What Would You Take?

I don’t know about you, but towels are very important to me. That’s what prompted this drawing. Months ago, I spent an inordinate amount of time trying to find the best bath towel online, without spending $$$$$$ on one towel (which is possible, it’s amazing). I finally was successful after numerous purchases and returns. If I ever split from my husband, you better believe I’m taking them with me (not going to happen, don’t worry, Michael. I’m staying and so are the towels).

This drawing is in this week’s issue of The New Yorker. Even after forty years of doing this, it’s still a thrill to have a drawing in there. And doubly great is that my drawing is the first one in the issue. Back when I began a million years ago, having your drawing be first in the issue was considered a big deal. I’m not sure if it means much now, it might simply be a random selection by the person who puts the magazine together every week (strangely enough called the Makeup Person). Back in those days, that first cartoon was also often a timely political reference.

I recall this drawing being challenging to write, to get the wording just right and in the right order. I knew it had to end with the “punchline” which is “good towels.” Captions should read as natural. The drawing itself needed to have just the right tone: the woman looking sheepish (trying to leave with all the good towels), the man acting like he only cared about the towels. And then it always helps to put a cat or dog in any domestic scene, as long as they don’t detract from the idea. I use India Ink, a crow quill pen with ink wash.

So, on the eve of July 4th, I wish you happy towel hunting. See you tomorrow.