Toon Talk gives Buckley a chance to talk one on one with fellow cartoonists.
9 Questions that sink into the complex mind of the complex cartoonist.
If you stick around to the end there may just be a Bonus Question!
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Buckley Cartoons is proud to welcome the renowned cartoonist, Kerry Callen, to Toon Talk. Kerry Callen's colorful and humorous work with MAD Magazine has put him amongst the ranks of MAD Magazine legends, Sergio Arragonis, Mort Drucker and Jack Davis. If you're on the internet, you've probably seen his "Super Antics" pieces which playfully poke fun at Superheroes! He is also the creator of the graphic novels Halo and Sprocket and Dirtnap. Enjoy Buckley's exclusive one-on-one conversation with the amazing KERRY CALLEN...
BUCKLEY: What inspired you to start cartooning, and what keeps you inspired?
KERRY: One of the biggest appeals to me about art is, it is a great way to share ideas, especially humor. I grew up in Arkansas, in a city with a population of 246. The only time I saw art was in an occasional comic book, MAD magazines, and the Sunday funnies. I guess I saw it in advertising too. There were no museums… Well, there was a GUN museum, but I don’t remember any art in it. Plus, it was many miles away. I also had to go many miles to school, which by the way, didn’t have any art classes, not even in high school. So, my brother and I would draw, sometimes out of boredom. It was fun! Still is!
BUCKLEY: It shows. Which cartoonist or artists have influenced you the most?
KERRY: Like a lot of artists, I think I was influenced by many artists. You soaked it all up, and then it comes out of you in your own style. If I had to name one artist, it might be Gil Kane. Although, I’m not sure you can tell by my work. I’ve worked in the art field for 40 years, so I’ve had to draw a lot of different things, in different styles. Most of my career was spent at Hallmark Cards, where I worked in the Licensing Studio. I had to draw in the style of Disney, or Peanuts, or one of many other properties.
BUCKLEY: Sweet. What was your first big break in cartooning?
KERRY: I was actually part of DC Comics “new talent program” back in the 80’s. I sent in samples when I heard about the program and was accepted. You can see a finished story of mine in TALENT SHOWCASE #18. At one point I met with Dick Giordano in DC’s New York offices. He was willing to offer me an internship, but asked if I had relatives or knew anyone in New York. I wouldn’t make enough money to live there otherwise. I didn’t know anyone, so it never happened. I eventually ended up getting a good gig at Hallmark, but continued to dabble in comics for many years. Aside from my work seen here and there on the internet, you can find HALO AND SPROCKET and DIRTNAP as graphic novels on Amazon.
BUCKLEY: Is there a cartoon or piece of art that you are most proud of and why?
KERRY: Tough question. I usually sorta like all my work, but am rarely truly satisfied. It’s easy to nitpick your own art to death. One piece I actually feel good about is a personal project, not truly a cartoon. I drew the country store my family used to own. I added lettering all through it to tell what it meant to me. It feels unique to me. (below) Otherwise, I pretty much love all the work I’ve done for MAD.
BUCKLEY: What are your go-to tools for cartooning? Do you use digital, traditional, or both? Can you share a little of your process?
KERRY: I prefer working all digitally. I can try different things and it’s easier to change areas I don’t like. I still draw a lot of work on traditional Bristol board, with black ink, mostly for commissions. A lot of people want a physical piece of art, not just a digital file. I completely understand, especially after AI art has reared its ugly head.
BUCKLEY: I hear you. How do you overcome creative blocks? Is it easier to come up with ideas and jokes, or is it easier to do the art?
KERRY: Since I’ve work professionally for many years, having a creative block isn’t an option. You just have to be professional and go through what feels like manual labor to get to an idea. If you put something down on paper, even if it’s bad, you then have something to react to. Stopping isn’t an option. Concepts are harder to come up with than doing the art. The art is a reaction to the concept, so you have a great starting point. Coming up with a concept, you’re starting with nothing. On the flip side, sometimes concepts hit me when I’m not even looking for one. I keep a journal of ideas.
BUCKLEY: What role does feedback play in your work?
KERRY: If it’s work originating from me, I have a few friends who I like to get feedback from. Sometimes they make valid points. Other times I just do what I want regardless. If I’m working on a professional job, feedback is very important. You want the consumer to be happy.
BUCKLEY: Do you have any advice for cartoonists who are just starting?
KERRY: Just draw a lot! There’s no substitute for practice, practice, practice. Also, draw things you don’t want to draw. It helps you grow as an artist.
BUCKLEY: What do you think of Buckley Cartoons?
KERRY: The ones I’ve seen are fun. If you keep it up over the years, it’ll be interesting to see how your style evolves.
Bonus Question!
BUCKLEY: Your humorous Superhero Cartoons have taken the internet by storm! Superhero fans love them! How did you become interested in Superheroes?
KERRY: As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t see much art as a kid, and comic books really captured my imagination! So, I can’t remember a time when I haven’t enjoyed them. When other artists paint landscapes, or such, to relax, I enjoy drawing silly comics.
Thanks again to the incredibly talented KERRY CALLEN for participating in the inaugural interview of Buckley's Toon Talk. It was enlightening hearing insights from one of the most impactful cartoonists on the internet and in print! Buckley Cartoons looks forward to anything this guy puts out!
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