Steve Benson, Political Cartoonist

The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists recently held their convention in Salt Lake City.  It wasn't well publicized in the news, so I missed most of it, but did attend a small workshop Saturday afternoon.  The news article I read didn't even mention it was for 'Young Adults.'
But having done editorial cartoons, humorous illustrations, and comic strips for student and local newspapers all through my college years, I jumped at the chance to meet a few of the artists who's work I'd studied and admired.

I met Steve Benson, an editorial cartoonist for The Arizona Republic, and R.C. Harvey, of which the Wikipedia article describes as 'an author, critic and cartoonist. He has written a number of books on the history of the medium, with special focus on the history of the comic strip, and he has also worked as a freelance cartoonist.'

Steve started the workshop with the story of one of the earliest editorial cartoonists in America, Benjamin Franklin!

 While speaking about Benjamin Franklin, Steve drew a funny quick image of Ben doing his thing with a kite and a key.  The character was so whimsical, I asked him if I could have it afterwards.  Here it is!

While creating my own editorial cartoons in college, I clipped and saved a massive cache of cartoons which I pasted into a binder to study.  Many of these guys are still my heroes and, even though I really haven't thought of it that much, their work influences what I do even to this day.