My Interview with Dan Parent, Cartoonist for Archie Comics

Dan Parent is my brother, and a cartoonist for Archie Comics. Dan lives in Pennsylvania with his wife Kathy, and two beautiful children, Alexandra and Adam. He has been drawing for as long as I can remember. I rarely recall a time he didn't have a pencil in his hand, or his nose in a comic book. Dan does many licensed projects, such as toys, apparel, and varied collectibles. Dan designed the first solo Veronica's comic. He also does freelance work for Felix the Cat Production, Marvel Comics, Mattel, and Disney. Dan also taught for five years at the Joe Kubert School. He taught design, humor, advertising, and illustrations.

When did you first start your career as a cartoonist?

Dan Parent: I started in comics back in June 1987, shortly after I graduated from art school. I attended the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, which is a school that deals with primarily cartooning and comic art. I began working in the art department, learning all phases of comic book production. At the same time I began to draw for the comics at night in my spare time. After ten years on staff, I went on freelance, working at home all the time. I continued to write and draw various Archie titles from there.

What are the pros and cons of being a cartoonist?

Dan Parent: The pros definitely outweigh the cons, because you're doing what you love for a living. The cons would be having to meet tight deadlines, which can sometimes keep you up late. You also have to be disciplined, because when you work at home all day, you can easily get distracted. The less work you do, the less you get paid. As a freelancer, you have to manage your own finances (meaning paying your own taxes), since your freelance employers usually don't do that for you. Benefits such as health care can be tricky if you don't have a spouse who can get those through their work. Paid vacations and holidays are a thing of the past. The trade off is freedom, working for yourself, and doing what you love!

How do you come up with storylines to keep the comics new and exciting?

Dan Parent: It is important to keep aware of what's going on in pop culture, and the world around you. You can get a lot of ideas there. Also, real life situations can spark story ideas, especially if you have kids. Sometimes the editor gives you a general idea, like he needs a holiday or summertime story, and you take it from there.

How do you go about being an artist for a living?

Dan Parent: If you have the interest in pursuing art as a career, it's important to draw as much as possible, even if it means copying things out of magazines, books, etc. After a while you'll be drawing things on your own. Also, draw from real life, people, inanimate objects, etc. If you get serious about it, take as many art courses as you can in school. Also get acquainted with computer graphic programs. The majority of staff art jobs out there require familiarity with programs like Photoshop. Then look for the art school that best suits your needs. Remember to accept criticism and rejection, since that will just make you a better artist.

Dan also does several conventions. He sells his art, and will autograph his art work at these conventions. You can view his art work, or find out where his next convention will be by going to his website www.danparent.com.