Last February I reported that one Alaska legislator was hoping to name Tundra creator Chad Carpenter Alaska’s Cartoon Laureate (“like a poet laureate, but funny and easy to understand”). Today, Chad was officially recognized Alaska’s Cartoon Laureate for 2008.
Representative Wes Keller pushed for the citation saying, “Chad is one of my most famous constituents. I love his humor and success, and I was happy to ask my fellow legislators to support and co-sponsor this citation recognizing and honoring the work and goodwill he has accomplished for Alaska during his successful run of Tundra. His ability to export Alaska grown is a true example of what you can do when you put your mind to it.”
Congratulations, Chad!
“Alaska’s Cartoon Laureate for 2008”?
Does that imply that there’s been previous Alaskan Cartoon Laureates and that there will be future Alaskan Cartoon Laureates?
Seriously though, this is crucial because when our own Sarah Palin wins the Vice-Presidency many of us Alaskan cartoonists will probably have nice new studios in Guantanamo Bay. Having Chad in a position of power and authority will give us at least some hope of appeal. Plus he will have a room in the Oval Office (with heat and running water) and will never have to sharpen his own pencils!
At least until he brings along the new Presidential, uh, sealâ?¦
Wiley, there have been no previous Cartoon Laureates in Alaska and who knows about the future. They said they wanted to oficially recognize his accomplishments.
And Jamie, as marketing director for Tundra, don’t expect any hope of an appeal unless your strip is different enough that it won’t compete with Tundra.
Congrats. It’s a great comic strip.
BTW – Bill, while your at it, get over to Dayton and have them add it … I know just the spot for it 😉
I know, Bill. I wrote that tongue in cheek. I just found it amusing that the wording of citation implies that it’s an ongoing award, like poet laureate.
Chad is one of the most famous people to come out of Alaska, second only to that Vice-Presidential candidate chick, what’s-her-name.
Way to go! This has taken long enough! 😉
Nice work Chad. You were number one, but since last Friday you’re the number two Alaskan when it comes to popularity. Fortunately, your press coverage will be kinder.
Does this mean Chad will start wearing tweed sportcoats, wearing pince-nez eyeglasses and talking like John Houseman? Congratulations, Chad–it’s a well-deserved honor, following your big win at the Reuben Award ceremony in May! (And Chad’s wife Karen is even more attractive than Sarah Palin.)
That is so awesome, congratulations Chad. I have to call my paper and get them to fill that emptying For Better or For Worse spot with Tundra ASAP!
Bill,
Don’t let Wiley’s tongue-in-cheekiness razz you – he’s just jealous Maine doesn’t have a Cartoon Laureate.
“Donâ??t let Wileyâ??s tongue-in-cheekiness razz you – heâ??s just jealous Maine doesnâ??t have a Cartoon Laureate.”
He should be careful what he wishes for, then… what with a Fake Rockstar and the creator of Big Nate living just up the turnpike.
Here is where I announce my campaign for the Maine Cartoon-o-laureate!
“If yer gonna vote in one election this year, also vote in this one”
-Crazy Corey Pandolph and his band of Bacon Banditos
Portland, Maine
I think it would be more appropriate for a Cartoon Laureate citation in Maine to be awarded by bartenders. So congratulations, Corey!
“I think it would be more appropriate for a Cartoon Laureate citation in Maine to be awarded by bartenders.”
I hope this is said with tongue planted firmly in cheek also, Mr. Miller, as it propagates the vicious stereotype of cartoonists and their overuse of alcohol.
“I hope this is said with tongue planted firmly in cheek also, Mr. Miller, as it propagates the vicious stereotype of cartoonists and their overuse of alcohol.”
There’s a difference between stereotyping and telling the truth.
I should point out here that I have met at least three cartoonists who do not drink alcohol.
Admittedly, none of them hail from the great state of Maine.
“I should point out here that I have met at least three cartoonists who do not drink alcohol.”
We call them the “Three Boring Amigos”, in the business.
And Paul Fell, if you’re out there, please believe me when I say, that picture of you in the next issue of STAY TOONED! was not meant to stereotype OR “tell the truth” on you. I can’t help it if the only photo I had of you was taken in a bar!
In Mr. Fell’s defense – not that he needs defending – I should point out that he does not hail from Maine. Though I’ve been told he associates with a cartoonist who does.
“In Mr. Fellâ??s defense – not that he needs defending – I should point out that he does not hail from Maine.”
I’ve had just about enough of your Maine bashing, your man!
YOUNG man. Not your man.
“Your man” or “young man”…just don’t call me me “your Maine man!” Hyuck, hyuck.
ugh.
That’s pretty neat “Cartoon Laureate” congrats Chad
Oh, yeah… the one time I go into a bar and John Read prints the photo in his damn magazine. Thanks a lot, buddy. I shudder to think what all those good folk out here in Nebraska will think of me when they see the next issue of Stay Tuned.
I do admit to hanging around with a cartoonist from Maine on occasion. He needs all the friends he can get.
It’s true, I’m not from Maine, but was born and lived in Massachusetts until they shipped me off to college in Nebraska.
That’s a nice award for a nice guy. Chad has been working as hard as any cartoonist I know to carve out his own niche in Alaska.
I first met him by chance some years back when my wife and I were finishing up an Alaska cruise and tour with an overnight stay in Anchorage. We walked down to the local shopping mall and saw Chad’s kiosk there. He wasn’t around, but the girl working there said he had a booth at the Saturday farmer’s market right across from our hotel.
At the farmers market, I immediately spotted his booth by the big, gaudy sign that read “Actual Living Cartoonist”. Among the ways Chad promoted himself, his strip “Tundra”, and his books was by setting up at events like farmers markets, art fairs, and county fairs all over the state, plus working at his kiosk at the mall.
I’d like to see him conduct a workshop at the NCS convention about making a living as an independent cartoonist way up north. Just goes to show… if you’ve got talent and want to work hard and think outside the box, you can make it as a cartoonist, wherever you live…
“I do admit to hanging around with a cartoonist from Maine on occasion. He needs all the friends he can get.”
*sniff*… I’m so lonely…
Another round, bartender.
Paul, that is a terrible bit of luck. I heard the bartender knew you by name and asked if you wanted the usual!