Cartoonist Leigh Rubin cited his children as a big inspiration. Photo by Emily Albertson/The Siskiyou

Rubes cartoonist shares inspirations and struggles

Cartoonist Leigh Rubin cited his children as a big inspiration.  Photo by Emily Albertson/The Siskiyou
Cartoonist Leigh Rubin cited his children as a big inspiration. Photo by Emily Albertson/The Siskiyou

Rubes comic creator Leigh Rubin shared the history and inspiration for his cartoon Wednesday night at SOU.

Rubin told stories of raising his three sons and how everyday events with your children can inspire artistic creativity.

“We all see the same things,” said Rubin, “It’s just how we translate and twist them.”

Rubin has produced his comic daily for over 26 years and though he has a lot to inspire him, the cartoonist said he isn’t immune from writer’s block.

“It’s tough. I get in a bad mood and I’m not fun to be around,” Rubin said, “Sometimes I have ideas for years rattling around up here and I just can’t get them right.”

Rubin drew what could have been his first comic in Kindergarten and he shared the sketch of a giant so big it took up two sheets of paper with the audience.

“Back then we had a lot of time to draw and take naps,” Rubin said, “If you ask my wife she’d say things haven’t changed much.”

After first being published in a newspaper, Rubin spent time trying to get syndicated to cement his cartoon’s success.

“I really like the entrepreneurial side of this whole thing.  It’s really fun when people buy your art,” Rubin said.

Rubin has high hopes for the future of the newspaper industry, and thinks comics will evolve with the industry.

“Most medium and small newspapers are doing ok, it’s the big one’s like the LA Times that are suffering,” Rubin said, “I want newspapers to stay in business a real long time.”

 

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