#dan misdea

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out Dan's new children's book, The Light Inside, available this week!

Bio: I've been contributing cartoons to The New Yorker since 2021. My work has also appeared in Air Mail, Narrative, The Times, Weekly Humorist, The Golfer's Journal, and a few other publications. My first children's book, The Light Inside, is available now.

Find this print here!

Tools of choice: I brainstorm ideas on printer paper with a .38 Uni-ball Signo RT and sketch the roughs I submit to The New Yorker on my iPad.

For now, my finishes go on Bristol vellum (Canson) with graphic liners (Rotring), oil-based colored pencils (Lyra), and various blenders. Occasionally, I'll use a solvent to blend and fill larger areas, or an ink wash if the drawing calls for it. I used to finish all of my cartoons digitally, so there has been some trial and error in finding the right tools.

There’s no specific reason why I switched to traditional tools. It sounds corny, but it was just something I felt the urge to explore. I feel a stronger connection to my work now, and the creative process is way more enjoyable for me.

All materials are subject to change at any moment.

Tools I wish I could use better: My golf clubs.

Tricks: Allow yourself to experiment and remember to have fun.

Tools I wish existed: A magic tool that could scan my work and edit it to perfection all at once.

Misc: If you’re an aspiring cartoonist, I would suggest reading A LOT of cartoons.  Try to notice how the pros compose their drawings and craft their captions.  You’ll eventually gravitate towards certain styles and voices, and I think that will help shape your own values as a cartoonist. 

Links:

Website: https://danmisdea.com

Instagram: @dan_misdea

The Light Inside: Buy my children's book, The Light Inside, here

Curated Cartoons: Buy my original cartoons here

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