Joe, My Thoughtful Neighborhood Cartoonist.

Submitted by Laharl on July 12, 2009 - 6:21pm

Joe,
Your cartoons are top of the line, but I am curious on how you got started.  I mean not everyone draws for a living.  What is your secret for capturing the right expression or look on the faces.  You know I have often wondered about cartoons like the ones you do.  Once my friends had it done (at a mall), how do you capture it all.  What got you started on your career?  Do you have to know the person first?  Or know about them? What ones are your favorite, local or national people?
 
Thank you

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Comments

Laharl,
Thank you for your kind comments and am glad you like my work.  Did you know there are only about 90 regular staff editorial cartoonists in America today? 
 
I'll do my best to answer your questions.
 
I have always loved cartooning especially editorial ones since a little guy.    I began being a regular editorial cartoon contributor  with another area paper about 18 or so years ago.  The Examiner afforded me an opportunity in 2004 and have been here since.  
 
I never really thought of the facial expressions, I just try to draw what the person's reaction would be like in the situation.   I guess they just come out that way.
 
When doing a  public figure I don't have to know that  person first,  but  I do try to know about them based on legitamate news stories and other reputable information sources.  (BTW...The Huffington Post does not fall into this category)
 
My favorites are the local public figures to draw.   It is impossible for me to do a complimentary caricature. If you look at the Featured Bloggers section, my picture is not a photo but a cartoon of a huge nose with bug eyes. That is just me in the cartoon world as I see it.   
 
 I exaggerate the most outstanding features to make them recognizable,    IE;  Independence Mayor Don Reimel's supersized jowls and double helping of chins or  Blue Springs Mayor  Carson  Ross'  10 story high forehead and that hairy neck thing   (incidentally his neckbeard has been cast in the next Alien movie, it takes on a life of it's own).   
 
I don't intend to be mean, it is just how the gags come out.    Local politicians aren't drawn often so sometimes they are kind of blind-sided when a cartoon of them is printed.  It is all in fun. No malice whatsoever.
 
President Obama has seen a million drawings of his big ears, to me it is more enjoyable to to lampoon county executive Mike Sanders (who by the way has bought a few of my originals over the years).
 
Thanks again for asking, and I do welcome any cartoon ideas you may have.
 
Joe LIccar
Your friendly neighborhood cartoonist
 
   
 
 
 

Submitted by Joe Liccar on July 13, 2009 - 7:19pm.

Thanks for your fun little story. Now we know.   xox 

Submitted by ELISA on July 16, 2009 - 10:22pm.

........"and now you know..........the rest of the story"...........

eldoggg

Submitted by eldoggg on July 17, 2009 - 9:45am.