Saturday, December 12, 2009

Kieran Meehan - Cartoonist Survey #18


Kieran Meehan is a cartoonist from the United Kingdom. His work has been published in magazines such as Private Eye, The Spectator and Reader's Digest. He's had success with strips including, 'Meehan Streak' and 'A Lawyer, A Doctor & A Cop' which morphed into 'Pros and Cons.' 'Pros and Cons' is presently syndicated by King Features. You can find all things Meehan over at http://www.meehancartoons.com/ and see Pros and Cons here; http://www.kingfeatures.com/features/comics/proscons/about.htm .

What is your favorite pen to use?
Rotring Art Pen extra fine nib.

Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
I use Staedtler Lumocolor pens or Pilot Razor Point pens.

Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
I do all my coloring on the computer using PhotoShop.

If you do your coloring by hand, what do you use?
I DO ALL MY COLORING ON THE COMPUTER USING PhotoShop. Jeez.

What type of paper do you use?
A Colour Link traditional layout pad. 70gsm

What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Cutlery, dots and cross-hatching.

Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
I've always visited local stores until recently when I began buying online.

Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
I pass water and sigh.

Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
I write in silence but when I draw or color up strips I usually listen to BBC Radio 4or Radio 7. At the moment I'm listening to John le Carre's 'Tinker, Tailor , Soldier, Spy.'

Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
I read all the time but they were British comics you won't have heard of. Things like 'The Beano,' 'The Dandy,' 'The Hotspur,' 'Lion,' 'Tiger,' 'Valiant' and 'Look & Learn.'

What is or was your favorite comic strip?
My favorite as a child was 'The Rise and Fall of the Trigan Empire" and as an adult, 'Calvin and Hobbs.'

What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
"The Eagle of the Ninth" by Rosemary Sutcliffe and I still have the same copy (somewhere).

Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
I went to Saturday morning classes from 11 years until 15 years of age and evening classes two nights a week for the following ten years. All at Glasgow School of Art.

Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
For me it's a blessing.

Did either of your parents draw?
No.

Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
My young brother, another David.

Do you keep a sketchbook?
Dozens of 'em.

Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
Never, but if I had, I don't think I would have enjoyed it.
Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
When I began drawing I was all passion and no talent but things balanced out. The two are interchangeable and drawing wouldn't be as much fun without one or the other.
Do you collect anything and if so what?
I have a varied and interesting collection of unpaid utility bills.

If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
'Shere Khan,' the tiger in 'Jungle Book' (that could be wishful thinking).

Are you a righty or lefty?
I'm right handed. We're talking hands, right?

If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
I would like to invade Poland.

In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
A3, more or less.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I have in the past but I always lost.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Draw all the time, be hyper critical of your work and stay out of my way.

Who is your favorite artist?
Van Gogh.

Thank you Kieran.
Next up will be illustrator Rama Hughes, who's work I first discovered in Danny Gregory's wonderful book, "An Illustrated Life."

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