to your favorite part of the drawing.

This particular jetski took me days to get to my satisfaction. It's not perfect, but definitely better than I might have done, years ago.

HOW TO DRAW KIDS by Subwaysurfer

If you've been a professional artist for more than five minutes, I bet you've been asked to draw a couple of kids. For a caricature artist  it's inevitable. You are either going to draw a child at a first communion, birthday party, wedding, anniversary , or Bar-Bat Mitzvahs. Dont even let me get started on gift caricature.  Drawing children can be quite lucrative, as everyone loves to have their kids immortalized in pictures.

I used to HATE drawing kids, at one time. They were unpredictable, moved around a lot, and for some reason I kept making them look to old in a picture. I really needed help, and kept my ears and eyes opens until I learned how. 

Of course now I'm sharing that method with you, so listen up.

I was at an art convention a couple of years back, and master caricature artist, Joe Bulum  was lecturing on how to caricature the face. His subject wasn't on kids, per se, but he said one line, in passing, that made a light  bulb go on in my head. To paraphrase, Joe, he said that drawing kids was easy. He pictured them as being akin to "little aliens" in appearance, and structure. Joe was being tongue in cheek with his comment, obviously, but I immediately latched on to that visual of a stereotypical "Roswell Alien" with the Giant Forehead area, large lumonious eyes, and small mouth nose and particularly the CHIN. with this image in mind, I never had another problem drawing kids. Of course this doesn't mean that you ignore basic features of each individual child's face. Some kids have fuller lips than others, some  have smaller eyes or wider noses, of course, but that basic head-slash- alien structure is crucial.  

WATCH THAT CHIN!

Getting back to the chin. NEVER NEVER NEVER add a LOT of space between the buttom lip and the chin. even if the kid has a long face, comparatively speaking, put all the visual weight in the upper head area. If you fail to do this, you WILL age the child considerable.

DRAWING A MOVING KID

The secret to drawing a figity kid is not to panic. Resolve in your mind that this kids will NOT be sitting still. Once you've acknowledged that, start by drawing that Alien head container lightly in pencil. As I said earlier, you KNOW that the head is going to conform to that shape. Most babies also, have those hamster/balloon cheeks so include that too. Next you want to pick your target. Say the nose, you wait until the child is looking in your direction. he WILL eventually, and as soon as he does, BOOM !  you nail that body part, and keep repeating for each facial feature. I mentioned drawing in pencil also because the "sketchy" line quality will add to the overall life of the drawing, at a live event. If you are doing a gift caricature, like the ones on this page, you can sketch even more loosely knowing that you will ink it in later.

 THE SUBWAY SURFER

 SHAMELESS UNAPOLOGETIC CALL TO ACTION

Hey moms and dads, aunts and uncles, God mothers, and God Fathers! If you loved the way I drew these kids, just think of how gorgeous I can make the little alien inhabiting your planet?  digital portraits are affordable, and start as low as 40.00 (yes, we are committed in helping you buy art in these trying economic times.) if you are interested email me at cartoons4u2@aol.com  a good JPEG of your kids 

 and we can get started! Paypal makes the whole process painless! 

(these children were digitally painted on the Apple Ipad using the Art Studio App)

IPAD COMPATIBLE CLOTHING SCOTTEVEST GEAR ROCKS!

http://www.scottevest.com/

Folks, I haven't even fully written a post for this, but when I found this gem, my eyes popped! Once I picked them back up off the floor, I realized that this was the line of clothing I've been searching for. As a Creative Caricature Marketing Consultant, one of the services I offer clients is that of a live caricature entertainer for corporate events. Oftentimes, I am required to be mobile, especially for events that require me to interact with the crowd,(like the job I did with absolute Vodka) and it is impossible to lug my gear around from one location to the other. With the Scottevest, there are numerous pockets to put pens, books, paper, and the aforementioned iPad for digital drawing. The company also makes pants will multiple pockets. As awesome as Scottevest gear is, from a purely functional standpoint, Scottevest gear also look cool. So you no longer stand out like a sore thumb with your pockets buldging. I almost wanted to keep this news to myself, but hey, this is social media after all, so I'm sharing!

CREATIVE CARICATURE QR CODE MARKETING

Audio Link
http://cdn.cinchcentral.com/rec/Recording_255325.mp3

Audio Podcast

Can QR Codes be used Creatively with caricature? You bet they can. I am already helping many of my clients maximize their marketing efforts with this exciting piece of interactive technology. And while it's true that anyone can use and have access to making QR codes, a compelling visual to lead your customers in the desired direction will always be a plus. Listen to the audio podcast to find out more how you can benefit from my services to enable you to come up with a unique strategy in using QR Code technology .

AFFORDABLE AVATAR DESIGNS FOR THE ARTISTICALLY CHALLENGED

As a Creative Caricature Marketing Consultant, I created Affordable avatar designs like these for the artistically challenged. I realize that you want to stay competitive,AND remain budget conscious/ Let me help you do both, as I have done for my clients here. 

Email me at 

cartoons4u2@aol.com  

Include a quality Jpeg of your picture and a description of what you need done. Single Characters are as low as 40.00  get YOUR Avatar Today.

GREATEST TESTIMONIAL SUBWAYSURFER HAS EVER GOTTEN

I've gotten a lot of testimonials over the years from satisfied customers, but this one from author Dan Guarino, of The Rockaway Artists Alliance, literally brought tears to my eyes..Dan wrote this testimonial following a performance The ROckaway Artists Alliance Writers Group
gave at Peninsula Hospital.

"There aren't enough words to describe the multi-talented Elgin Bolling. Just when you think you've got him defined, he pops up with a new talent.
 
          Artist, author, caricaturist, cartoonist, journalist, commentator, cyber-reporter,  poet, performer, speaker, teacher, actor, entertainer...
 
         The list goes on.
 
         I can say, though, I have never seen anybody draw people in like Elgin nor lift an audience out of their seats.
 
          In short, I have never seen anyone bring their art to life like Elgin Bolling."

Why I Love drawing people on the NYC Subway Trains By Subwaysurfer

"The Subway is a microcosm of the world. It is the one place where for a brief moment in time, comparatively speaking, we are all equal. People all over the city of every gender, race, social economic status, religious , political , social sexual orientation, come here to share space. Its a forced kind of intimacy, almost. I am more than an artist drawing funny pictures but a visual anthropologist, studying and recording human behavior. My visual data can be found throughout this blog, especially in the earlier posts, and also through my subsequent Ebooks, two of them are right below you.



I LOVE TO DRAW A GOOFY LOOKING GURL
Written and Illustrated by Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

Is Beauty really in the Eye of the Beholder? Subwaysurfer says, it depends on who is looking at you! Find out what New York City's wackiest subway sketcher sees!






SUBWAYSURFER EXTREME LIFE DRAWING ON DA TRAIN
Written and Illustrated by Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

Caricature Quick Tip Series How To Draw The Human Figure

July 4th poetry

Miss Liberty’s Got a Lot to Say Today
July 4th Poetry


By Elgin Bolling.

Welcome, Welcome! One and all , to Me!
That’s right, I’m You’re good “Old Friend”
The Statue of Liberty!

Give me your tired and your poor..
But don’t come HERE NO MORE!!
You’re being stopped at the door..

The statue of Liberty! That's me!
BOY! my feet are KILLIN' ME!!
I haven’t sat down in YEARS
And I’ve shed many tears, my dears,
But don’t YOU fear! As you can see,
I’m STILL standing here
Right where I’m supposed to be!

Smack dab in the middle of this here, MESS!
Trying REAL hard not to stress..
Hard to hold it together with So many people
Walking up and down up under my dress!
Putting me to the test

I guess I’ll grin and
Do my best to hold high the torch
Lookin toward Manhattan Island
Sometimes I just wanna drop this torch in the water
And start to crying/
Too many folks fightin’ screamin’ and dyin’
I AINT LYING!

Gimmie ONE plane ticket and
I’ll be a FLYIN!
What I need is a vacation
From being a symbol for the nation

So TIRED of riding this “freedom train”
When do we arrive at the station?
The location where we’re FINALLY All ONE NATION under GOD?
In a world full of atheists,
THAT’S gonna be kinda…hard.

Belief in GOD should be a PLUS
Aint it written on your money somewhere
IN GOD WE TRUST????!!!
LOOK! IT”S WRITTEN ON YOUR MONEY!
LOOK! IT”S WRITTEN ON YOUR MONEY!!!!

Ya know… this aint even funny.

One more thing,
Let me tell you, honey..
Instead of just snapping pictures of ME
From the Deck of the Staten Island Ferry
Why don’t you do me a favor?
Turn to your neighbor
And treat HIM Merry?!

I KNOW it’s not
Christmas day, or any other Holiday,
But loving one another
Is still OK!!
Don’t you forget to PRAY!

On your knees is where you should stay
Then you’ll never stray.

And HEY!...
I aint going NOWHERE.
I’ll be right here on ELLIS.
That is….
If the Mayor
Doesn’t sell us.
Copyright 2010 Elgin Bolling all rights reserved.

SEE AND HEAR IT PERFORMED LIVE WITH TWO OTHER ORIGINAL POEMS
http://youtu.be/ndjH1XbphlI




In Addition to being a visual artist, I am also a prolific poet. And as you can read,see, and hear, my spoken word, and written word is as "visual" as my artwork. Ive spoken to capacity crowds for many years now, and even combine my visual art with my thought provoking, humorous poetry. (gee, I almost broke my arm patting myself on the back like that!)Feel free to hire me for speaking engagements as well. I also create original prose and poems to go with your pictures. Now how many artists can do THAT??!

This Poem and many others are all in an Ebook entitled, "Anointed Verse Unrehearsed" which can ve purchased for 5.00 directly thorough me by ordering here

Sprint store salesman Daniel Jacobs Sheepshead bay

LISTEN TO THIS AUDIO PODCAST

http://cinch.fm/subwaysurfer/252735

This is a special shout out to DANIEL  The Sprint representative at On Top Communications. The store is located at 1743 Sheephead Bay Rd Bklyn, NY. The dynamic, Daniel Jacobs,sold me my NEW Optimus LG Phone. When it comes to phones, I pretty much always felt that I never needed all the bells and whistles, currently being advertised by Sprint and other dealers. Daniel was so persuasive and patient in answering my questions, that when he finally brought me my phone I literally did the snoopy happy dance of joy. My new Optimus LG is fantastic! Its got some many toys on it I almost ditched my ipad! The reception is clear, I can go online virtually anywhere, it's got a great camcorder than enables the Subwaysurfer to do even more videos on location, and a camera that takes crystal clear shots. The speaker is more like a mini megaphone! Dan is a dynamite salesman, very knowledgeable and has this cool toothpickk that never seems to fall outta his mouth when he talks. Check out his store in Sheep head bay you wont be disappointed.

As is my habit, when I get great customer service, I usually do a caricature of the person. I found out that Daniel is also a graffiti art enthusiast, so he went nuts over the idea of me caricaturing him.

This picture has him SPRINTING to give you fabulous service, which he definitely will. Make sure you Sprint down to his store to get the best deal today.

Oh, one mre thing... Dans store is a literal stones throw from some of the best restaurants in Brooklyn, that overlook the bay. After you buy your phone, celebrate with a delicious meal, and treat yourself to a boat ride! What could better?

ATTENTION ALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND ENTREPRENEURS WHO LOVE THIS PICTURE

If you're thinking to yourself, "boy, I bet that Daniel Jacobs guy is getting some new business every time some one checks out his picture on this blog!" You're absolutely right! DANIEL knows how to think outside the box, how about YOU?

Let me create a cool caricature advertisement for YOUR business, to put in all your social media outlets including my popular blog here. The cost is more affordable than you think, and as a Creative Caricature Marketing Consultant, I don't "just draw you a picture" but help you formulate a strategy for online visibility and success. Just like Daniel Jacobs here.

Drop me a line at cartoons4u2@aol.com for details

Caricature Quick Tip #14 PROTECT YOUR CONTENT ON FACEBOOK

Listen to a very valuable lesson I learned on Facebook recently. ALL creatives will find this tip valuable, especially if you are using FACEBOOK to build your brand, and position yourself  on that channel. Dont get me wrong, I LIKE FACEBOOK. It is a great social media tool and i support and will continue to use it, but will always remember that
FACEBOOK IS LIKE A MALL. AND I DONT OWN THE MALL. Find out what that means by listening to the audio cast.




Let me know what YOU thinkabout what youve heard!

WOW! I INSPIRE PEOPLE!!

Did some web surfing today, and found this particular site whee my vids are featured. Its an inspirational site, called, "INSPIRATIONAL VIDEOS" (what else?) and a ton of my stuff is cataloged there! Nice to know that I'm inspiring other people enough for my work to be going viral. Sometimes Im so busy just sharing and uploading that I dont stop to take a breath.

http://www.movieplay.biz/inspiration/watch-video/BLb-yzQ6cNc&feature=youtube_gdata/TheSubwaysurfer/http:-www.subwaysur-fer.blogspot.com-creative-caricature-marketing-consultant,-and-professional-caricature-entertainer,-....html