Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Hilburn.
Hi Scott, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’d always wanted to be a cartoonist. As far back as second grade I knew that was my calling. Of course, as you age, you begin to understand that the odds of becoming successful in a field like that is extremely low. For me that reality kind of sunk in when another syndicated cartoonist shared that there are fewer syndicated newspaper cartoonists than there are players in the NBA. That’s quite a small fraternity. Although I never completely gave up on that dream, I did set it aside for a while. My writing needed to mature, I needed life experiences to draw upon and I needed time to devote to pursuing syndication.
Around 2005 I got divorced and found myself with the free time I needed. I knew if there were ever an opportunity for me to make my dream happen, it was then.
I drew 30 or so cartoons and submitted the best 20 to the 5 major syndicates at the time. Simultaneously, I created a website to display those comics and also submitted my work to an amateur comic site called Comics Sherpa. I’m a bit impatient so I’d told myself I’d display one new comic each day until I ran out and if no syndicate came calling, I’d put my pen away and know that I gave it a shot.
I immediately started getting positive feedback from Comics Sherpa and from reader emails through my website. Within a month or so, GoComics (the digital branch of my syndicate and owner of Comics Sherpa) invited me to move over to the professional side of their website. So, I kept producing new comics. Another month or two later and John Glynn who was president of rights and acquisitions at that time, contacted me to offer me a full-scale syndication contract. Within months I was also presented with several licensing contracts for books, calendars and greeting cards.
Although the process felt like an eternity, after talking to other cartoonists, I now understand that, compared to lots of other creator development experiences, mine was a pretty fast-paced and successful launch.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I guess I’m fortunate enough to say that I’ve had a pretty smooth career. Obviously over the course of 15 years, there’re always going to be hiccups, mistakes, angry/offended readers, etc. – but overall, it’s been incredibly rewarding. I absolutely love what I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
And don’t for a minute think that I take all the credit for my success. I’ve been lucky enough to work with the best syndicate out there. My editors, the sales people, the colorists and so many others have been instrumental in making my comic become what it is.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a syndicated newspaper cartoonist. I draw a single panel comic called The Argyle Sweater that appears in over 200 newspapers worldwide. I’ve also had success with calendars and greeting cards since my launch in 2008.
I think most people describe the type of humor as “offbeat”.
I’d say it’s pretty much all over the place. Some days it’s cerebral. Some days it’s punny. Some days it’s childish or sophomoric. I don’t ever set out be outrageous or offensive or shocking – I just draw what’s funny to me. I try not to filter/censor myself too much and let my editors separate the wheat from the chaff.
Career-wise, I’m most proud of just lasting. I think anyone can write a joke or draw a cartoon. Some may even have 10 or 20 good jokes in them. But imagine coming up with something funny, clever and original 7 days a week. 365 days a year… for 15 years – or more – and on deadline. Being successful within that kind of environment, I think, is an accomplishment all by itself.
What are your plans for the future?
This is a bit of a boring answer, but I just want to keep doing what I’m doing and hopefully continue doing it at the same creative level. I suppose I could branch out and try children’s books or novels or some other creative endeavor but the truth is, I know where my strengths lie and I know where my income comes from. Spreading myself too thin, for me, would mean taking time away from where I earn my living and putting that time into something that I may not excel at.
Instead of having 2 or 3 creative outlets with mediocre results, I’d rather put all my focus and energy on the platform that got me here: my comic.
Pricing:
- I do sell original art from time to time
- however, as of January 2021, I’ve gone completely digital
- pre-2021 original daily panels sell for $300
- pre-2021 original Sunday panels sell for $400
Contact Info:
- Email: scott@theargylesweater.com
- Website: www.theargylesweater.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_argyle_sweater
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheArgyleSweater.ScottHilburn
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/argyle_sweater
- Other: https://www.gocomics.com/theargylesweater
