2021: That’s a Wrap/Gig Recap

Pausing to put the pencil down and glance back over the pile of doodles, trashed attempts and wadded-up rejects, edits, plus high + low points of last year. By far and away my most favorite image from any event – probably of all time - was captured by reporter Maisie Thomas of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner who was interviewing me for a story she was writing for Pulse magazine that centered on my day of doing demos down at the newspaper.

“This is an opportunity for me as a cartoonist to give back to the field of journalism,” Smith explained. “I just thought it would be really nice to promote the News-Miner.” According to Smith, there has historically been a “very symbiotic relationship between cartoons and the newspapers.” There is also a lasting relationship between Smith and the News-Miner; his work has appeared in the paper for over three decades, since 1988.

The picture perfectly encapsulates why it’s so important for visual artists to dip a toe in the world of performance art and do our thing out in public. Naturally this is anathema to many creative types who aren’t into such activities for any number of reasons, perhaps introversion or issues with self-confidence (both of which occasionally hamstring me as well) etc. But it’s easy to lose sight while working in a vacuum in the studio just how powerful an experience it can be for folks to see an artist at work. Especially for kids who can be entranced and mesmerized at the magic of creation as it happens right before their eyes – something more and more of them are denied because of budget cuts to the arts in education.

Just a crucial is my new mission to get any cartoonist who is effectively ensconced within their respective bubbles to get actively engaged with their local hometown newspapers and promote the importance of inspiring new readership. Their audience has been withering on the vine for years now, and the symbiotic relationship between cartoonists and the press, what was historically once a fundamental part of publishing papers has essentially become the proverbial canary in the coalmine. It’s a moral responsibility and social obligation to give back, and time to step up and help preserve journalism – not to mention the peripheral talents. Obviously I'm biased, but each and every issue of the paper has so much invaluable information and perspectives and diverse features on community events (oh and news) - the range of talent on staff and on the pages is impressive. Please consider a Sunday subscription!

As my unprecedented two-year reign as Artist O’ the Year officially came to an end, a big ol’ thanks to the hard working folks down at the Chamber for all the awesome energy their amazing staff - both current and past - puts into hosting the many events that promote & support the arts in our creative community… It was a great past couple years making new friends & fans. The very last opportunity of the slate of sponsored public events went swimmingly, as did all the other venues over the year.

Looking ahead, I hope to ratchet up the pressure on myself with a host of new freelance clients and special projects (and learning how to say “no,” as I had to decline new gigs half a dozen times just this last month). Pandemic malaise has really done a number on my previously dependable work ethic and related output, and it has been a tremendous struggle to maintain discipline amidst the usual stress brought about with a subarctic-related issues. At some point I’ll also set my sights on expanding my audience above and beyond the plateau of local accomplishments, and extend the reach of my work. Maybe even dust offa few of the back-burner projects like book-length stories, or even finally get around to getting a new collection out and/or an omnibus edition of classics.

Even the benign task of annually changing the fine print on the Nuggets feature’s copyright line several months before the actual new year (on account of material being in the pipeline well beforehand) triggered an anxiety attack. Normally it’s all just part of the workflow, and you never notice that hours, days, month and years slip past when you’re got Bristol board blinders on and stay focused on drawing what’s on front of you, and peripheral deadlines. Seems a lot of folks have become hypersensitive to pressure and demanding expectations nowadays, above and beyond the rise in incivility and road rage, that feeling of being overwhelmed means we're all on thin ice.

I’m also upping the stakes next semester, taking on three beginning drawing classes this upcoming semester for the first time ever, which will present a whole new set of logistical - and physical/mental/emotional – challenges. Especially as they are all stacked back-to-back on the same days of the week. I look forward to it as a chance to streamline my effectiveness in the classroom, if not at the least exit academia on a high note. The lure of gainful employment at a job where one’s effort and energy are better recognized and rewarded, as opposed to toiling away as an adjunct, is becoming a siren song at this point. Lastly, the newfound world of full-color in the cartoons has been revelatory and rewarding, as the ratio of CMYK versus black + white has been voluntarily flipped to where the majority of my work is now colored in. Once again proving the point that you’re never too old to learn new tricks, and to keep pushing yourself with new challenges, or even finally learning to handle the same old ones that have been bugging me for many years. And I’d be remiss in not acknowledging the continuing support of you, the readers of this humble blog, and the support of my Fairbanks family and from friends and fans alike – thanks for reading, I appreciate it, and it really means a lot. 

Take care of yourselves, stay safe and warm: CHEERS!

h/t Chaweinta