A few new additions: Cartooning 101 under construction

Just a quick note on some new additions. I’ve added a new feature, Cartooning 101, to the sidebar links. It’s under construction, but I wanted you to know it’s in the works. I get asked a lot by people of all ages for my insight into the profession, so I figured this was a good way to do that. It just might grow into an e-book someday. I’ve updated the Rhino’s Reading Room with more up-to-date recommendations about Creativity that can be found on one of my favorite places on the planet, Amazon.com. And I’ve changed a few things under the Creative Coaching Tabs at the top to encompass a broader scope of coaching options available. Now, without further ado, it’s on to Neill Blomkamp and District 9.

The Rhino Recommends

After starting this blog a few weeks ago I went on an online shopping spree at Amazon and bought a few books about the creative process. While browsing I came across this great new book by fellow cartoonist Hugh MacLeod. I delved into it after I got it last week and it’s a terrific resource into creativity that really cuts right to the heart of the matter in so many ways. Hugh started doodling cartoons on the backs of business cards as a way to pass the time while having a drink at the bar (see my own napkin sketches on character concepts I did while waiting for my wife to join me at a bar while in Las Vegas in a post below. Must be something about sitting at a bar passing the time that brings out the creative muse). He also has a great website at http://www.gapingvoid.com.

I love this quote from the book:
Everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten. Then when you hit puberty they take the crayons away and replace them with dry, uninspiring books on algebra, history, etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the creative bug is just a wee voice telling you, “I’d Like my crayons back please”.

I remember early on in my career as a staff artist at the El Paso Times, my cousin dropped by so we could head out to the movies after work. I was just cleaning up my drawing board, picking up scraps of paper, and paste and scissors and cartoons and he just stood there shaking his head.
“Kindergarten” he said, “You never left kindergarten”. He was right and I want you to know I’m quite proud of that fact!

The Rhino recommends Webcomic resource

Here’s a top notch resource from the gurus of Webcomics. These guys are the experts in pioneering the Webcomic having successfully found a way to make a living at it. The debate about Webcomics by people in the profession ( defined as the guys who only believe in print and in not giving the content away for free ) is heated, but there is simply no denying that a new business model has to be found if the genre wants to stay alive and thrive.

Top Ten Ways to Boost Creativity

Here’s a great list of tips and techniques about the creative process from jpb.com along with a bunch of other resources on creativity and digging for ideas. Some really good stuff worth taking a look at.