Mike Lynch Cartoons: April 2017

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Dick Buchanan's Cartoon File: Inkyfellers' Gagzette

Here is another great glimpse into the world of the freelance gag cartoonist from back in its heyday courtesy of Dick Buchanan:

INKYFELLERS’ GAGZETTE

1955 INSIDER JOURNAL FOR CARTOONISTS AND GAG WRITERS

INKYFELLERS’ GAGZETTE was one of several “insider publications” which appeared in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Based on the West Coast, it was published by veteran trade journal cartoonist Lew Card. It contained contributions from several cartoonists, some of who were “heavy hitters” in the field. Glenn R. Bernhardt clients included Collier’s, The Saturday Evening Post and other major magazines. Jack Tippit was well on his way to becoming National Cartoonist Society’s two-time Gag Cartoonist of the year (1963 and 1966) and Gag Panel Cartoonist of the year in 1970. Carl Kohler provided some of the artwork, as well. He would later take over the publication, renaming it INKYFELLERS’ DIGEST.

Although trade journals and house organs paid but $5 to $10 per cartoon, some made a living in the field and others were able to gain valuable experience as they worked their way up the cartooning ladder. Note that Bob Weber and Morrie Turner advertised for gags herein.

The goal would be making $100 a week, not impossible and, believe it or not that was not bad money in those days.

As was typical at this time, this publication offered “How to” pamphlets on various aspects of cartooning for beginners. Some other publications sold cartooning supplies, light boxes, rapidograph pens, and such.

Here is a glimpse into the long gone world of trade journal cartooning.