Name:  Lou Graziani
Comics: Cy-Boar, Scorp, Time OUT, Whirlgirl, & others.
Websites:  www.cy-boar.com

QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a cartoonist?

Lou – Maybe 2nd grade?

QRD – What are a few highlights of your cartooning career?

Lou – Chicago Comic Con in 2007 was great, getting my first books completed & published, first times being paid to draw/ink or write.  Holding annual 24 Hour Comic Day events.

QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?

Lou – Probably always did. I’m close with my own dad.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?

Lou – Kids are constantly wanting me to play & sometimes that can be very creative. They can also want me to play with them instead of working on my own creative works.  It would also be hard to choose to be a full time (low wage) comic artist if I’ve got kids depending on me to bring home the bacon.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your career has had on your family?

Lou – Art can bring us together as a fun activity for family members of all ages.  (Not just comics.)  A career in art though can often pay less than lots of other less fulfilling work.
 
QRD – Have your children effected the comics you make &/or read?

Lou – Except for a few short comics about my kids, they have not effected my content directly. But I’m sure they have in unconscious ways.  I read them age appropriate comics, but still read whichever ones I want.

QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from an artistic career providing the security you feel necessary in your household?

Lou – I’ve been a graphic designer/web designer for about 20 years & have always been able to make ends meet.  Not always as comfortably as I’d like, but I do better than many people I know.  I’ve made very little from comics.  There seems to be some money in making graphics for games & I’d like to do more of that.

QRD – Given the limitations having a family has on going on the convention circuit, would you have showed more earlier in life if you’d known?

Lou – Great question!  I did not have good/complete comics earlier in life. But I would have told my younger self to start exhibiting years earlier if I could go back in time.

QRD – Do you think being a father or a cartoonist has a greater impact on your community?

Lou – I am involved in community events that I ORGANIZE, more as an artist, but I ATTEND more community events as a father.

QRD – Would you rather see your children eventually become cartoonists or parents?

Lou – I will be proud if they become both, or neither, of those; as long as they are fulfilled with their lives.

QRD – Both family & comics seem like things that will take up as much of your time as you’re willing to put in.  How do you end up dividing your time?

Lou – I spend time with my children every morning & evening.  I spend time drawing when I am not working on other projects, or not exhausted from other parts of life.  I give the kids more time than my comics right now. Maybe sometime in the future that will be a different ratio of activity.

QRD – What do your kids think of your comics?

Lou – They know my characters & are somewhat interested. Occasionally they’ll want to draw one of my creations.  I don’t push it on them.

QRD – Do you think you could ever do a comic project with your children?

Lou – If they wanted to do it & could pull it off, sure!

QRD – Any words of advice to young people?

Lou – Draw everyday & keep practicing the stuff that is hard for you.

QRD – Anything else

Lou – Thanks for the questions.  Happy Father’s Day Dad!