Cafe Con Leche creator Charlos Gary is writing a story-line that is quite close to his own home. The story-line will deal with the Trey character being laid off from his work. Charlos is dealing with the same issue as he was laid off from the St. Petersburg Times in May.
So, I’m in my third month of unemployment after being let go from the St. Petersburg Times. Well, not officially “unemployed” since I still get draw cartoons for money, but I feels that way. The pressure of not having steady income can be a burden to most folks, particularly those who live a place like New York City.
After contemplating drinking my misery away, I decided to draw about it. I am currently writing the scripts for next months’ “Cafe con Leche” cartoons, which will feature the lead character “Trey” dealing with being suddenly unemployed and having to rely on his wife “Maria.” I can’t tell you what exactly will happen in the cartoon yet. All I can say is that some of the material hits home in a big way. Freelancing for 3 months has taught me a great many things, including the fact that EVERYTHING that happens in my real life can be fodder for my cartoons.
I really can’t complain too much. I know of several unemployed people who have it much worse that I do. I have savings and a steady freelance income, some people do not. Guess I’m thankful for the things that I do have.
The story-line begins September 8.