Thanks zooBeanz. Yeah, I kind of got that impression, but there's no real community for cartoonists out there and our disciplines are pretty similar (although I do get angry with ignorant people who regard comic books and cartoons as the same thing just because of their panelled format. It's like saying documentaries and movies are the same thing because they're both shown on a TV screen!).

Anyway, I have tons of respect for artists and writers in both fields. The reason I joined is because SA lacks the facilities to develop a lot of the skills our disciplines share most importantly, inking. I'm busy working on my inking style at the moment because of what a difference a strategically weighted lines can make to a drawing. I'm struggling to decide between pen, brush and fineliner or the appropriate balance between the 3. It's discussions about stuff like that I think that can benefit all of us.

Also, while I'm working on a comic strip, I plan on borrowing heavily from comics in terms of style and format. If you see the crap comic strips that are printed in our newspapers I doubt tere's anyone who would disagree that most of the art lacks soul (I regard Calvin and Hobbes as one of the few exceptions, but then Bill watterson stopped working 10 years ago). The stylish flow and sheer energy in comic books, which have had such a massive influence on movies in recent years, should also, in my opinion, be having a effect on our daily funnies. That way, hopefully, we won't have to endure another 75years of Blondie (UGH! )

Lady KC, Behemoth and Nuts: thnks for the welcome guys. i'm really glad to see how much talent there is in the country, that I didn't know was there before. Once the publishers wake up I'm sure there's going to be a lot of kick-arse material coming out of this country.

Ironically enough, I 'ink' by using my trusty HB pencil of all things... It works really well for my style, plus, if you make a boo boo, you just rub it out!

Ye you are one of a kind Cap! I like it!

Awwww, thanks Krazy Cookie!

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOD! Your stuff is sweet! I've just finished perusing them! Awesome stuff!

Oh... and.. uh... welcome to the forum

and your avy appears to be Sorcerer Tim... 100 Timmi Points there...

Calvin and Hobbes ARE GODS!!!!!! I love it!!

Hehe hehe

Yeah, cartoons and comics. We were doing a certain competition once, about cartoons. Yet, the media insisted to name the competition a comic competition.
It's one thing to make people aware of comics and teach them about it, it's a whole other thing to try and change their mindset.

I think people are a lot more aware of cartoons than comics, as you've mentioned, they are in every newspaper, and yes, they are crappy. But, perhaps if you do upgrade the quality of cartoons (and I think your idea is a really cool idea) and use the comic influence, then maybe, just maybe places like CNA would sell a bigger variety than Archie and Mad. I was in a couple of CNA's today (and by the way Imagine FX is out of stock everywhere) Those are thee only comics on the shelves. And I'm sorry, but it's just wrong. There are so much out there and yet our major stores limit us ( or rather those who doesn't know that comic shops exist) to a big eared boy pretending to be Che

Enuff ranting for now though.

If all else fails, we can always pick on Phreaky boy...

So what's new hunny bunny!!?

Awww, nothing much... I really liked that dress you sent me... Very elegant!

Hi all

It's been a while since I visited this site. It always happens hen I join forums, I get all excited in the beginning and then slowly lose interest as more important things, like work, take over.

Just thought I'd post again to let anyone who's interested know that there does seem to be at least some market for South African cartoonist and comic artists. I don't make much money, but I'm working full time now for several SA publications. I just started a new comic strip at www.sagoodnews.co.za.

There isn't a ready market out there, really, but it's possible to develop one for yourself through patience and constant emailling, etc. I just email publications out the blue with my portfolio. Maybe one in 50 even replies, but I have developed some great contacts by doing it.

Just thought I'd try pass on a bit of what I've learnt in case anyone out there is having the same problems I had in the beginning just looking for a place to get published.

cheers

Hehehe! I know not this word... "Irony" Isn't that ironic? But welcome back Ackers!