Chained To the Drawing Board

My first job after high school was with a commercial art studio, whose main account in those days was Samsonite Luggage. I was recruited for the job by one of the top executives at Samsonite after he saw an article in the newspaper about me winning a national high school editorial cartoon contest (the article quoted me as saying I wanted to drop everything and train as an astronaut—I guess NASA wasn't reading the paper that day).

I learned all sorts of art and production techniques from my boss and mentor, Ken Crouse, a really good artist. After months of drawing luggage and Lego toys, my number came up for the draft. I quit the job, planning on freelancing until my induction months later. 

Ken sat at a drawing board across the bullpen from me and drew this caricature of me, without my knowing it, for a farewell present, signed by all the guys and gals. I've actually stayed friends with Ken over the years. His farewell text was meaningful then, as it is now, for a freelance artist. Thanks Ken.