Life, Liberty and Independence Day: A chat with Dan Rosandich, Canny Cartoonist

Life, Liberty and Independence Day: A chat with Dan Rosandich, Canny Cartoonist

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Independence Day, celebrated with food, fireworks and more on July 4th, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 and the separation from Great Britain. This national holiday is yet another reminder of a key facet of being an American; enjoying the freedom of expression that comes with living under a democracy that protects the pursuit and enjoyment of individual liberties. While Freedom is paramount to all, it is of particular interest to artists – writers, singers, cartoonists and more – who vigorously defend their right to creative expression.

“A free America… means just this: individual freedom for all, rich or poor, or else this system of government we call democracy is only an expedient to enslave man to the machine and make him like it.” Frank Lloyd Wright

Washington Monument ~ July 4th Fireworks

For creative types like Dan Rosandich, a freelance cartoonist with over 30 years experience, it means the freedom to create witty, family friendly cartoons that showcase our collective humor, frailties, and foibles. In a recent, short interview below, Dan shared some insights on his 30+ years cartooning background, his life’s work and the creative process. He generously shared three favorite cartoons (posted in this piece) for all to enjoy.

“As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Nelson Mandela

One of three favorite cartoons by Dan Rosandich

Where are you from and what training do you have in cartooning? Dan was born in Detroit back in 1957 and still lives in Michigan. During his High School years, he did some subcontracting roofing work for his grandpa and, later on, worked in a print shop in Troy duplicating blue prints. Essentially, Dan is self-taught as he always loved drawing.

What led you to cartooning? As Dan explains, he was “compelled by a God given talent” to pursue cartooning as a career path. “The talent was already instilled within me….I just had to put it to good use…I’d hate to be on this planet and not know one of my gag panel cartoons is being read by someone somewhere else on the planet.”

“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” Abraham Lincoln

Another Dan Rosandich favorite

What feeds your inspiration? “Tough question, when you already love to draw… I just like to see if my next cartoon stands up to another person’s sense of what’s funny or what might appeal to other readers or visitors.”

Do you have a favorite cartoon or series of cartoons? “I’ve always been a fan of Garfield. Just the fact that a cartoon cat can antagonize his owner, yet maintain his own sense of sarcasm day in and day out is fun.”
“I try and read that comic strip every day; although I don’t go out of my way to invest in any “collections” or “anthologies” – I just feel like I’m reading up on a friend’s day to day activities. Maybe in a sick way, I’m living vicariously (if that’s what you call vicarious!) through Garfield. I can also relate to Jon and Odie.”

How has the internet and technology helped shape your business and entrepreneurial vision? “I have to say we are living in an exceptional age…I talk with people and say “just think” . . . “we could have lived during medieval times.” I mean, with all of this fantastic technology to allow people to communicate, display their work and service to a worldwide audience is a bit mind boggling.”
“I always try to tell people to jump aboard the information technology highway and use it to their advantage. I don’t mean sending out viral emails or jokes, or videos but put your business online….if you like fishing and tie flies, sell them online. If you like playing softball or baseball in general, start your own sideline and sell used sports equipment…it goes on and on.”
“I draw cartoons – so the only logical step is putting my cartoons up online and offering them to the world for licensing and it seems to slowly be picking up or at least gradually generating a steady flow of regular clients.”

“I defend both the freedom of expression and society’s right to counter it. I may pay the price for differing. It is the natural way of things.” Naguib Mahfouz

Life in the technology age ~ A third Dan Rosandich favorite

Dan’s cartoons, on a wide range of topics, have been published in Reader’s Digest, Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Better Homes and Garden and numerous publications. He has worked with McGraw-Hill, The Florida Farm Bureau and a host of other clients. He offers a majority of his work for licensing through an online web catalog at www.danscartoons.com and will be happy to create something special for your business.

Do you have a unique business you’d like to share with my audience? Write me for an interview and we can share it.

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank