Animation artist Eddie Fitzgerald regaled more than a dozen cartoon fans with stories and professional advice July 5 at the Emmaus Public Library, 11 E. Main St.

The 76-year-old veteran animator spent decades in Los Angeles working on storyboards, design, writing, directing and producing cartoons for television, live features and a video game.

Fitzgerald’s talents have been employed by Disney, Warner Brothers, DreamWorks, Cartoon Network, Universal and others. Among his credits are “The Ren & Stimpy Show” and “Tiny Toon Adventures.”

Known for his infectious laugh, the cartoonist is also the inspiration behind the character Pinky in “Pinky and the Brain.” Fellow producer Tom Minton was the model for The Brain. The Amblin Television and Warner Brothers animation series is centered on a pair of genetically enhanced laboratory mice.

“The first job is the hardest to get,” Fitzgerald said. “In my case, the second place I went to, which was the worst animation place in town, nevertheless, I got a job,” he remarked about how he landed his first cartooning job at Filmation Associates. Someone had just left the company prior to his applying there. Although he is a “comedy guy,” his first assignments were of creating storyboards for superhero characters.

Fitzgerald learned to produce the superhero artwork competently enough and was rewarded when he was able to transition to comedy. “It is stressful fun,” he said of the experience.

“Getting your foot in the door, any door, even if you get paid really low, take the job,” Fitzgerald advised. Preparing a strong portfolio as well as being willing to be a persistent door knocker is integral to a career in the animation field.

Fitzgerald described working with his favorite director John Kricfalusi on Nickelodeon’s “Ren & Stimpy” and his admiration of the Canadian animator.

He spoke about working with his other favorite director, Bob Clampett. Fitzgerald had worked briefly with Chuck Jones, as well. The animator touched on the rivalry that developed between Clampett and Jones when the two animators had been at Warner Brothers.

Aryana Schneider asked Fitzgerald how often he sharpens his expensive Tombow 4B soft graphite pencils. The cartoonist answered “7-8 times a day, but only once when doodling.” He remarked he uses “cheapo” HB pencils for backgrounds.

Fitzgerald encouraged budding artists to practice constantly. He recommended 20-pound printer paper be used for sketching as it is inexpensive and disposable. He said artists are less likely to draw and experiment on more expensive sketchbook pads.

He advised creatives should solicit opinions by showing others what they are working on, including the “bad stuff.” Fitzgerald said, “Humiliation will motivate you.” He recommended seeking criticism from a friend who “can be honest with you.”

“Everything in a funny cartoon has to be funny,” was advice Fitgerald received from Kricfalusi. He explained every line he examines in one of his mentor’s drawings is not only beautifully rendered, but is humorous.

“I love hands,” Fitzgerald related. “As a matter of fact I have a reputation for it.” He described he often draw hands first, followed by the rest of the drawing.

“Your reputation in the business means everything,” Fitzgerald remarked about meeting deadlines.

Born in Philadelphia, Fitzgerald developed a love of animation and show business while watching Disney on a black-and-white television screen as a boy. He later found inspiration in the work of “Tex” Avery. He briefly attended art school and while seeking work in California, attended free classes offered by the Hanna-Barbera Studios before landing his first job.

Although retired, Fitzgerald continues practicing his craft digitally with Animation Desk. He and his wife Mary reside in Lower Macungie Township.

For information on Emmaus Public Library programming and services, visit www.emmauspl.org.

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