Is it a flash of inspiration, or an agonizing search for an idea that shows up minutes before deadline? We want to know how the best editorial cartoonists create their best work. We look at dozens of cartoons every week from around the world and then invite a cartoonist to answer questions about the creative process. This week, Poynter Online Visual Journalism faculty member Sara Quinn asked Steve Breen, editorial cartoonist for the San Diego Union-Tribune, what sparked the idea for this cartoon and how the concept evolved.
What sparked the idea?
I was reading a NYT article or editorial (don’t remember) about Iraq two weeks ago and someone used the phrase “can of worms.” I started thinking about what relating to the war I could make look like a can of worms. A map of Iraq as the lid? No. A soldier’s gun barrel? No.
Then I thought of the iconic image of Saddam’s statue going down. Making the base round was the key. From there it fell into place.
I probably could have somehow made it only one panel, but I thought it had more impact with two.
How did you come to be an editorial cartoonist?
I’ve always been able to draw, and as I got into my late teen years I grew more and more interested in current events. Editorial cartooning is a great blend of these two interests. I started drawing for my student paper at the University of California at Riverside, then went from there to the Asbury Park Press in N.J.
Name: Steve Breen
Publication: San Diego Union-Tribune
Joined the paper: July 2001
Education: University of California at Riverside, political science and U.S. history
Also published in: Newsweek, Asbury Park Press, other papers through syndication
Awards: Pulitzer Prize, John Locher and Charles M. Schulz cartooning awards for his work on the university paper
Something to know about him: A Southern California native, he’s Copley’s youngest cartoonist
