Internet is my true agent
You know the type, that kind of scribbling. Every time there is paper and pencil on the table, they will draw something, with a mysterious smile, giggling softly and making faces. Vlad Kolarov is no exception; However, he has built an aircraft carrier out of his funny habit. If you’re not a stranger to the internet, you’ve probably already seen his work. It could be an eCard from Yahoo, or a funny cartoon on some website, a greeting card, or even your online portfolio (http://www.vladkolarov.com). Vlad has been around for some time.
Q> Why did you decide to become a cartoonist?
R> I think I never had a choice. Obviously, I was born with the cartoon gene: I’ve always loved drawing and creating my own little world on paper. When I was a kid in school I noticed that my cartoons made people laugh and brought me some respect. That is a nice feeling. So getting paid to do it is best. Despite my law education (which I never really used), I decided to follow my stars and become a full-time cartoonist/illustrator. It turned out to be very hard work, but I also love the fact that I have my own hours and work from home. And it’s great to have a job that deals with humor.
Q> So how did it all start?
A> It all started in 1989 (OMG! That makes me almost as old as Triceratops). It was a very exciting moment. After some time as a freelance, I got a job as a cartoonist for the biggest Bulgarian newspaper “24 hours”. Several years later, I decided to broaden my horizons and moved to Vancouver, BC with my family. I have been living and working there ever since. I love the place!
Q> Vlad, how do you find new markets? Do you “cold call” or wait for customers to call you?
A> Finding new markets is the key to being a successful freelancer. As a work-at-home artist, you must always be on the lookout for new clients. I contact magazines, websites, greeting card companies, etc. They also contact me. I find having a website portfolio very useful (check it out – http://www.vladkolarov.com). A freelancer MUST promote themselves in every possible way. If you just wait for customers to come to you, they never will.
Q> Share a marketing secret with our readers.
A> Always be creative! For example, my latest idea is to use the power of the Internet and turn my fans into my agents. Anyone who refers me and brings in a new client will receive 15% commission on what they get. So if you want to earn some extra money spread my name 🙂
Q> You have a wonderful drawing style! Do you have any artistic training?
A> No. I’ve had some art classes, but it wasn’t very good, so I gave up and started drawing what I like. I’ve noticed my style has changed a lot over the years, and it’s finally what you see now. I’m a fan of simple shapes, so that’s what I’m after. Less is more (except in the bedroom 🙂
Q> What is the schedule of a man “working at home”?
A> My day starts around 8 AM. I start by answering my email, then I draw cartoons and promote my work. The good thing is that every day is a new challenge with a different project and a different client, so I never get bored. This usually lasts until 8:00 pm, six days a week. Freelancers must work as many hours as possible.
Q> What is the commercial side of the cartoon?
R> Difficult… Professional cartooning IS a business. I am the President of Cardsup Greetings Ltd., which is a full service multimedia company. We (it’s a company, remember?) specialize in humor, but we do almost everything: web design, interactive animation, web hosting, logo design, etc. We also provide humorous content to the websites; Right now we have packs of daily cartoons and eCards that work great for marketing websites.
Q> What is the best for you as a cartoonist?
R> Being my own boss. Being able to work from home. Having my wife and children around me. Drawing cartoons can be very rewarding 🙂
Q> Where does your inspiration come from?
A> I often get asked that question… The truth is that after all these years my inspiration comes from the bills I have to pay… The deadline is also inspiring. This is a creative business, and as such, you need some reality to bite you from behind.
Q> Is there a secret to success?
A> There are no secrets. Being successful comes with a lot of work. You will not succeed if you sit all day in front of the TV. You have to promote yourself and produce new material every day.
Q> Do you work with any agency? Do you think they help artists?
A> No. I’ve had my share of rejection slips. Agencies are business representatives. In some cases, they can help: it’s nice to have someone promoting your work. But they are not a guarantee of success and if you can do the job, you don’t really need them. This is why I LOVE the internet, that’s my real agent! And remember, if you recommend me, you will get paid!
Q> Tell us a little about the sales process. Do you have fixed rates for your work and do you give discounts?
A> Yes, I have fixed rates, rates that I usually charge but I am very flexible. Each client has a different budget and a different need. There are many factors that go into determining how much a cartoon costs, and there is always that negotiation process. No client is too small or too big for me. I never turn clients away.
Q> Vlad, what’s with the name?
A> Contrary to widespread rumor, I am not related to Dracula. However, I was born in a small town on the banks of the Danube River, relatively close to Transylvania. That could explain my taste for black humor.
Q> Do you ever laugh at your cartoons?
R> Guilty, your honor! That has happened from time to time. But what I prefer is to see others laugh at them, that is my greatest reward!
Q> How do people react when you tell them you’re a cartoonist?
R> Most of them don’t understand what that is… Maybe it’s my accent, or maybe it’s such an exotic profession. How many cartoonists do you know?