Illustrator Paul Combs

NEW BLOG

2011-09-20T12:57:00.000-04:00

My blog has moved...

http://drawnbyfire.wordpress.com/

Hope to see you there!

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INSIDE BIZ ILLUSTRATION

2011-09-14T08:51:00.000-04:00

Had a blast creating this illo for Inside Business magazine ref two competing sports talk radio shows. Can you guess which city? :) Would have liked more time to fuss and add details, but I'm happy with the result regardless of the tight deadline.

SEPTEMBER FIRE ENGINEERING MAG CARTOON

2011-09-12T16:29:00.000-04:00

Working two months in advance for Fire Engineering magazine can be a bit tricky with timely material like the cartoon above - especially when the material is so emotionally charged. Funny thing is, working that far in advance I sometimes forget what I've submitted - hey, I'm getting older!! However, when I received my copies of Fire Engineering in the mail today, it all came rushing back - there it was on page 34 staring back at me! I've never claimed to be prophetic, but I think subconsciously this cartoon said everything about 9/11 that I felt deep down inside but never wanted to admit.

I can't imagine what it must have been like that day - staring up at those burning Towers. Can't imagine the horrors that our Brothers witnessed. Can't imagine seeing, hearing, and feeling those same Towers fall. And I can't imagine working endless hours and days looking for my firehouse family within the debris. My heart literally breaks for them and their families!

The emotional wounds are healing, but the scar is still very real!

A DAY OF REVERENCE AND REMEMBRANCE!

2011-09-09T08:25:00.000-04:00

We will never, ever forget!

Friday Drawing

2011-09-02T13:26:00.001-04:00

Observed this "teen" at a bookstore recently walking around with a BIG chip on his shoulder - angry at the world! Couldn't resist capturing the glance he shot my way:)

Drawing

2011-08-30T08:54:00.001-04:00

Here's a drawing I did while in Boston this past Spring. Saw this gentleman near Boston Common and he immediately caught my attention with his big smile and face full of tangled beard. After a few minutes of quick sketching his essence before moving on, I realized that this man is blind. Interestingly he has an uncanny ability to talk and interact with people in the direction they are walking - a skill honed from years on the street, no doubt. He seemed in very good spirits about living on the street and was very honest about his intended use of donations:) I did not embellish the spelling here, folks - this is what he, or someone, had written on his sign. Being blind, I only assume he knew what it said.

More Drawings

2011-08-30T07:38:00.002-04:00

Here are a few other drawings that I did from trips to Baltimore and Boston this year. Have a great trip planned for this Fall - can't wait to do more drawings of the people I meet and see. Getting excited!! I will share more later...

FIRE MUSEUM VISIT

2011-08-28T10:52:00.003-04:00

Spent yesterday afternoon at the Ft Wayne Firefighter's Museum. Thanks to brother Jason Wyss for taking the time to talk about Ft Wayne's rich fire history. Beautiful old rigs (including their 1890's steamer) and ol' station 3 is amazing! If you're in the area, please stop by and pay them a visit - it's well worth your time!

THE FIRE LINE: First cartoon!

2011-08-24T21:17:00.000-04:00

5,4,3,2,1... Ready? Launch!!

Welcome to the inaugural "The Fire Line," folks! I'm extremely proud to introduce a fun project that will hopefully bring a grin and maybe a snort or two — this one's just for laughs! Almost everyone is familiar with my biting editorial cartoons, but I'm often inspired to draw something just for fun. No preconceived opinion or point, "The Fire Line" is to be silly for the sake of being silly.

Why this title? In one respect, a fire line is a barrier between us and the general public - a special zone where only we operate and only we understand. It's more than a stretch of barrier tape, it's a firefighters only domain. These comics aren't for everyone (though all are welcome to enjoy), they're for you, the Brotherhood!

So, to light this candle I am throwing my very good friend Chief Billy Goldfeder under the bus! Sorry, Chief! This cartoon was created last year and was intended to accompany the Chief's introduction for my book "Drawn By Fire," but was unfortunately left on the cutting board. However, in light of Chief Goldfeder's appearance this morning on CNN's Headline News, it has risen from the depths of cartoon purgatory. My friend, my mentor, my brother, truly is EVERYWHERE!!

…and we thank him for his dedication!

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NEW SAFETY POSTERS

2011-08-22T16:52:00.001-04:00

Just finished a really fun project for Princess Cruises. Here are two out of the seven completed...

Click the samples for larger views.

AUGUST FIRE ENGINEERING MAGAZINE EDITORIAL CARTOON

2011-08-18T18:23:00.001-04:00

Humor is a powerful drug! We use it on a daily basis without even knowing it, and it's a medicine with healing and regenerative effects. At times, the things we talk and joke about in the fire service would seem crass and inappropriate to the general public, but it performs the job of defusing stressful situations in a way that can't fully be explained. Generally playful and good-natured, other times dark and sarcastic - either way, it allows us to expel stress in a way that doesn't show vulnerability. Laughter is contagious, therapeutic, and necessary for our health, station morale, and home life. Laughter can't solve every issue, but it's an effective first response that may mitigate the problem.

SAFETY ILLUSTRATION

2011-08-17T14:09:00.000-04:00

Here's a poster I just completed for a major railroad company here in the States, showing the sometimes deadly consequences of not labeling containers. Logos had to be removed for this blog's use, but you get the idea:)

Had a blast with this one and am pretty happy with the final result. Wish I would have had more time to add details, especially in the snake.

REAL AMERICAN HERO

2011-08-09T08:38:00.000-04:00

We Americans love our Hollywood heroes and icons, and Marvel's latest addition to this culture, "Captain America", fits the bill perfectly. Set in the 1940's, he battles his evil Nazi foes with all the swagger and chiseled abs tensile-town can muster. And being a superhero movie junkie, I watched my favorite childhood comic book hero kick some bad-guy ass with delight.

Is it a fun movie? Yes! Can I draw comparisons to today's fire service? Oh, you bet your three-quarter boots!

It is difficult to watch the public (and media) fawn over an imaginary Hollywood hero created to represent the "best" in American heroism and courage. Want to see a REAL American hero? People need to look no further than their local firefighter or police officer (or soldier, for that matter)! And our REAL public service heroes are under attack from forces much more powerful than the ominous Red Skull and his Nazi thugs.

Fire has historically been portrayed as the fireman's arch enemy, but reality is much more sobering. Budget shortfalls, shrinking tax revenue, partisan politics, pension cuts, layoffs, station closings, increased call volume, internal strife, light-weight construction,… our enemies are many and growing in number!

Hollywood heroes are stoically courageous under special effects fire - but put them on an understaffed first-due engine responding to a heavily involved light-weight structure fire with possible victims and let's see how brave they really are. The bullets we face in today's fire service are relentless, and they are not CGI. They are very REAL and can kill - regardless of your chiseled abs!

Drawn By Fire's Facebook Page

2011-07-05T07:51:00.000-04:00

Here's a link to my book's Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Drawn-By-Fire/200135130034518

DRAWN BY FIRE

2011-06-27T11:26:00.005-04:00

Click here book information and ordering

TOUGH TALK

2011-06-17T16:40:00.000-04:00

I love drawing Smokey with an attitude!! Just seems to me that he'd be a bit grumpy after all these years dealing with stupid people and the ever present bureaucracy.

FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER

2011-06-14T09:02:00.000-04:00

If you carry a cell phone these days, you carry a camera and video recorder, too. Technology has made life recordable, anywhere, anytime, even when it's inconvenient or inappropriate! Take a moment to notice bystanders on your next MVA or structure fire; my guess is you'll see plenty of cell phones out recording our every move. This is the technological world we live in - it's the new reality.
Unfortunately, firefighters carry these devices, too - and it has caused some serious problems. Whether for fun, curiosity, or to fill some narcissistic need for acceptance - firefighters are recording scenes that should never be captured. Even if you're intentions were to lever release those images from your cell phone, bad things have a way of happening to inappropriate behavior. We've seen this happen before with its tragic aftermath for the fireman and the families involved!

Needless to say, these videos and photos should never be posted on the internet. Make no mistake, once you post something on a social media site, there's no pulling the strings to get it back. It's out there, forever - and people ARE watching! You can't control the monster once it is out of the box, so why create the monster at all.

Best policy: Leave the phone in your pocket or on the rig! Besides, don't you have something better to do?!

FDIC 2011 Combs interview-YouTube sharing.mov

2011-05-31T14:08:00.000-04:00

METTLE DAY

2011-05-25T09:58:00.000-04:00

We all know one - the firefighter/officer so obsessed with advancement that they act, do, and say anything to self-promote their narcissistic agenda. Consequently, it is no surprise that city politicians tend to love these folks because of their willingness to become political puppets.

So, congratulations! If you've made it to the pedestal on the backs of the men and women you call "family", then here's a big Atta-Boy metal for you. Now kindly walk your pompous butt out those bay doors to make room for someone who really gives a damn about the greatest profession in the world!

Metals are for show, mettle is earned through trust and action!

MAY FIRE ENGINEERING MAGAZINE EDITORIAL CARTOON

2011-05-23T21:44:00.000-04:00

MAY JEMS MAGAZINE ILLUSTRATION

2011-05-09T08:48:00.000-04:00

Illustration created for this month's Jems magazine regarding Philadelphia private ambulance company fraud.

HIS JUST REWARDS

2011-05-04T08:33:00.000-04:00

The mastermind of 9/11 is dead! And though it will never erase our memory of that horrible day or bring back friends and loved ones, or 343 of FDNY's bravest - it's a small piece of delayed justice. Seventy two virgins in Heaven? I think not!

Study Paint of Piper

2011-04-12T08:07:00.000-04:00

Just finished a new study painting of a Piper in all his pomp and splendor! This piece has taken on new significance since I've been practicing on my chanter and have realized how much skill and dedication pipers have. Kudos to ALL of you!

MARCH FIRE ENGINEERING MAG CARTOON

2011-04-04T14:47:00.000-04:00

Why is it that some RIT crew members think that a fast and effective operation means emptying every compartment on their rig and carrying it inside to preform a rescue? You've seen these people, the ones in their bright yellow RIT vest standing like statues in a mountain of equipment waiting to leap into a rescue situation. I have even taught in a few departments that insist on taking a chainsaw into a smoke-filled, zero visibility environment as standard first-in practice (WTF?)!

I like to think of RIT as a well organized, trained, and proactive safety team - intervening before an issue arises (e.g., placing ladders, pulling support hand-lines, enforcing fire ground safety, ect...). It's a simple concept; try to stop something bad from happening before something bad happens.

However, in the rare occurrence that something goes wrong, this team needs to be ready, competent, and able to move fast and light with the bare minimum of equipment. Believe me, I could ramble on with a dissertation regarding my thoughts on training and the application of RIT. But for now I'll just say; remember, the "R" in RIT stands for rapid, not restricted.

FDIC WRAP-UP

2011-03-27T10:36:00.002-04:00

What an exciting FDIC! This year's event was an incredible experience of meeting new friends, laughing loudly with old ones, autographing prints, and book signings. The popularity of Drawn By Fire continues to skyrocket and it's humbling to see it fly off the shelves - I never would have imagined this success!
However, they real joy of the week was getting to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Those of you who know me understand the impact that both Bobby Halton and Rick Lasky have had on my career, both as a firefighter and as a fire service artist - I honestly would not be standing on the stage that I am without these two men. It is a MUST for me to catch Chief Lasky's class every year and I was honored to be able to get this photo with two of my most valued mentors. Thank you, gentlemen!

My first FDIC was in 1997, and my very first class was John Norman's eight-hour fire ground tactics lecture. So you can imagine my joy of sitting with him signing our books at the same table this past Thursday at the PennWell bookstore. Wow! Not that I'm surprised, but he is the nicest, most down to earth person you'll ever meet. As with most of us, whether big city (FDNY in Chief Norman's case) or small town, career, combination or volunteer, when you get right down to it, we are all just firemen.

The week finished up with my signing the limited edition, 2011 FDIC print at Lucas Oil stadium Friday morning. Again, fun time meeting people from all corners of the fire service landscape. Two hours and 250 prints later, I skipped lunch and headed over for my last book signing appearance.
Thanks to everyone who took time out of their busy conference to stop by and say "hello", get a print, or buy my book - I truly appreciate it and I look forward to seeing you next year! April 16-21, 2012, get it on your calendar now:)

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FDIC SPECIAL EDITION PRINT

2011-03-19T08:27:00.000-04:00

Well, it's that time of year again and I can't wait - packing up today and heading to Indianapolis for FDIC! This will be my tenth trip and it just keeps getting bigger and better. Though my roll has changed from firefighter attendee to Fire Engineering staff, I still take in as many classes as possible and soak up as much knowledge as I can in one short week. It truly is a special place!
I am also honored to be signing a special edition FDIC only print again this year. I will be at the Special Events Stage in Lucas Oil Stadium Friday morning (there will be maps and an event schedule posted). Please stop on over and pick up your free copy - I'd love to meet you! I will also be at the PennWell books booth signing my book Drawn By Fire and meeting folks Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons.
It's almost time to hit the road and I'm excited about seeing good friends, making new ones, having some of Indy's excellent cuisine, and getting shivers to the drone of bagpipes. The cartoon above says it all - the experience is priceless every year! Hope to see you there.

No Pot Of Gold!

2011-03-17T08:20:00.002-04:00

Even Leprechauns have it rough these days...

Illustration for JEMS magazine

2011-03-02T20:13:00.002-05:00

WORTH THE FIGHT!

2011-02-25T08:19:00.000-05:00

You would have to be living in a very deep hole not to have noticed the vicious pro vs anti-union rhetoric being slung by everyone from politicians to the old lady walking her dog down the block.This is a nasty and dirty line being drawn in the sand, and one that my state of Ohio will face shortly (if not already with SB-5).

I am not a union member, but watched for many years as my father worked for union and non-union coal mines in Kentucky. I have witnessed first hand what ownership will do without a union holding them accountable for egregious cuts, safety violations, and worker's rights. Unions, be they IAFF or any other are not without fault, but these latest attacks on union rights and the ability to organize, negotiate, maintain current benefits, and secure a safe future for their workers is inexplicably wrong - and I will use the point of my pen to voice this message as loud as I can. There will be more!

I will leave you with this quote from our seventh President, Andrew Jackson. Sadly, it holds as true today (be it Local, State or Federal Gov't) as it did 150 years ago.
"I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office." - President Andrew Jackson

FEBRUARY FIRE ENGINEERING MAGAZINE COMMENTARY

2011-02-15T10:08:00.000-05:00

FIRE ENGINEERING EDITORIAL CARTOON

2011-01-31T08:17:00.000-05:00

Nothing like a little freelancing to muck-up the best intended plans and strategies. It's bad enough when these individuals circumvent the chain of command to "help" where they please, but their blatant disregard for accountability and the safety of others is simply inexcusable!

Sketch

2011-01-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

A recent sketch at our local café, Seasons - ah, I'm a slave to their mocha! Anyway, this character was ALL about attitude and little on being convincingly tough. Imagine a nerd with a "gangstah" complex - which is really humorous considering he was white, overweight, in his mid-thirties, and drove a VW Beetle (I notice such things). Naturally, he made my choice of sketchbook victims an easy one:)

New Princess Cruises Saftety Posters

2011-01-25T15:35:00.000-05:00

These "Hazard Spotting" posters were a blast to do - and a challenge.

FIRE ENGINEERING EDITORIAL CARTOON

2011-01-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

January's magazine editorial cartoon speaks to any department which relies on volunteers or paid-on-call personnel to protect their district. Quality local jobs are dwindling and people have become less interested in helping their communities to concentrate on second careers, soccer games, and a myriad other distractions. In most cases, they no longer work and live in the same community, as was the case just 10 or 15 years ago. What's more, the crop of young replacements are leaving for the promise of brighter futures in larger cities where their service as volunteers is not needed - and who can blame them. It's a very scary situation with no immediate answers. Aggressive recruitment and retention is not enough - if the people aren't there, they aren't there!
The volunteer or combination fire department will not go extinct, but they will look dramatically different in the decades to come. Creative solutions by smart and dedicated people will navigate through this crisis - they always have! Fires will go out, people will be saved, and emergencies responded to - it's just a question of how far you can stretch what you have and how innovative you will be with the future.

THANKS FOR THE EDUCATION!

2010-12-28T11:52:00.000-05:00

I like to share this editorial cartoon every college bowl season. Sportsmanship, tradition, pageantry, and wholesome competition are just pipe dreams when compared to the real motivation for bowl games. Belly-up to the platter boys (Universities, that is), these kids make you a fortune!

JEMS Magazine Illo

2010-12-18T09:03:00.000-05:00

New illustration for Jems magazine about EMS health-care providers trying to multi-task too many things and overlooking the patient's obvious needs. This was a fun and challenging piece to do. Went through nearly six roughs before I was satisfied with the viewing angle and energy of the piece.

Weekly Work

2010-12-13T14:35:00.001-05:00

Working on a spot illustration for Inside Business magazine today and tomorrow - will share as soon as possible. Also, finishing up on my first illo for FireIce this week and will post first of January. Busy, busy, busy...
In the mean time, here's a sample of a large two-page illo I'm working on. I love pipers!!

SCROOGED!

2010-12-08T18:46:00.000-05:00

As I was reading Dickens' A Christmas Carol last week, it came to me that the lessons learned in this classic tale apply to many facets of life - especially in the fire service. And just as the three ghost that haunted Ebeneezer Scrooge that Christmas Eve opened his eyes to what was, is, and will be, so could they warn us of the perils of recording and posting crash-scene photo/videos. Though a few creative liberties were taken on my part, the message remains the same - we are chained to what we do in the past, must be accountable for the present outcome of our actions, and suffer the future consequences.

With alarming regularity, incident scenes and video taken by firefighters are popping up everywhere on the internet. Most are harmless; well-intended movies of responding units showing what we do and experience. However, in recent months reports of disturbing photos and videos recorded by firefighters are making headlines. Whether for morbid curiosity or deranged pleasure, these images were leaked to the public, and what's worse, to the victim's family. I can't imagine their horror and heart-break! In an age where nearly everyone carries technology that is capable of taking photos or recording video, we must stop and think about our actions. Because once shared, they can never be retrieved - and that permanent chain is forever linked to you! And just as my Jacob Marley/Ghost of Christmas Past character portrays, you will dredge that chain for the rest of your life.

Cell phones have NO business on the fire ground or crash-scenes, so keep the damn things in your pocket!!

CHOPPED!

2010-11-22T08:16:00.000-05:00

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, everyone!!

FIRE ENGINEERING EDITORIAL CARTOON

2010-11-05T08:34:00.000-04:00

I LOVE Fall!! I love everything about it, except for the allergies, of course - but even they're tolerable with the incredible beauty of a Great Lakes Autumn!!

However, seeing multi-colored leaves carpeting the ground also brings to mind the ever increasing mounds of paperwork and documentation that accompany our jobs as firefighters - whether career or volunteer. This commentary came to me while out on a country run. I saw a couple raking their leaves and they were literally up to their waist in fallen foliage. It was comical - and made for a great metaphor (always looking for a great metaphor) about the ever-present pile of paper that weighs down the firehouse desks - especially chief, inspection, and training officers.

Enjoy Fall, everyone - it goes by too quickly!!

A HUNTING WE WILL GO...

2010-10-18T11:18:00.002-04:00

It's deer season here in NW Ohio and the hunters are out in force. Generally a good and jolly bunch, but there are always a few that get the "fever" and take things overboard. Couldn't resist having a little fun at their expense:)

TESTIMONIALS

2010-10-05T09:26:00.001-04:00

Thought I'd post a few comments that I've received about my book Drawn By Fire - the response has been terrific. Thanks to all!!

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Just had to say, "Great work!"

Those training and leadership observations were so on-target they hurt.

Well done.

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AWESOME! I just received a copy of ‘Drawn by Fire’ and print # 99/100. As a gift for being selected Fire Training Instructor of the Year by my department, my Battalion Chief blessed me with a copy. He’s heard me talk about your illustrations so much and seen the samples I have in my office that he was compelled to honor me with a copy.

I try not to contact you every time I am inspired by your cartoons, but I had to email you again. ‘Preventable LODD’ is my all time favorite. I’m the physical training instructor and I teach a LODD class. Needless to say, all of our recruits have seen that illustration.

I compliment and encourage you to continue to share the sentiment of the fire department through your incredible gift.

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Paul, I've looked through the book Bro, outstanding work! It's another training tool I can add to my toolbox thanks to you. It looks great, my 21 year old daughter, big on drawing, not big on fire stuff, was looking through it and liked and understood the work my friend. To me, that speaks volumes of the way this book turned out!

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INCREDIBLE!!! I've seen your work for years - but to see it in such detail brings it all to life. The leadership cartoons are spot-on! Great Job Brother!

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Hey Paul, I got my book and Print, and I can't put it down, Amazing and is an awesome book...I didn't realize I had missed so many, I got #37/100. You truly have a way of capturing the thoughts, pride and tradition of our job.....Great Job Brother can't wait for the next one…

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You did it again - I have used your work in classes for years and can honestly say they teach our lessons very well. you make us smile and laugh - and cry and get angry. Thanks for the gift of your cartoons brother!

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Ouch! These editorial cartoons sting - and thank you for doing them. We can all learn something from your work. BTW - I received a print too - AWESOME!

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CHARACTER STUDY

2010-09-24T10:44:00.001-04:00

Just finished a character study for my next book project. He (Smokey Joe) is a combination of drawing and painting to create the gritty high-contrast style. Firefighting is a dirty job, and I want the viewer to experience the smells, grit, and sweat through my art - I'm pleased with the results here (kind'a). I have a ...few tweaks here and there, but for the most part this project is ready to launch. More teasing to come later...:)

PRINT SIGNING TODAY

2010-09-23T15:07:00.000-04:00

Signing the first of 100 L/E prints that will accompany my book Drawn By Fire - which ships next week. Very exciting time around the Combs home - our cat even got an extra tummy rub - she was very happy about that!!

EMAIL-BLAST FLIER

2010-09-22T15:44:00.002-04:00

Here's the PennWell email-blast flier that was sent out today. Very cool, and they did a great job on the design, too!

NEW BOOK AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 30th

2010-09-01T18:59:00.005-04:00

My new book is titled Drawn by Fire and it's a collection of 150 fire service editorial cartoons created over the past five years. I'm EXTREMELY excited about this! More will be posted later, but if you're interested in pre-ordering a copy, you can go to the PennWell bookstore to do so. Here's the link...

http://pennwellbooks.com/drawnbyfire.html

And, there's more.... the first 100 pre-ordered books will ship with a L/E hand signed and numbered 15x9" print by me. Orders are starting to mount, so my guess is these will not gather any dust. I've attached a sample of the promotional print below.

The Beacon

2010-08-20T09:42:00.002-04:00

Whether you're for or against a Mosque (Cultural Center) near Ground-Zero, it is sure to be a hot-spot for protests and heated debate.

August Fire Engineering Magazine Commentary

2010-08-20T09:41:00.000-04:00

NY CITY STREET SINGER

2010-08-10T17:49:00.005-04:00

From quick NY City sketch, to finished illustration. Watching this guy dance around in Brooklyn was a blast. He had such a passion for singing that he was totally oblivious to the world around him - including the delivery truck that almost creamed him as he danced across a street.

Had a lot of fun pushing the contrast with this piece - not to mention painting the crazy brick patterns.

NO TIME TO STOP - FIRE ENGINEERING COMMENTARY

2010-07-27T11:45:00.001-04:00

'Nuff said!!

FRIDAY SKETCH

2010-07-09T08:47:00.003-04:00

It's very hard to draw while sitting in uncomfortable chairs, twisted like a pretzel - but somehow this sketch came out of the ordeal. Had fun working the light and folds of clothing - however, wish I had more time to explore his personality a bit more.

TAMPA PD LODD

2010-07-08T08:18:00.002-04:00

Tampa Patrol Officers David Curtis and Jeffrey Kocab - rest in peace, gentlemen!

THE BLAME GAME

2010-06-22T16:15:00.002-04:00

For those of you that have not read Chief Halton's commentary in June's Fire Engineering magazine "Is Making A Mistake A Crime?", please take a moment to do so - trust me, it's worth your time. My second illustration this month plays along many of the same lucid points made in his commentary and highlights the challenge we now face as emergency responders. We train, we rely on experience (both our own and those around us), and we study trade magazines, journals, and case studies, all to help us prepare for those split-second decisions that may save a life, or prevent one of our own from sustaining an injury. Unfortunately this is not enough in a scape-goat society where the need to feed a perceived gratification for justice sometimes outweighs common sense. Add to this a bandwagon of attorneys who are licking their collective chops at big dollar settlements, and you can see where the "system" has left the tracks.

Don't get me wrong, sometimes good does come from the justice system hammering down on our bad practices, negligence, and complacency - especially in cases where injury or death has occurred. Measurable positive change has come from these unfortunate events. The thorn in my side stems from the frivolous questioning of our decision making and actions for monetary gain. Isn't our job tough enough without this keeping us awake at night, too?!

JERSEY CITY SKETCH

2010-06-08T21:55:00.003-04:00

Sketched this guy while in Jersey City two weeks ago. As usual, I love to wake up early and walk around a new city, soaking in the experience of the city's culture and people as I go. All the while, taking mental snap-shots that ultimately end up as sketches while sitting in some local café. This man, however, really caught my attention (along with anyone else in a two block radius) because he screamed constantly at perceived demons that were tormenting him at ever turn. He would walk quickly from street corner to corner, stopping only to warn those following him to "stay away and go home" with profanity that would make any sailor blush. His savage anger was startling... and very sad, too.

I could not leave this experience in my head (which would ultimately drive me insane, too); thus, it came out in this quick sketch. I was not concerned about catching a likeness as much as I wanted to portray his anger - I hope it worked.

FIRE ENGINEERING EDITORIAL CARTOON

2010-06-08T21:53:00.001-04:00

Perhaps this illustration is a bit over the top, but it is an unfortunate reality for many of our retiree and disabled Brothers and Sisters. Pension benefits often do not cover sky-rocketing medication costs, not if you intend to eat, too. Volunteers have it worse, yet - some gave 20 to 30 plus years of service to a community, working a full-time job that may, or may not have provided retirement benefits. It's heartbreaking to see them struggle with drug costs; having to make the choice between daily living and life saving medication.

I wish I had a solution! All I can offer is a whimsical take on a serious situation and the knowledge that we honor your service and sympathize with your struggle.

NEW YORK CITY SKETCHES

2010-06-02T09:16:00.005-04:00

Thought I'd post a few sketches I did on a recent trip to New York City. Incredible place! I only wish I had more time to just sketch and watch their inspiring diverse culture. More sketches to come...

FIRE ENGINEERING EDITORIAL CARTOON POST

2010-05-24T10:37:00.003-04:00

One of my all-time favorite quotes pretty much sums up my feelings on this month's commentary; "Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with the results" - George S. Patton.

Nothing is more demoralizing than to have a job or responsibility ranked from underneath you, not because you were doing it wrong, but because your superiors did not trust your instincts, training, and/or leadership. If you've trained your people well, let them do their jobs. As General Patton stated, they may just surprise you!

MONDAY MORNING SKETCH

2010-05-17T09:39:00.002-04:00

MORNING SKETCH

2010-05-13T09:56:00.003-04:00

Just limbering up the ol' digits this morning! When sketching, I don't do caricatures, per say, but find characteristics of people, their faces, their personality, and just start drawing. I don't concentrate on getting a likeness as much as just allowing the artwork to take on its own life and lead me where it wants to go. Fun exercise - no rules!:)

MAY FIRE ENGINEERING MAG ILLO

2010-05-12T15:21:00.002-04:00

...and just in time for all those summer wildfires, too. I am truly amazed every year as I watch reports from the network news drama-mill (insert Fox News, here) about folks who refuse to leave homes and property threatened by wildfires. Understanding that every home is a man's castle and we'd all fight to keep ours, it's comments like "I'm can fight it off myself" and "I'm not asking anyone to save me" that really wrinkle my diamond-plate! Because we all know as soon as reality settles in and ol' man wildfire is licking at their back door, who they're going to call to rescue them at the last minute. And of course, we do, because that's what we do.

I'm preaching to the choir with this one, but hopefully it will be worth a laugh, if not a well timed sigh.

Frank Frazetta 1928-2010

2010-05-11T07:59:00.002-04:00

One of my all-time favorite illustrators has passed away at age 82. I learned much of my early style by copying Frazetta's artwork in high school. I wish I could have met him...

WHERE ARE THEY NOW!?

2010-05-09T11:33:00.005-04:00

Isn't it hilarious how those who were screaming "Drill, Baby Drill" and championing offshore Gulf drilling have become dubiously quiet? Surely a little thing like an environmental disaster wouldn't effect their political grand-standing, would it?

I'm not naive enough to believe our energy needs will be settled by just turning off the oil pumps, but we NEED to begin an aggressive approach to renewable energy. The time is now, and this disaster is just a reminder of what is to come if we base our short-sighted hopes on off-shore drilling. It's a short term fix at best and the consequences of a disaster, possibly larger than the current Gulf spill, is just too great. We're the most resourceful, innovative, and proactive country in the world - we can do better than this!

Michael Ruhlman Illo

2010-05-07T08:43:00.001-04:00

My latest illo for Inside Business Magazine. Fun article about celebrity food writer Michael Ruhlman and how smart-phone apps are changing the way we do business.

Who's Serving Who?

2010-05-03T16:18:00.001-04:00

Ahhh, the stench of May elections is in the air and I just couldn't resist pulling out my ol' political cartoon pens to take a stab at our "helpful" elected officials - with an obvious fire service twist, of course. This cartoon expresses two points; the first being that our elected public servants tend to steer the wagon they're sworn to empower (even when they're clueless to the desired direction), and secondly, this is nothing new.

My Department is fortunate that our city officials allow us to operate with minimal interference - a result of mutual respect, a solid history, and positive communication between both parties. This of course is contingent from one election to the next - but we've had a great run. Unfortunately, it does not take much research or talking with folks at events like FDIC before you realize that the situation is much, much, much worse in other areas.

I have always loved this quote by Groucho Marx, "Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies". Regrettably, these are the horses trying to steer our steamers.

APRIL FIRE ENGINEERING MAGAZINE ILLO

2010-04-27T09:55:00.003-04:00

This is my latest Fire Engineering magazine illo. To see more, click on the image...

FDIC

2010-04-13T09:27:00.003-04:00

I'll be at FDIC in Indianapolis all next week sketching and signing autographs. I will also be signing complimentary, limited edition, anniversary prints at the Fire Engineering booth. As soon as I know specific dates and times, I'll post them here.

Hope to see you there!!!

Fight Is NOT Over!

2010-04-06T11:45:00.000-04:00

On the eve of next month’s ICC Code hearing in Dallas, it seemed only appropriate to opine about our continuing fight for residential sprinklers in ALL new homes. The National Assoc. of Home Builders (NAHB) has been working hard to undermine the ICC’s earlier ruling (BIG money talks, folks) and we must show up in force to reaffirm our hard earned success in Minneapolis and Baltimore. If you are not familiar with this very important issue, please research and learn more. There have been many fabulous articles written (especially by my dear friend Ozzie Mirkhah) – just Google the subject, there will be no shortage of fodder.
The fight is not over!!

Little Indian Bear Princess, all grown up!

2010-03-28T10:33:00.003-04:00

This is a drawing I did of daughter when she was seven. She posed in our back yard before going to a Halloween party where she would grace the floor as the Indian Bear Princess. It was a fun costume, Pocahontas dress, with moccasin slippers and a stuffed bear rug on her head. Add a few turkey feathers we found while hiking, and voila - the Princess had her crown!

I post this for the simple reason that my little Indian Bear Princess turns sixteen in a couple of months and I'm feeling very nostalgic (and old), besides, it's just a fun image to look at. We should all put a bear rug on our heads from time to time and forget life's little demands. So, I think I'll put on my old fuzzy gorilla slippers (Oggo and Toggo - yes, I named them) and watch some good ol' westerns today.

Firefighter Monopoly game

2010-03-18T11:05:00.003-04:00

This game has been on the selves for a few months now, and from what I've been told, it's doing well. I gave one each to my Crew as a Christmas gift, and they loved it. For my part, it was an extremely fun project to work on and I'm excited about some future projects with Go Forward Media (stay tuned). I've included a link to the game as well as a close-up of the tray illustration. But I must say the best part was creating the chance cards - what fun!!!

Go to http://www.firefighterplay.com/ to purchase your copy.

Some quick 15 minute warm-up sketches!

2010-03-11T17:06:00.000-05:00

Big Red and his High Mountain Posse

2010-03-08T15:17:00.003-05:00

Spring's Just Around The Corner!!!!

2010-03-02T16:10:00.002-05:00

"Woo-Hoo!" Spring training starts today! Feels warmer here already.

New Sheriff In Town

2010-02-17T11:03:00.002-05:00

Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, and Judge Issac Parker, all rolled into one no-nonsense law-man. The piece is aptly titled "Welcome to Hang'em, Kansas".

DemoCrazies!

2010-02-11T08:18:00.004-05:00

I can't begin tell you how disgruntled I am with my dysfunctional party of choice. However, I think this new illo pretty much sums it up for me!

On an artistic note, doing this piece reminded me how refreshing and therapeutic political editorial illustration can be - and of course, I miss my editorial cartoon days! I think I'll do more...

Stay tuned...

Shoot'em Up!

2010-02-05T16:12:00.003-05:00

Anyone who knows me, knows my love for Westerns! I'm a sucker for anything John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, or Glenn Ford. These movies celebrate and exaggerate the myths and folklore of the old west, and I LOVE it! The real western lifestyle was most certainly hard, gritty, and adventurous - but Hollywood give us an illustion of fast shooting, hard drinking, anything but dull men and women who are colorful and dramatic. I accept this fiction, and embrace the mirage of daily shoot-outs at high-noon - just for the pure fun of it!!

Enjoy my outlaw, there will be more Old West illustrations in the near future.

New Style

2010-01-25T08:58:00.002-05:00

Ahhhh, I can smell the BBQ already! And of course, you gotta have blues with BBQ!

What's In Your Trash?

2010-01-12T09:07:00.000-05:00

We've all seen the ever present Capital One commercials with their famous "what's in your wallet?" catch-line. Some are cute, most are just annoying, but while sketching in front of the TV one evening, it sparked a commentary twist.

I wanted to create something for the Holidays and tie in a New Year's resolution for this particular post, so I began thinking about what I may want to change for the upcoming year. I want to spend more time with my family (points from my wife and daughter), attend at least three Officer training/strategy classes (points from my Crew), get in better shape.... ah, yes, that's the one!! Except for a small percentage of those firehouse gym-rats who can claim near Adonis-like physiques, better fitness is something we can all strive for and will most likely set as a goal for 2010. Now, I work out, I'm a novice runner and cyclist, and a damn good tennis player - unfortunately, I'm also a late-night, junk-food junkie. Embarrassing to admit, but I have a sneaky suspicion that I'm not alone here.

So, I had my topic, it was just a matter of finding a way to get my point across in an effective, yet entertaining way. Enter our two little scourging friends. It would have been too easy just to have a couple of firefighters discussing nutrition. I wanted the humor to come from an outside voice, and it works perfectly with the raccoons possessing a wisdom about a subject we take for granted. The very thought of the raccoon being repulsed about our eating habits, a creature that will eat anything, is funny to me - and, I hope, an effective tool to make you re-think what is in your refrigerator, cupboards, and of course - what's in your trash!

Let's all make better nutrition and fitness a goal for 2010!

Bowl Season

2009-12-23T12:58:00.001-05:00

You gotta love college bowl season - it smells like money.

What A Shocker!

2009-12-17T08:34:00.003-05:00

This is one of four occupational safety posters I just created for Princess Cruises. These large posters are posted around the ships to remind employees about dangerous situations in a humorous way. Very fun projects!!

Cleveland Magazine Illustration

2009-12-17T08:32:00.002-05:00

This is my latest illustration for Cleveland Magazine's "My Town" section. A fun piece about weight-lose, the Cleveland way.

Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T08:23:00.002-05:00

This is an editorial cartoon I created a few years back for Veteran's Day - with a fire service twist. Please remember our fire Brothers and Sisters who are serving at home and abroad. Take care, stay safe and come home soon!

Friday Sketch

2009-11-06T09:03:00.005-05:00

Saw this gentleman sitting on a bench at my doctor's office yesterday. He was all smiles, friendly, and had those remarkably big ears - I couldn't wait to sketch him! So, I took a mental snapshot and sketched the basic lines as soon as I returned to the studio. Finished the rest last night as I listened to my daughter suffer through the flu and waited for my turn to get it! Hey, we share everything in this family:(

Cleveland Magazine Illo

2009-10-30T08:41:00.004-04:00

Here is an illustration I just finished for Cleveland Magazine. It's for a fun article about a man and his "chew and eat everything" dachshund - and the medical bills that followed. Fun project! Here is the before rough concept and the final result.

October Fire Engineering.com Posts

2009-10-26T10:43:00.003-04:00

Friday Sketch

2009-10-16T08:00:00.002-04:00

Afternoon Sketch!

2009-10-15T14:40:00.003-04:00

Thought I'd take some time this afternoon and sketch at our local café. I'm not happy with this sketch, but it's a good start as I dedicate more time to sketching and drawing from life. If they're not too terribly bad, I'll share them here.

I love Halloween!

2009-10-12T14:01:00.003-04:00

This is my latest postcard promotional mailer - thought I'd have some fun with Frankenstein and the Mrs.

Tommy Boy!

2009-10-08T17:59:00.002-04:00

Gonna miss ya, Buddy! Happy retirement, Tom!

Print Store Redesign!

2009-10-02T11:23:00.001-04:00

All fire service commentary created over the past five years is now available on my web store, including EMS and September 11th illustrations. Check it out!
http://artstudioseven.com/page-fire-ems-prints.htm

Fire Engineering Magazine Ed. Illo

2009-09-24T08:55:00.001-04:00

So very, very true...

Wildfires

2009-09-21T11:08:00.004-04:00

This is my second September Fire Engineering post.

Magazine Illo

2009-09-16T20:30:00.002-04:00

Illustration about office weight loss for an Inside Business Magazine article.

September Fire Engineering.com Post

2009-09-08T10:40:00.004-04:00

Never, ever forget!

My first fireengineering.com illustration has been posted as the featured commentary. This is the first of many, many illustration to come. I will be producing two illustrations per month and sincerely hope to have your feedback and comments. Whether you like the commentary, or not, it's meant to spur introspective thought and healthy conversation and debate. Let's go...

With my first post coming so close to another sobering 9/11 milestone, I thought it only appropriate to bring light to another growing tragedy - post 9/11 illness. Like a left hook after the sucker punch, the death toll from that awful day keeps rising. "Never forget" is most often associated with the 343 FDNY Brothers lost on that terrible day. Please, never forget that the pain, suffering, and memories still linger with those who worked the aftermath.

Be Original!

2009-09-04T15:53:00.002-04:00

Ya gotta love a new school year!

New Home for Editorial Illustrations

2009-09-02T07:46:00.003-04:00

As most of you know by now, my fire service editorials are now being published in Fire Engineering magazine. Well, beginning next week, I'll be exclusive to FE and begin publishing my web commentary, twice a month, on FireEngineering.com, too. It's an exciting time for me and I feel the bar has been raised with this partnership. I will post the link when my first cartoon goes live.

NEW Fire Service Posters Available!

2009-08-29T08:02:00.003-04:00

I'm proud to introduce two new posters to my already popular line-up of Fire Service Posters. Here's the link to the posters page: http://artstudioseven.com/page-fire-ems-posters.htm

July Fire Engineering Mag Illo

2009-08-28T08:11:00.000-04:00

Fire Engineering Mag Editorial Illo

2009-08-28T08:08:00.000-04:00