Drawn out dramas at the News and Observer

These days having your own cartoonist is a sure sign of luxury for newspapers. It's like having a flashy and sophisticated tuxedo that's tailor-made to your paper, rather than having to rent from a syndicate. So it is no surprise that in times of economic upheaval, its the luxuries that are the first to go.

My hometown newspaper, the Raleigh News and Observer, cut more than 53 jobs in their latest round of laid offs back in September. Among those causalities were long-time editorial cartoonist Dwane Powell and multimedia cartoonist Grey Blackwell.

Powell's status had been downgraded to part-time, after a 33 year career with the paper where he established himself as a staple of the N&O's editorial page. He chose to stay on until after the November elections, when he would leave entirely. Powell's current career moves are uncertain, as the cartoonist has said he isn't sure if he will continue to work for Creators Syndicate, which distributes his cartoons, or retire for good.

Grey Blackwell began a novel flash animation career for the N&O back in September 2005, producing online cartoons for the paper's website which primarily focused on ACC college sports. Prior to that he served as the graphics editor.

For as much as the N&O paraded these two men's work around like the proverbial new tuxedo, it seems heartless that they will be snuffed from the pay roll so swiftly. Each cartoonist's departure is a tragedy in itself. Powell, after a long and distinguished 33 year career is downgraded to part-time status. Blackwell, after pushing boundaries with animated editorial cartoons and showing their worth to an online audience, is let go at the height of a promising career.

As an admirer of both Powell and Blackwell's work, and as a cartoonist trying to break into the field, it is certainly disheartening to see them leave my hometown paper. Whether the N&O will bring back local cartoonists and innovative web artists is yet to be determined.

But for now it looks like they will be rocking the cheap blazer and the rental slacks.

Former Mad Magazine Editor Nick Meglin interview with WUNC

I came across a great interview recently with former Mad magazine editor Nick Meglin. As a kid, I grew up reading this irreverent and absurd "rag," so guys like Meglin were and have always been heroes of mine.

In the interview, Meglin talks about his love of illustrating and how that got him a job as a student at Mad magazine. Nick also got into humorous writing, having many fellow artist friends who were interested in the comics field, and subsequently caught the eye of many who saw he could write for comics. Of course, this was back in the late 50's and the 60's, as Mad was in its infancy and comic books were at their height.

Interestingly, Nick Meglin felt he was talented at "writing funny" but not "drawing funny." Meglin calls cartooning, "...an art form totally isolated from anything else." He mentions long-time Mad man Sergio Aragones, whose "Drawn Out Dramas" have flooded the margins of the magazine for decades. According to Meglin, Aragones often doesn't know the gag until he starts drawing; the cartoon essentially creates itself. A fascinating concept, one which I think I would have a hard time doing. My cartoons are almost always based on a concept, person, or script first, and the drawing comes later.

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Nick Meglin in Cary, NC in 2004. I was a finalist in a political cartoon contest hosted by the Raleigh News and Observer, and Meglin was the honored guest speaker at the award ceremony (held at the prestigious Barnes and Noble book store on Maynard Road).

At 17, I was fascinated to meet a hero of mine, someone associated with the most notoriously absurd magazine in the country. Nick signed a copy of his book, "Humorous Illustration" and I told him I was an aspiring cartoonist. His advice to me was to stay original and stay drawing.

I try to keep his advice in mind everytime Mad magazine sends me another rejection slip.


Listen to the interview with Nick Meglin here, as conducted by Frank Stasio for "The State of Things" on WUNC North Carolina Public Radio.

Nick's book, "Humorous Illustration."

Senior Show Exhibition

A few weeks ago I was in my very first public art exhibition. The Fishmarket Gallery in downtown Raleigh (an art gallery completely run by students of the College of Design) hosted the annual senior show for graduating design students.

It was a pretty amazing, exciting and terrifying experience. We had a great turnout and several hundred people viewed my work and the work of my fellow design students.






My exhibit focused on my development into what I call a visual storyteller. My display consisted of hand drawn cartoons, comics, greeting cards, hand made books and a few animations. The display was a departure from the usual design school assignments, but I decided to showcase what I know and like to do best.

Overall, I think the turnout and experience was a great one. I am blessed to have been able to be a part of such a neat College of Design send off show, and I think it also helped me realize what type of art and design I enjoy the most.

The high point of the exhibit was meeting my professor's aunt who insisted that I take up political cartooning full-time.

I wish it were that easy.

Updates soon

As soon as I have time, I'm going to get vids of my animations up. Stay tuned. Visit www.klingenmaier.net!

My website is live!

Monday marked the official launch of www.klingenmaier.net! I'm still working on some of the design aspects of it, as well as continuing to populate it with content. In the next couple of days, look for more examples of my cartooning and digital work.