Revenge of the Golf Widow
What can you tell us about your new book Revenge of the Golf Widow?
The book was really FUN to do, looking at a women’s point of view of what she could do with Golf clubs, although a bit extreme. It's all very light hearted. We have lots more sketches on this idea, endless really!
You have been together for over 20 years, so how did you first meet?
We met in the late 80’s; I was a cartoonist in need of some graphic design so I was introduced to David. We both then worked freelance for a local publication, then designed several board games and artwork for other companies.
Please tell us about the inspiration behind your designs and images.
The design inspiration comes within our daft innovative imaginations. We have developed many characters through chance conversations together, creating a personal identity for each character. The book shows this at it's best, we can now move these characters on to Post cards/Calendars/T-Shirts etc., an endless journey.
Chaz, you are a cartoonist and were a member for the Cartoonist Club of Great Britain, so when did you first know you had a talent for drawing cartoons?
Yes I am a cartoonist; I love every minute of it! Doing what was once a hobby now my career! I first got noticed at school for my witty sketches by my art teacher, I have always doodled from a small age. I was 1 of seven children being the second eldest, so I didn't get a lot of attention from Mum as she was constantly looking after little brothers and sisters. So I just doodled away by myself, I became a member of the cartoonist club in 1987, I was asked to join by a leading member who had spotted my talents at that time. A very exclusive club. At 28 yrs. I decided to follow my dream, I am still living this dream with Dave, and we’re putting SMILES on people’s faces!
Dave, you studied a degree in graphic design at Dunstable College, so tell us about your background before this.
I left school at 15 in 1979 and joined a local Printers where I was going to do some part time 'summer' work helping in the factory until my 16th birthday when I was set to start a full time job in my local Nat West Bank. I had studied art at school but had always set my sights on working in the banking industry. Anyway, I really enjoyed my 3 months at the printers, so much so I took up their offer of an apprenticeship and subsequently started a 4 year 1 day release at Dunstable College, hence my Print/Design background. After I passed my exams I joined a Graphic Design Diploma course for a further 2 and a half years (in my own time). In 1986 I set up my own business called Classic Design and through working with other designers/artists met Chaz in 1987 ... and the rest they say IS HISTORY!
What is a normal session like when you get together, what is your creative process?
Our session meetings and inspirations are all very light hearted and funny to-boot! If with a client, everything gets brought to the table. Crazy concepts become a reality and this is fun to do! Especially if it's in the pub because people on the outside suddenly become involved in our conversation and sketch ideas and therefore add value to the concept. Great!
What made you decide to choose golf as the subject for this book?
We chose Golf because we both love the game, golf is totally word wide, and it has a massive audience globally. We also could see the funny side of a serious sport, so we decided to show everyone the lighter side of the game where as the golfer is targeted by his ever loving orphaned Partner (Wife).
Your images and designs are on cards, mugs, t shirts and books, so can you tell us a bit more about these?
Yes we have our designs on many items, Pint Mugs/T-Shirts/Greeting cards/Gift wrap/Prints/Plush Toys/Bedroom walls/E-commerce sites/Media publications/Books, and much more. Our designs are bought under license from us by our clients; they then proceed to develop these designs into products of their own choice once granted. We also publish our own greeting cards and offer them to clients globally. We have sold designs internationally that still return us Royalty payments.
What is next for you both?
The world never stops and neither shall we! We will continue to seek out new markets for our publications and designs, create more characters and eventually rule the world!
Who knows what is around that corner for us? But to our future potential clients, we are definitely around their corner for them.