Saturday, April 4, 2009

Dave Whamond

Occupation: Illustrator
Graduating year: 1987
Website: http://www.threeinabox.com/davwha.html

You are what you draw.
Or maybe it should be,
you draw what you are?


Something I've noticed about successful illustrators is that their artwork is often a reflection of their personality. Dave's work is bursting full of life and humor. It's awash with vibrant color and energetic characters. His good natured folks have a funny story to tell, even if they are talking about something not so funny.
In person Dave is pretty much the same.


As we head into the final stretch towards graduation Dave stopped by to pump up the students, kind of like a coach motivating the team. He knows the players are nervous and have the jitters, but he also knows that they wouldn't be there if they weren't good enough.
His advice was simple, go get 'em!


The arts are a tough gig, Dave's got a few grey hairs to show for it. But he's done it, lot's of others have done it, so why can't you? There's no doubt that the current recession has slowed things down, but his advice is just to take it slow. Persevere, don't give up on your dreams.
Dave graduated into a recession and has went through at least 3 more in his career. He made it through them by doing what he did best, which in his case was drawing funny pictures.

In illustration and in life it's all about how you look at things.


Dave Whamond is an illustrator and cartoonist. His syndicated cartoon 'Reality Check' is published in newspapers around the world.
He has just written and illustrated his first children's book to be published later this year, it features children that look a lot like his own two kids.