Syndicated cartoonists Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman share their journey of collaboration that spans over 35 years, focusing on their iconic comic strip, "Baby Blues." They discuss their initial meeting, the challenges of working together, the creative process behind their gags, and the evolution of their work. The dialogue highlights the joys and conflicts of collaboration, the importance of humor in parenting, and the unique dynamics of their partnership. They discuss their early encounters with legendary cartoonists, the challenges and joys of taking over legacy strips, the impact of awards on their careers, and the importance of authenticity in parenting comics.

You can read "Baby Blues" at Gocomics.com/babyblues

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Takeaways

• Jerry and Rick's collaboration spans over 35 years.
• Their wives introduced them, both aspiring cartoonists.
• They bonded over a shared love for comics and cartooning.
• Baby Blues was inspired by their experiences as parents.
• They learned the importance of hitting deadlines.
• Collaboration requires open communication and compromise.
• Writing gags often starts with the punchline first.
• The creative process is a blend of writing and drawing.
• Their friendship enhances their creative output. Meeting legendary cartoonists was a pivotal moment.
• Legacy strips come with both pressure and opportunity.
• Awards can create a sense of responsibility.
• Parenting comics resonate deeply with readers.
• Book titles can encapsulate the essence of the work.
• Professional jealousy is detrimental in the creative field.
• Authenticity in storytelling is crucial.
• The weight of awards can be both a blessing and a burden.
• Creating relatable content helps connect with audiences.
• Collaboration and community are vital in the cartooning world.

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Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.