Cartoon drawing is really an inexpensive hobby where you do not need to invest big chunk of money just to get started. Have a piece of paper and a small pencil and you are ready to rock. But when you start feeling comfortable with the art form and begin to make drawings that can be shared with your friends then it is time to delve deep into it and make some purchases.

When you decide that you will invest some money to pick up some essentials for your hobby [that is drawing cartoons] you are facing the question what all things to buy that will offer maximum mileage.

Here in this article I will give you a roadmap that will help you decide what to buy for your hobby so that you can make quick progress in desired direction.

a. If till date you are drawing on your notebook paper using pencil from your geometry box then best thing you can buy is a copy that is meant for making drawings. Ensure that you get one that is made with good quality paper. After that buy a set of lead pencil with HB grade; do not go for any other grade and stay away from 0.5 mm clutch pencils as the pointed tip of this type of pencil is best suited for making engineering drawings or machine drawings, but for making freehand drawing they are sort of useless. When you start drawing on a good quality notebook with a HB grade lead pencil you will find your pencil is flying on paper with frictionless ease.

b. Though at this stage you may not require it but you may find a set of good tracing paper or grid paper handy for making complex drawings.

c. A low dust eraser goes really well with high quality paper and pencil set. But always keep in mind that your goal would be to use the eraser as little as possible while making your drawings.

d. If your funds permit the next logical thing to acquire would be a high quality cartoon drawing course that will open the door to the secrets of drawing really high quality professional level cartoons. Without a good course to hold your hand there is every chance that you will spend many difficult hours to polish your art to achieve the elusive level of mastery.

I have presented the bare minimum things as a serious enthusiast you will require to be a good cartoon maker. And here I will point out at the beginning you do not require fancy or expensive things like high-end computers or pricy software to hone your art. Once you achieve a certain level and start making money from your drawings you can go for those to even further your possibilities.

Most Americans have grown up watching and loving cartoons. Needless to say, I am one of them, so you can only imagine my joy when I discovered that I could actually have a “real” Bugs Bunny or Mickey Mouse painting or cel, as they are known, to decorate my walls. Animation art can sell anywhere between $5.00 upwards into the tens of thousands. So what makes one piece more valuable than others?

There are five major factors that impact the value of animation art. They are:

The Studio
The movie or cartoon
Character and position
Scene
Type of animation art

The Studio:
The animation studio is considered the artist not the individual animators. It is important when making comparisons that similar studios are used according to the reputation, style of animation and the general output of successful cartoons that were created.

Disney is the big name in animation with Warner Bros a close second followed by such companies as Hanna Barbera, and DePatie Freleng. Most of these studios have made innovations in the style, technique and advancement of animation. They have decades of creating successful animation films, iconic characters and television cartoons. Very few studios can compare to these giants.

Movie or Cartoon, time period:
The popularity of the cartoon and the time period that it was created in also affects the value consideration. The time from when Disney started through the 1940′s is considered their Golden years, and the Vintage years are from the 1950′s to 1967.

Character and position:
Just like the leading lady and man earn the most, the major characters in cartoons are the most sought after and are more valuable than secondary characters.

The position of the character contributes to the desirability of the art. The production of the cartoon necessitates many scenes in which the back of the characters, the characters are very small or are in other unusual positions so that there is smooth motion in the cartoon. Although these pieces are important in the creation of the cartoon, they are visually unappealing to the collector.

Scene:
There are some scenes in cartoons or animation films that become defining moments. Most cartoons do not have one. An example of one is from Fantasia by Disney Studios when Mickey is on the mountain top. This scene is the most memorable and visually exciting moment of the movie. Animation art of Mickey on the mountain top is worth more than he is from other scenes from this same movie. Lady & the Tramp has one of these moments which is the spaghetti eating scene.

Type of Animation Art:
There is a hierarchy in desirability of the types of animation art. The order of desirability listed with the most desirable first is:

A set with the production cels, production backgrounds and matching drawings
A set with production cels & production background
A set with production cels and matching drawings
Production cel or production background
Pencil drawing used to create cel, aka animator’s pencil drawing
Storyboard or layout drawing
Model cels
All other items
There are also non-production pieces such as hand painted limited edition cels and sericels.

These characters, cartoons and animation movies have brought such joy and laughter to our lives. Collecting animation art brings these wonderful memories to your home.

Of all of the blogging, posting, tweeting and smoke signaling I do, the commentary that gets the most feedback is always the stories of my family. I’ve been stopped by people I barely knew to tell me how hilarious the anecdotes are and been informed countless times I should start my own series of “Shit My Grandma Says”.

I’d like to think it’s because you identify. You find humor in my family because it resonates with your own families generation gaps.

I am willing to admit that it’s actually because, much like a train wreck, you can’t look away from the madness.

So for all of you- This one’s for you.

This weekend was a 3-day celebration of my birth, or as some have been quick to point out, what a spoiled brat I am (Only child, only grandchild. It happens.). In one oh-so-distinct dinner, we covered everything you all love most about my family.

Let us recap:

1) Dinner was kicked off by the doling out of presents, which caught everyone off guard. Grandma had already been so generous as to buy me an iPad, a gift I was immensely grateful for, and am currently composing on. So when I was presented a box with my card, I was both confused and excited.

As it turns out, the present was a very pretty diamond and sapphire ring of Grandma’s. It is undeniably gorgeous, albeit a little much for my taste. Non-the-less it was generous and sweet, and amusing only due to the commentary.

Grandma does not like that I wear a ring of mom’s. She has actually told me as much. And with all she does for me, I should be wearing a ring of hers. Well OK.

The ring, although set in yellow gold, does vaguely resemble Princess Diana’s engagement ring. Bought 20-some years before the royal jewel, grandma took every opportunity throughout the evening to point out how she had bested the royals, buying it well before them. Too bad the colonists didn’t have Grandma. There wouldn’t have been any American Revolution, just a nice dinner where the British were beaten over the head with their failures and ineptitudes, resulting in the British slinking away, wondering how they ever thought they could rule at all.

2) We went to Stables, one of my favorite Hautian stops, where they bring out bread before the salads along with some delicious butter and brushetta dipping combo. Knowing, and loving, me, you know that I immediately reach for a piece. This is the resulting conversation.

Grandma: You know, I saw a woman on TV that was 1,400 pounds.
Mom: Is that even possible?
(Insert me reaching for bread)
Grandma: Well, that’s how it starts. (Motioning to me.)
Me: How what starts?
Grandma: Becoming the 1,400 pound woman. You eat too much bread.

I try to ignore her and begin talking to mom about a Dr. Oz segment I saw previewed where women gained lots of weight because there are fetish-ists who love really morbidly obese women. Apparently heart failure can prove to be a turn on.

But does Grandma let it go? Nope. While I won’t bore you with the rest of my food choices, imagine this conversation on repeat, with everything else I eat. Later in the evening, Grandma asks Mom if I know that my butt has gotten bigger.

Lovely.

3) I’m a spinster.

Yep. Did you get the memo? Neither did I.

While some of you may not have been aware of this, 22 is in fact, less of a step, and more of a turning point. At 22, suddenly life is not all fun and games, but a sudden veer into the land of marriage and weddings and inevitably babies. And my lack of ring and acceptable mate is real cause for concern.

3.5) My spinster-ship is really my own fault, as I am making myself undesirable for any Grandma-suitable mate, what with my career, choice in friends, and desire to not be bossed around or told what to do/wear/say by a potential boyfriend. I am fairly certain, after listening to Grandma talk about said “ideal mate”, I should be looking for a borderline abusive Richy Rich. She’d really like someone who will “Tell you what to do… You know, who will tell you what’s best” and “Keep you in line.”

4) This should probably be 3.75 or something. Whatever.

As it turns out, my love of gays is also a downfall. This resulted in a sort of confusing conversation but I think the logic goes as follows: Eligible bachelors are turned off by the very idea of tolerance. And my having male friends who don’t want to sleep with me.

God love my mother, who pointed out to grandma that I myself wasn’t gay, which would REALLY present a problem for me settling down with a nice boy. This only frustrated my grandmother who had not thought of this possibility… Yet.

At this point, Grandma told mom she was mocking her concern. FYI, Mom was.

5) I was wearing an ugly dress. I took I-70 home, when she wanted me to take 40. I didn’t get in town soon enough. I drink alcohol (after this evening, wouldn’t you?) which is just empty calories. I have a job that is hard to explain to people. I don’t show her anything (I don’t know what this even means). I will probably lose the ring she gave me.

So, let’s just consider #5 miscellaneous things I’ve done wrong, OK?

It was really one of those evenings that encapsulated the crazy which makes us the Schaffer women. It demonstrated the generation gap (22 to marry? Really?) and the generational diluting of insanity that has occurred (thankfully) with each new Schaffer woman.

It also reinforced the sheer bewilderment grandma views my life with. She has no idea why I wouldn’t want to get married to the first successful man I saw and live the rest of my life smiling happily on his arm as he bossed me around and kept me financially stable.

Can someone just explain to Grandma why this doesn’t sound like a dream come true?  Anyway, if nothing else, if you use managed services, we’ll be able to survive through it all.  Thanks!

People say that laughter is the best medicine. Truer words have never been spoken. Laughter has a way of being almost magical. It can immediately change a person’s mood, it can break the ice in an awkward situation, it can pretty much be used as a positive tool in almost any situation. If laughter is therapeutic, then funny jokes are one prescription that anyone should be able to prescribe.

Telling a funny joke is one of the oldest, best ways in the world to lighten the mood. Getting people laughing does many things on both a surface level and at a deeper level than most people realize. There are mental, physical, and social benefits to laughter and hearing a good joke can trigger all of these benefits in a person.

Mentally, laughter has many benefits. One of the most important benefits of laughter for both the teller of the joke and the person receiving the joke is the removal of anxiety and fear. If a person is in an awkward or otherwise bad situation, they can put up a defensive wall. If this happens, it can be hard to break through to them. This wall can ruin so many different types of interactions between that person and other people. Telling a joke can crumble the metal wall the person has put up. In addition, laughter in and of itself can improve a person’s mood and add joy and zest to their otherwise boring or mundane day.

Socially, the ability to laugh gives us a heads up that a lot of people will never have if they are serious all the time. Most importantly, laughter strengthens relationships. A sense of humor is a very attractive quality in a person and when used properly, it can draw people together. These don’t necessarily have to be romantic relationships, either. Laughter helps coworkers, friends, family, or even new acquaintances form a bond. In addition, laughter can also provide an outlet to defuse conflict. When people are in a heated conflict, breaking the status quo and getting them to laugh with each other can make them even forget why they were arguing to begin with.

Lastly, laughter has physical benefits. While it may be hard to believe, laughter even helps a person physically. Most importantly, laughter reduces stress hormones and it relaxes the body. Laughter has been proven to reduce hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can have a soothing, calming effect on a person. In addition, laughter, through the reduction of stress, can do things like lower blood pressure and even increase alertness, creativity, and memory. It is important to remember exactly how useful a good laugh can be from time to time.

Now that even novices know the power of vector graphics they prefer to use them always. In fact they recommend it to all the regular and potential clients. But a seasoned designer knows that there are areas where the two can be used together. Yet, this is one more area where the basic vs advanced, pros vs amateurs, unsheathe their swords. Even though there are major differences they can be used amicably in churning out some images. The end product can be really unique. The raster images can be drawn from Corel draw. Their pixel stretches when the image is enlarged. The composition looks imperfect. The colors also tend to change. The vector images are actually illustrated in comparison. When they are enlarged the distortion is minimal. While doing photo editing vector images tend to be more flexible in handling. Vector works in a line. These lines can be manipulated in many ways. A designer can mould the image like clay. Since there is no loss of quality it tends to overpower raster images.

The photos that reach the viewer need to have a humane approach. The realism keeps the viewer focused on it. And for the common man it makes no difference if it is raster or vector. The pixilated look of raster images can be unappealing. Hence, when they are clicked, care should be taken. Vector images are more calculated and tend to have an aura of perfection around them. With the combination of smart object filter, Illustrator, a raster image can be combined with that of a vector image. There are many examples that can be seen online of such combinations. The best of both the systems are used. Artistic posters can have a combined effect of both Raster and Vector. Ideally a vector image can be put in the background and a raster image can be blended in well. Many new designs are possible with the two being used. Vector images are made of objects of several colors. The color schemes can be changes too. Since there is no question of keeping a track on pixels, the vector image can be cropped or enlarged. It can be used in the following formats-EPS, WMF, AI, CDR, DXF, SVG, or PLT.

The scanned raster images or graphics are used for photos, digital paintings, or even a web design. GIMP and raster based software use RBG or CYMK color mode. The resolution qualities of photos are critical. They cannot be enlarged without loss of some value. Hence they can be used within certain limit. To avoid jagged images the editor does not touch it after it has achieved its maximum capacity. Such images can be paired with vector treated ones. Eventually the printing shapes the ultimate drawing.

There will always be a difference between the two. It is up to an artist or designer to make use of them. Until now, the design element preferred vector graphics. But when there is no limit to creativity and innovation then why not use best of both? Dont forget to keep is all on offsite backup via a reputable online backup firm.

Antiques are all unique in their condition and no two are exactly alike. Antique prints are especially fragile to the vagaries of time. Many have perished in fires, floods, under a child’s marker, were trimmed down or most often thrown away.

Old prints that have survived could have been passed down several generations and have been stored or displayed in different environments. Unique conditions such as dampness, heat, sunlight, dust, old framing can each damage the print in different ways.

Here are the things you need to consider:

First is dampness or humidity. Old prints hate moisture. Moisture from humid walls, damp cellars or attics destroy prints. Don’t acquire prints with water damage. Their stains are expensive to remove if done professionally (beware of quick fixes online). You should avoid water stains and its companion mold. You will easily recognize these from the discoloration or water line created from the stains. Mold appears with a dot and a ring around it.

Second is heat. Great changes in temperature change the structure of paper and can make it more brittle over time. Add heat to dampness and mold thrives. This is harder to see, but experience will teach you to get a feel for paper which has undergone many temperature changes.

Third is light. Prints left in the sun or even indoor lighting will fade over time and loose their vibrancy. Black and white prints on the other hand can sometimes benefit from sunlight by whitening the paper or killing mold. Avoid prints which have faded colors.

Fourth is dust. Prints left unprotected from the elements gather up dust and get grimy. Smoke from fireplaces and cigarettes attacks the paper and deteriorates the print over time. Foreign material in the paper creates a phenomena called foxing. This grows and looks like mold and is not desirable. Avoid dirty, grimy, dusty prints.

Fifthly is old framing. Today we have conservation framing techniques which most framers offer at a reasonable price, however that was not the case only 30 years ago. Was the glass an anti-UV (ultraviolet) light glass which stops the colors from fading? Does it have conservation matting and back board? It is doubtful. When you buy an antique print in a frame, ask for the seller to take it out so you can inspect it. In our business we have found that over half the prints are glued to a board. This is expensive to remove and it should be removed. There are acids in the board that are attacking the integrity of the antique print. Avoid prints in old frames, unless there is a conservation letter behind the frame describing the steps taken to preserve the print.

Last are tears or repairs. Paper can be repaired in many ways most are not desirable. The worst is scotch tape as it has acids and synthetic solutions which irreparably damage the print. Avoid tears and repairs unless they are professionally done with conservation adequate materials.

All of these reasons combined are why acquiring antique prints from reputable antique dealers is recommended. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about condition as it affects the price.

Ask:
What is the condition of the print?
Are there any signs of water damage, mold, dampness?
Are the colors faded?
How clean is the print?
Are there any tears or repairs?