Mike Spicer is a freelance cartoonist and illustrator based in Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada. He has penned editorial cartoons for newspapers, illustrated books, and created cartoons and caricatures for commercial clients and individuals. Three of his cartoons are in the 2011 edition of “Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year” by Pelican Publications. He also a single-panel comic called “Celebrity Clerks” which feature people of note and pop culture. And he does frequently contribute cartoons to Huffington Post. So I asked Mike some questions about his cartooning and am proud to feature him as this week’s blog!
David: Hey Mike! Being a freelance cartoonist and illustrator, how did you get started in the world of cartooning?
Mike: My earliest recollection is from about four years old, lying on the cement porch, the bumpy surface serving as my first drawing board. Simple stick figures with hands resembling comb rakes. A forefinger at the ready, ants that ventured on the page became squished, abstract addition to the picture, my first mix media pieces. I later progress to the kitchen table, copying comics from the newspaper. There was much joy in Antville.
David: Celebrity Clerks is a one panel comic you create about pop icons. Where did the idea for a notable person/icon to be running a register begin?
Mike: I actually worked in a convenience store; “Celebrity Clerks” was born out sheer boredom. I thought it amusing to put a celebrity behind the register. So, I would draw them to pass the time during the slower shifts and pin then them on the office bulletin board for the entertainment of the staff.
David: You have three editorial cartoons in a “Best of Editorial Cartoons collection 2011”. Give me a little information about that and those cartoons?
Mike: A friend who’d been included in the past five collections suggested I submit for this current edition. He advised me to send in cartoons with a Canadian theme. I was thrilled to get word that I would have 3 of my cartoons published. It’s a nice addition to my promotional tool-box.
David: Your cartoons are also featured at Huffington Post. How do you decide what will be featured the cartoons there?
Mike: What gets published at Huffington Post is totally their call. I have been following American politics quite closely of late and I think being Canadian, with no real loyalty the Dems or Reps, gives me a different perspective on things, from the outside looking in. American politics is very interesting. I’ll just leave it at that.
David: My last question is something I like to ask, what’s your favorite comic strip? With that being said, if you were a cartoon character for one day, what would that character be?
Mike: “Bloom County” by Berkley Breathed, hands down. Great characters, intelligent satire, smart, humorous storylines. Hmmmm..Never been asked that. Gotta go with Opus. That’d be fun.
David: Bloom County is one of my all time favorites too! Thank you so much for being on the blog! Mike Spicer is an amazing talent, check out the links below to find more of his work!
Blog:
http://mikespicercartoonist.blogspot.com
Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-spicer
Email Mike to order custom cartoons for Business/ personal projects : mikescartoons@hotmail.com
