Here's a little video with glimpses of the cartoonists of Chicago in 1931, who worked under the same roof in the Tribune building. (Link to video)
The video, which was a promotional film for the Chicago Tribune newspaper, gives the sense of the impact the funnies (and newspapers generally) had on people during the Depression.
A few of the artists are filmed drawing their characters, such as Andy Gump, Little Orphan Annie, and Gasoline Alley. Walt Disney appears with them as just one of the cartoonist guys, even though he didn't do the cartoons (Floyd Gottfredson did).
Those were some uncomfortable-looking close-ups! But an interesting glimpse of artists at work, and their equipment. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAlso the first time I've heard humour described as 'pungent'...
The (mildly embarrassed) way these folks turn towards the camera - to be filmed like that on the spot wasn't an everyday occurence like nowadays, it seems to me.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, drawing without tie was a no-no.
Warren and Rich, it's funny you mentioned that because I had the same reaction. Back in those days people weren't sure what to do in front of a movie camera. Now everyone is comfortable filming themselves and being filmed.
ReplyDeleteSomething so direct and elemental about creating on a drawing board with just pen, brush, and ink on paper. They're so loose with it...even the lettering comes organically out of the same pen. Like the stuff drawing, before comic lettering became an art in itself. There is a connection there between the gesture of writing and the gesture of drawing.
ReplyDelete