Tom's Mad Blog
May 1st, 2017 | Posted in General
I taught my third caricature workshop conducted here in Minnesota this past weekend. We had a great group of artists ranging from seasoned pros to relative newbies and had a terrific time. Thanks to all who participated! Above is the group caricature I did for the workshop T-Shirt. I have another Minnesota workshop this weekend, then then three this summer in Pittsburgh, Munich and Long Island City NY. Munich and Pittsburgh are sold out but there are still spaces available for the June 9-11th workshop in Pittsburgh. Sign up while you still can… it’s getting close! READ MORE
April 30th, 2017 | Posted in Mailbag
Q: Is there a book you can give credit to being the one that inspired you as an artist? A: No, not really. Not an art instruction book anyway. I was more inspired by comic books than art instruction books. If I had to pick my favorite art instruction book of all time, I think it would be Jack Hamm‘s “Drawing the Head and Figure”. The art in it is horribly dated now (originally published 1963) but it’s amazingly complete and concise with nothing but great information on drawing people. A must have in your library IMO. Thanks to Michael Klen for the question. If you… READ MORE
April 28th, 2017 | Posted in Freelancing
After over 15 years and approximately 160 (mostly) monthly illustrations for a company that produces media for workplace subscription services, the illustration you see above is probably the last one. The main art director retired earlier this year, and now it’s been months since I have gotten a call from the company. I was sort of warned this might be coming by some of the people I usually worked with there… the new folks in charge want to move in a “different direction”. I’m sad to see it end because I loved working with the art department there, and it was a very long association.… READ MORE
April 27th, 2017 | Posted in Illustration Throwback Thursday
I did these animated character designs for a company that used them in both a film and for a series of commercials, as well as some TV show pilots, obviously political in nature. I thought I’d post them today since I am doing a new round of these for some new pilot projects that same company is doing. No shortage of political “characters” these days: READ MORE
April 26th, 2017 | Posted in Classic Rock Sketch Series
I did this sketch of Red Hot Chili Pepper’s bassist Flea a few years ago, actually. I ran across it yesterday and did a little touching up on it, thinking it would be a good addition to my rock sketch series. READ MORE
April 25th, 2017 | Posted in News
I’ve had a cancellation for my caricature workshop in Munich, Germany on July 7-9th, so there is now one spot open. Get it while it’s hot! There are also several spots available for my Pittsburgh workshop June 8-10th! READ MORE
April 24th, 2017 | Posted in MAD Magazine
Here’s a look at the rough pencil sketches I sent in for approval on MAD‘s parody of “Rogue One” that is in the current issue… you know… the one on the stands and in comic book shops RIGHT NOW waiting for you to go out and buy it! READ MORE
April 23rd, 2017 | Posted in Mailbag
Q: You charge only $30 for a pencil sketch caricature at your booth at comic con but they start at $150 on your website. What gives? Why can’t I email you a picture and have you do it for $30? A: I get this one sometimes after I do a convention and people who see me there then email me and ask me to do one of the con prices commissions through the mail, which I will not do. The ones I do at comic cons are my live caricature style quick sketch caricatures like I do at theme parks. I take a little more… READ MORE
