Nate Fakes shared his story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Nate, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Though things can change regularly as a cartoonist, I try to stick with my morning routine to get me in the groove of the day ahead. First and foremost — coffee. I nudge myself out of bed around 5 AM every morning and grab a cup of joe to get me moving. From there, I go into my writing routine for my syndicated gag cartoon, Break of Day. I try to write for around 30 minutes or so. Some days I come up with a week’s worth of material, other days, zip. But the routine is important. It’s how ideas ultimately get formed, even when I blank out and can’t come up with anything.
After writing, I typically go right into my drawing process and crank out a panel or two. Some days, I switch things up to create other projects, like my animations for my series, Palmdale Flea.
At this point, it’s been around 90 minutes. Time for another cup of coffee….
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the artist and writer behind the daily syndicated cartoon, Break of Day, which appears in over 80 newspapers nationwide. Beyond that, I’m the artist and animator for Palmdale Flea, a new series co-created with my comedian/producer pal, Brandon Scott Wolf. I also work on books as an illustrator and am a greeting card artist. I also dabble in graphic novels, teaching cartooning, and enjoy working at live events, like San Diego Comic Con.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents really helped me the most by being supportive of my art. They’d buy me paper and pens growing up, and I was allowed to make my room into a studio at a young age. They also rented Disney movies and other animated features from the video store (yes, this shows my age), which really influenced me. Also, we had an ample supply of comic books, MAD Magazines, and Dad had the morning newspaper delivered, and always offered up the comic section when he was done.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Many times! I’ve worked so many day jobs to get by before becoming a cartoonist full-time. I used to be a busboy, waiter, Pizza Hut manager, sold cars, worked tech support, built barbed wire fences, stocked ice cream on shelves — you name it. There is no easy road to becoming a cartoonist. Even these days, I describe my work like being a farmer with good and bad months. It’s a hustle. The industry shifts and changes so much that I have to pivot all the time. All this said, yes, there are so many moments where I’ve thought, “What’s the point?” That said, I love what I do, and it’s rewarding. Even though it’s not an easy road, it’s been worth it.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
It’s not “fake” (I get that all the time, with my last name being “Fakes”). I pride myself on being a genuine person, and what you see is what you get. I put myself out there on social media and so forth, and that’s really me. Of course, I’m human and have my good and bad days, so my mood can change. But in general, I’m pretty consistent. I’m definitely an introvert, but I’m pretty good at not acting like one when it’s time to be around the public. That said, I can only last a few hours before I’m ready to be alone again. It’s nothing personal, just I get drained rapidly being around too many people at events and get-togethers.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was a good person and went after everything I wanted to do. I hope my work shines through long after I’m gone and continues to (hopefully) keep people entertained.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nfakes.com
- Instagram: https://www..instagram.com/nate_fakes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natefakes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natefakescartoons
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PalmdaleFlea
- Other: Palmdale Flea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@palmdaleflea
Break of Day: https://comicskingdom.com/break-of-day
Image Credits
All images copyright Nate Fakes
