Articles About Cable, DSL, And The Internet

Internet is My True Agent

You know the type -- that doodling type. Every time there is a pen and paper on the table, they will be sketching something down, with a mysterious smile, giggling quietly and making funny faces. Vlad Kolarov is no exception -- however, he has built a carrier out of his funny habit. If you are no Internet stranger, probably you have already seen his work. It might be a Yahoo ecard, or a funny cartoon on some web site, a greeting card or even his online portfolio (http://www.vladkolarov.com). Vlad has been around for some time.

Q> Why did you decide to become a cartoonist?

R> I don't think I ever had a choice. Obviously I was born with the cartoon gene - I've always loved to doodle and create my own little world on paper. As a kid at school I noticed that my cartoons made people laugh and brought me some respect. That's a nice feeling. So to get paid to do it is the best. In spite of my law education (which I actually have never used), I decided to follow my stars and become a full-time cartoonist/illustrator. It turned out to be a very tough job but I also love the fact that I make my own hours and work at home. And it's great having a job that deals with humor.

Q> So how did it all start?

R> It all started in 1989 (my God! That makes me almost as old as the Triceratops). It was a very exciting time. After some time freelancing, I landed a job as a cartoonist for the biggest Bulgarian daily newspaper "24 hours". Several years later I decided to expand my horizon and moved to Vancouver, BC with my family. I've been living and working there ever since -- I love the place!!!

Q> Vlad, how do you find new markets? Do you make any "cold calls" or do you wait for the clients to call you?

R> Finding new markets is the key to being a successful freelancer. As an artist working at home you should be always looking for new clients. I contact magazines, websites, greeting card companies, etc... Also, they contact me. I find having a web site portfolio very useful (check it out - http://www.vladkolarov.com). A freelancer MUST promote himself in every way possible. If one simply waits for clients to come to him, they'll never make it.

Q> Share a marketing secret with our readers.

R> Always be creative! For example my latest idea is to use the power of the Internet and turn my fans into my agents. Anyone who recommends me and brings in a new client will receive 15% commission of what I get. So if you want to make some extra money -- spread my name around:)

Q> You have such a wonderful drawing style! Do you have any art training?

R> No. I've had some art classes, but I was not very good -- so gave up and started drawing what I like instead. I noticed that my style changed a lot during the years, and eventually it is what you see now. I am a fan of the simple forms, so that is what I am after. Less is more (except in the bedroom):)

Q> What is the schedule of a man "working @ home"?

R> My day starts at around 8AM. I start with answering my mail, then drawing cartoons and promoting my work. The nice thing is that each day is a new challenge with a different project and a different client, so I never get bored. This usually goes till 8PM -- six days a week. Freelancers must work as many hours as possible.

Q> What is the business side of cartooning?

R> Tough...Professional cartooning IS a business. I am the president of Cardsup Greetings Ltd., which is a full-service multimedia company. We (it is a company, remember?) specialize in humor, but we do almost everything -- web design, interactive animation, web hosting, logo design, etc. We also provide humor content to web sites -- right now we have packages of daily cartoons and ecards that work great for marketing web sites.

Q> What is the best thing for you as a cartoonist?

R> Being my own boss. Being able to work from home. Having my wife and kids around me. Cartooning can be quite rewarding:)

Q> Where does your inspiration come from?

R> I am often asked that question...The truth is that after all these years my inspiration comes from the bills I have to pay...Deadline a inspirational too. This is a creative business, and as such, you need some reality biting you from behind.

Q> Is there a secret for being successful?

R> There are no secrets. Being successful comes with a lot of work. You won't be successful if you sit all day in from of the television set. You must promote yourself and produce new material each and every day.

Q> Do you work with any agencies? Do you think they help the artists?

R> No. I've had my share of rejection slips. Agencies are business representatives. In some cases they can help -- having someone out there promoting your work is nice. But they are not a guarantee for success and if you can do the work you don't actually need them. That's why I LOVE the Internet -- that is my true agent! And remember, if you recommend me -- you'll get paid!

Q> Tell us a bit about the selling process. Do you have set rates for your work and do you give discounts?

R> I do have set rates, rates that I usually charge but I am very flexible. Each client has a different budget and a different need. There are a lot of factors that go into determining how much a cartoon costs, and there is always that negotiating process. No client is too small or too big for me. I never turn away clients.

Q> Vlad -- what's up with the name?

R> Contrary to the wide spread rumor, I am not related to Dracula. I was, however, born in a small town on the river Danube relatively close to Transylvania. That could explain my taste for dark humor.

Q> Do you ever laugh at your cartoons?

R> Guilty, your honor! That has happened from time to time. But what I prefer is seeing the others laugh at them -- that is my biggest reward!

Q> How do people react when you tell them you are a cartoonist?

R> Most of them do not understand what that is...May be it's my accent, or may be it's such an exotic profession. How many cartoonists do you know?

About The Author

Dessislava Oundjian is the marketing Guru behind http://www.etoon.com -- one of the largest searchable cartoon databases in the world. Find T-shirts and other custom apparel, get information about licensing our cartoons or send e-cards.

Other Article Sites

findabook.com  moneycd.info  a-mortgage.info   about-lemon-laws.info  aboutstudentloans.info
all-about-publishing.info  auctions-articles.info  bestcollege-university.com  bestispconnection.com
biblefolder.com  blogger-website.com  books-used.info  brokers-guide.info  buywindows.info  cable-dsl.info
career-miner.com  carpel-tunnel.info  cashinaflash.info  cashloanreviews.info  casinobell.com  chat-house.info
clearmycredit.info  collegeloantips.info  crones.info  depression-articles.info   dirnic.net  dishguides.info
divers-below.com  expodog.info   financewizz.com  fire-insurance.info  getgood.info  handleit.net   it-idea.info
health-supplies.info  hosting-right.com  insidealert.com  insurance-facts.info  jobs-employment.info
justgood.info  lookgold.net   lowcost-travel.info  money-source.info  myhostzone.info  numisblog.com
peoplesearchfinder.info  pr-articles.info  realeas.com   refinancing-guides.info  spyware-remove.info
telelot.info  the-law.info   toppaid.info  travel-deals.info  travelcorrect.com  wedding-guide-site.com
your-blog.info  your-credit.info

MORE ARTICLES:

How to Test Your DSL and Cable Internet Connection Speed
There are two measured elements that determine your internet connection speed. They are: The download rate, and the upload rate of data measured in bits per seconds.

GSC Communications Rolls Out Cable TV: Challenging Cable Providers Head-on in the Paid TV Market, as It Rolls Out Its Cable TV Division in South Caro
The North Carolina-based phone company is launching its cable and internet TV division called GSC Cable in South Carolina on time for the holidays.

Benefits Of Using DSL, High Speed Internet Connection
When it comes to the arena of high speed Internet connections, then there are basically three alternatives available. These are DSL, Cable, and Satellite connections. Among all these DSL is the most popular and in-demand choice. The benefits that a high speed DSL connection offers are simply incomparable and irresistible.

The Benefits of Upgrading Dial Up to High-Speed Internet
ConnectMyHighSpeed.com Helps Consumers Compare, Shop and Save on Internet Service

DSL High Speed Internet
An individual can obtain DSL high speed internet in almost any location. However, there are some remote places around the country that do not have this option yet. DSL high speed internet is fabulous for person or business needs. This can be achieved in an individual home or office without much hassle. If an individual is tired of sluggish and slow connecting times, a DSL high speed internet access is the key solution. A person may run a home business; the internet loading times is a vital part of a successful venture. An individual may like to play games, shop online or just surf the internet and watch videos. With a dialup connection, these types of entertainment may be impossible to achieve. It is time to think broadband for a pe...

Cable High-Speed Internet: Luxury To Necessity
How quickly the computer has changed the way we live, think and perhaps even dream! Computer technology itself has evolved so quickly over 10 years as have the Internet services. It wasn't too long ago that dial-up services meant one had to wait forever before connecting. At least that's how it seems on hindsight. Actually, when dial-up services were launched, it seemed the greatest thing in the world! However, we tend to take progress in our stride and always want better. So when cable high-speed Internet made its entry, those of us who had it were ecstatic with the speeds and those of us who didn't, just turned green with envy and watched.

Cable High Speed Internet Providers
The PC has transformed life. Well it should be PC and Mac that have brought in this transformation. No matter what technology you use, we are definitely availing value for money invested. The home computer has become an integral part of our lives since the mid-nineties. Gone are the days when the desktop were mammoth in size and monitors of the size of televisions. Today things have improved due to technological advancement in the last decade.

Satellite Internet vs. Cable Internet
Cable TV versus satellite television is an old rivalry that can be seen discussed on TV at all hours of the day. The comparison seems to end however when it comes to satellite internet and cable internet access. This seems strange as cable and satellite companies are pushing packaged services over anything else. So, which is the superior Internet service provider, cable or satellite? Here we will examine both and see if we can answer the question.

5 Uses for the Screaming Fast Verizon FiOS High Speed Internet
Not sure that you need a really fast Internet connection If you donýt work at home or do a lot of things on the computer you might not need an ultra fast Internet connection, but that doesnýt mean that it wouldnýt be nice to have

Home Internet Options: The War Between DSL And Cable
If you are still using dial-up, you have probably gotten either the ?You don?t use DSL yet?? or the ?You don?t use cable yet?? expressions of credulity. So you?ve decided that it?s probably time to get off of dial-up ? yet, the question remains: which is better, DSL or cable? There are advertisements arguing the perks of both, but which will really get you more bang for your buck?

Bundled Phone TV and Internet Package Deals From Cable and Phone Companies
With so many options for bundled phone, TV, and Internet service, your choice for which company to use may come down to convenience, price, technological preference, or simply who you prefer to do business with Some consumers living in well populated areas may have a choice between bundling through a phone company like AT&T or Verizon, a cable company like Comcast or Time Warner, or even a choice of multiple cable or phone providers

Thankfully We Now Have High Speed Cable Modem Services
What kind of speed are you dealing with these days? Come on, you know what I'm talking about. We all pretty much resort to our computers on a daily basis. As for me, I would have to say an hourly basis. I work on this thing.

One Speed, Two Speed, All Speed, No Speed: DSL Internet And Its Mutations
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Internet is a form of Internet commonly used today by taking advantage of existing telephone infrastructure lines and manipulating them so that a wire not only transmits voice, but also data The technique has exploded in popularity and competes directly against cable Internet subscriptions

How to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection for DSL or Cable Service
One of the common problems among internet users is testing their internet connection to pinpoint the exact problem. There is a big number of internet users who use DSL, and cable modem service.