In 1983 when I was around 16, a best friend’s stepdad, Big Jim, commissioned me to recreate his all-time favorite Garfield comic strip for $50! That was practically a goldmine to me back then! He wanted it recreated because when he custom framed it himself, he completely glued the Sunday newspaper to a bare wood backing board, and the comic strips on the back of the newspaper cutout bled right through, really ruining his prized possession. So, I accepted, and proceeded to freehand the recreation in pencil (except the logo). But before doing the Rapid-O-Graph inks, Big Jim hired me and his stepson, Steve, to work for his construction company part time. That job meant I wasn’t hard up for the $50 anymore, so I shelved the pencils and quickly forgot about them.
Jump seven years later to 1990, and my buddy Steve is getting the gang back together for a blowout extravaganza for Big Jim’s 50th birthday party. For a while, I’m completely stumped on what to get Big Jim for his landmark celebration. Then, it conks me over the head—finish the Garfield recreation! Everybody’s forgotten about it, me included. So, I crack out the Rapid-O-Graphs and get to work. Everything seemed to work out pretty well, and I was really happy with the recreation results. Plus, I was extra proud that my gift wasn’t just some run of the mill present, and had a real personal touch. Come the day of Big Jim’s 50th, and it was amazing to watch him open my gift! He seemed stunned for a lil’ bit, then literally choked back some tears, saying he got something in his eye. Mission Accomplished!
Art from 1983-1990 - 11x14.
