From a recent press write-up:

Kerry G. Johnson: Award-winning cartoonist encourages children to follow their artistic dreams

What does it take to become a successful cartoonist and caricaturist? That was one of the many questions asked of Kerry G. Johnson, an award-winning cartoonist, caricaturist and graphic designer, who spoke recently to a group of children at Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria,Va.

His answer: “You have to practice drawing everyday and never give up on your goal of getting your work published.”

Johnson, of Columbia, Md., was invited to talk to the third- and fourth-graders as part of the church’s Black History Month program. He told them that he began drawing while in kindergarten and knew he was destined to become an artist after winning first place in an art contest.

Several years ago, he and his wife, Tawanda, started the web comic, Harambee Hills on GoComics.com, which features the antics of a suburban African-American family.

“I never thought that I would get paid to be an artist, but happened for me, and it can happen for you,” he said.