We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ramon Ramirez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ramon below.

Alright, Ramon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

After setting foot in college I set out to become a cartoonist. I got my first opportunity to publish with the school campus newspaper at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1987. My first cartoon humor had a smart allec sense to it so thus the name Smarty Cartoons was born. I had the first thrust of seeing my work in print so that propelled me to go further and keep going with my goal of being a cartoonist. Many doors opened since. They key is to keep going.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I enjoy being a cartoonist because I can provide several angles from my services. One minute I’m able to produce logos, the next I can switch to being an editorial cartoonist, a caricature artist, motivational speaker, a graphic artist and an art teacher. I love being a creative source and helping various types of clients with their creative needs. I’ve reached clients as far as Hong Kong and also in Hollywood in providing art for Marlon Wayans of the Wayan’s Brothers.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One important thing I can share is that you must be in touch with your sources, community and audience. I’ve been able to be funded on several occasions by local vendors that believed in my brand. I am able to represent my label well and get the attention of the local media thus able to be in a good spotlight in the media and community eye. The key is to be genuine, vibrant and true to your audience. To answer to all and respect all. Be passionate about your art and show your true self in person as well. That wins over the genuine support. To stand out believe in yourself and with vibrant confidence. Hang around positive circles and respect all who you encounter. Be thankful with all but also be aggressive in your passion to move things forward and with quality attention.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I am a prime sample of using the media to the fullest. I first created a page known as “Only in the Valley” and it got the attention as one of the largest pages in the region for a while. So much that I got some tv and radio interviews based on how I generated a lot of followers. I also was able to get sponsors and two library exhibits out of that element. After that I was able continue to use it to connect with my audience and reach more people in networking. Social media comes in waves and you need to not be afraid to ride those waves. Use it as much as you can but in a healthy and moderate level to where it’s passionate enough to get good results.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.smartycartoons.net
• Instagram: @smartycartoons
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartyfanpage
• Twitter: @smartycartoons
• Youtube: Smarty Cartoons

Image Credits
@the_lonemandalorian (blue character) @krisgn_cosplay (white bobba fett cosplayer)