The Cartoonist's Workbook Drawing, Writing Gags, Selling [Paperback]

Robin Hall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 1997

“Comprehensive and entertaining...far more material in a cleaner format [makes] the reader laugh on every page....Thus, one learns that of 6,000 submissions to King Features Syndicate, only three are accepted, and...how to make snacks while preparing one of those submissions.”—Library Journal. “A wealth of information...Hall does everything but make the cartoon for you.”—Art Times.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

These are two of the most comprehensive and entertaining cartooning books available. Duane Barnhart, a highly successful teacher, syndicated cartoonist, and illustrator, provides interesting bits on cartoon history and step-by-step lessons on human characters, animals, and imaginary beings. The book attempts to engage the student by having cartoon characters do the teaching. This is alternately whimsical and tedious. Hall's book manages to pack far more material in a cleaner format, while still making the reader laugh on every page. Thus, one learns that of 6000 submissions to King Features Syndicate, only three are accepted, and one learns how to make snacks while preparing one of those submissions. Two fine books, but Hall has the edge.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"The approach of this new book is one of the best I have ever seen." Charles M. Schulz "It's good to see this imaginatively-presented look at the art of cartooning back in print." ArtBook Review (March 2007) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (June 30, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806996730
• ISBN-13: 978-0806996738
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,072,304 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Started out my working life as a Cartoonist. Since no one buys cartoons anymore I decided to write a book on how to draw cartoons so that I could have some company in my misery. Charles Schulz actually gave my first book a great recommendation and the publishers asked me to write ANOTHER one. I also teach piano and have written a series of ebooks on how to play piano www.pianoforall.com I served some time as an artist and am now training to become a Cognitive Therapist and will hopefully bring music and art to that.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful introduction to cartooning, April 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cartoonist's Workbook Drawing, Writing Gags, Selling (Paperback)

This book took me from stick figures to cartoon characters in a matter of minutes. (My students will be thrilled with the difference!) I have no artistic talent, but now feel comfortable drawing cartoon characters in all moods and types of clothing. I highly recommend this book!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book - worth it's weight in Goldie Hawn!, December 3, 2002

By 

Mr John Edwards (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cartoonist's Workbook Drawing, Writing Gags, Selling (Paperback)

Most books on cartooning show you how to copy the AUTHOR'S cartoon style, which in my opinion is a pretty pointless exercise. The Cartoonist' s Workbook is very different. It gives you the means to develop your OWN
unique style and there are even thousands of drawings of useful poses and gag situations that you can easily adapt after you have found that style. But the BEST part is the chapter on writing gags. Hall gives the reader a
'complete method' for writing gags for spot cartoons AND cartoon strips, and it REALLY works. I thought twice about recommending this book because I wondered should I keep it all for myself. I also recently purchased Hall's new book Cartoonists' And Illustrators' Trade Secrets and was equally impressed - it is absolutely PACKED with invaluable advice. I reckon these two books are all you really need to make it as a cartoonist. Thank you Mr Hall!

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful Reference, July 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cartoonist's Workbook Drawing, Writing Gags, Selling (Paperback)

The Cartoonist's Workbook is a very helpful reference for people who are good or bad at cartooning. It teaches you fun and easy ways to draw, helps you write the cartoon, and helps you sell it.