Kyle Baker's Insights on Cartooning

If you really want to learn something about cartooning, read Kyle Baker's book How to Draw Stupid and Other Essentials of Cartooning published by Watson-Guptill Publications; 2008.

While he covers a few of the basics such as tools, and cartoon drawing, the real value of his book is the overall attitude he projects about the art. He repeatedly tells the reader to learn how to draw in his or her unique way. This does not mean he discourages readers from learning how to draw,; it just means he wants them to find their own style.

But, being unique is only part of the cartoonist's job. "It's not enough to be 'different'," writes Baker. "You also have to offer customers a unique benefit. People need to know what, specifically, they will be getting if they buy your product."  Practical advice like this is sprinkled throughout his book.

Baker is a successful cartoonist who has worked in comic books, animation, and advertising. He has written and illustrated graphic novels such as Nat Turner, King David, The Cowboy Wally Show, and more. His cartoons have appeared in MAD, Entertainment Weekly and his film work includes Shrek, Looney Toons and Phineas and Ferb.

Baker is an unapologetic self-promoter and calls himself "the greatest cartoonist of all time" on his twitter page. While that title is debatable, I do think he is an excellent artist who has taken the time to share some of his insights on the art of graphic humor. I recommend his book.