Kaltoons HK Magazine Contest - August 2008
Can you figure out which issue of The Economist featured the following cover?
If so you could be one of 5 people to win a copy of Kal’s new book, Kal Draws Critism.
Register to enter to Win Kal's New Book
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“KAL Draws Criticism”
KAL's newest and best produced collection was published in conjunction with the launch of "Mightier than the Sword" KAL's retrospective exhibition at Baltimore's Walters Art Museum. This book contains 150 of Kal's best work including 16 pages of color covers and artwork from The Economist.
Up Close with KAL (Kevin Kallaugher)
Kevin Kallaugher is the editorial cartoonist for The Economist magazine of London. He talks to Katie Kenny about why George W. Bush is his favorite character.
HK Magazine: How did you become a political cartoonist?
KAL: Every cartoonist has a different story but mine is perhaps stranger than most. I drew cartoons for my school newspaper but was not much interested in politics as a student. In 1977 I led a cycling trip of American teenagers around England. When the tour finished, I remained in the UK in search of work. My first job was playing and coaching semi-professional basketball, and when the team hit financial difficulties, I turned to the streets drawing caricatures. I have to admit I wasn’t very good at first! As I improved I took my portfolio of artwork to British newspapers and magazines. Luckily for me, The Economist was looking for a cartoonist at the time.
HK: What were you into first, cartoons or politics?
KAL: I became more interested in politics after living in England. It soon became a passion, and I thought, wouldn’t it be great if I could mix my two passions of politics and cartoons? I have since discovered that political cartoons are valuable to society because they are a unique way for people to digest the news.
HK: How do you get the image ideas for the topic you have chosen to draw that week?
KAL: I regard my cartoons as opinion columns whose goal is to make you think. I start by reading all the news and I figure out which story is the most important, the most relevant that week. When it comes to the images I think of the angle I will take on the story, how will I tickle the story, how will I make it funny and most of all, how I can keep it original.
HK: Is there a character you prefer to focus on?
KAL: George Bush. I’ve drawn him a thousand times. When a politician is at the end of their term, they’re my favorite target. At the beginning of a new apointee’s term, cartoonists are still struggling with their new subject, but by the end of their time in office you are so adept at drawing them you can stretch their faces around like putty. Whoever takes office next, give me four years and they’ll be my favorite.
HK: Do you carry a sketchbook around with you in case something inspires you?
KAL: I carry around a little blank book with me when I’m traveling. At airports I might draw the person sitting across from me. When I’m in meetings I sometimes draw the people gathered. It can make them nervous but it’s good practice! You see things differently when you sketch. It forces you to observe the world’s nuances.
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