1. How did you come up with the idea of Quotoons?

Back in 1996, I was playing around for a couple of months with the idea of creating a single panel cell cartoon because I always liked Gary Larson's "The Far Side", but I didn't know what to base it on. I had several concepts put together for a cartoon strip, but couldn't put one together for a single cell series. I wanted to do a single cell series because they're just so "Johnny on the Spot". They're quick and to the point, if they're good. Anyways, I had a copy of Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, that was hanging around my father's law office, so I picked it up and tried to do one. It was "A Dessert without Cheese, is like a beautiful woman with one eye." That's how the idea started.

2. How did you come up with the name "Quotoons"?

My Dad coined it. After I did a couple, I asked my Dad what I should call them and he said, "How about Quotoons?"

3. Where do you get quotes?

Anywhere, everywhere.

4. Aren't quotes owned and protected by copyright laws?

Not necessarily. Proverbs, maxims, axioms, adages and aphorisms are typically not copyrightable (but there are rare exceptions). They are considered too brief to be individually copyrighted and most of the time they are many years old and therefore part of the public domain. According to the U.S. Copyright Office: "Titles, names, short phrases, and slogans; familiar symbols or designs; mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering, or coloring; mere listings of ingredients or contents" are not protected by copyright. Quotes fall under "short phrases", but also fall under a "common knowledge" exception, sometimes they fall under the fair use doctrine, and sometimes they have become part of the public domain. As a rule of thumb, almost anything older than 100 years can be used. (with some exceptions). Sayings or quotations that are not familiar, or facts that are not "common knowledge." should be cited. However, it is not necessary to cite a source if you are repeating a well known quote such as Kennedy's "Ask not what your country can do for you . . .," or a familiar proverb such as "You can't judge a book by its cover." Common knowledge is something that is widely known. For example, it is common knowledge that Bill Clinton served two terms as president. It would not be necessary to cite a source for this fact.

5. Can I buy an original?

mmmm. Maybe at some point in the future, but for now, no.

6. How can I get permission to reprint one of your comics?

First, thank you for thinking of getting permission. Usage of my (or anybody’s) comic panels without permission is a copyright infringement. Copyright infringement can be very serious and costly. If you would like permission to reprint one of my panels, please check the pricing on my Purchasing page and then use the Contact Us form on this website and indicate what your contacting me about. Your request will be handled as timely as possible.

7. Who are your favorite comic artists?

Gary Larson, Crumb, Dr. Suess, and Hirschfeld (but I don't think Hirschfeld is really a comic, nor is Dr. Suess really). I lean toward the edgy stuff that is single panel. I don't really read strips, unless they're clever and simply drawn.

8. Are there more Quotoons?

Yes, lots. When I have the layout finalized for the site I will put more of them up.

9. I can't read some of the comic panels on the site. Can you fix them so I can read them?

Yes. I'm working on it.

10. Are the characters modeled after anyone?

No, unless I need to do a caricature of someone to get a point across for a quote. Otherwise, no. I try to make each one a work of art all to itself.

11. Can I hire you to draw one of my favorite quotes for me?

No. Not right now. Maybe in the future.