"Blank Fields"

It's a long way to the top when you spend all your time in the principal's office

A bit about Mike Gillett...

Born and raised in Binghamton, NY, Gillett first read editorial cartoonist Bill Mauldin's autobiography, "The Brass Ring", in junior high school - and then looked around and saw what Oliphant, Conrad and MacNelley were doing with (and to) Nixon and Agnew. And, so, something clicked (or maybe snapped) and he soon realized that he might actually make money doing what up till then had only gotten him in trouble in the classroom!

After attending (and graduating from) the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Gillett spent some time (150 months to be exact) as a graphic designer before starting "Gillett Cartooning Services" in February of 1991.

Gillett's editorial cartoons have appeared in some thirty daily and weekly newspapers in four states on a regular basis. He carved a successful niche for himself as a "staff" cartoonist to these papers. Papers that, while not having the budget for a full-time editorial cartoonist, realized - and desired - the benefits of one. Each cartoon - on national, state and local topics - is drawn uniquely for each of these papers.

In addition, Gillett has also provided cartoon illustrations for many of these papers. As if all this didn't keep him busy enough, he continues to maintain a lengthly client list as an outlet for his commercial cartoon work.

Gillett also does more than his fair share of panel cartoons, comic strips and caricatures (both in-studio and at events).

A father of two and a husband of one, in his "spare" time, he is an avid genealogist and a rabid Civil War Reenactor (portraying a Union Chaplain: Gillett is an ordained minister as well)... but more importantly, has become a Grandfather for the first time!

What others say about Gillett and his award winning cartoons...

"You have the cartoons that show Gillett's quality. What might not be as apparent is his commitment to accurate, quality work. We have had many discussions (and some arguments) over the images he produces. No matter who wins these debates, every line and letter of his cartoons reflect his commitment." - an editor

"(Gillett has) that true artistic ability to convey a statement in a cartoon which 10 news stories could not match." - an editor

"... Michael Gillett is a great talent (and a heck of a nice guy) who is a godsend to a small daily newspaper like ours. We like to stir up trouble, and Mike's local-oriented cartoons are a vital part of our arsenal. He causes fear and loathing among local officials because they never know when they might fall prey to what our sherrif called Mike's 'uncontrolled pen'.

Mike works fast, is no prima donna and produces a stream of first-rate cartoons. He doesn't mind making changes when necessary and quickly grasps the heart of complex local issues. I'm extremely pleased to have his talents available... and, based on the comments I've heard, I know our readers are pleased too..." - an editor

"(His) cartoons would be a blessing for any daily newspaper... (His) cartoon does what a good editorial cartoon should do, besides being well drawn, it is simple and gets to the point..." - Ohio Associated Press Award judges

"(Gillett is) one of the most underappreciated people in our business... his work is dynamite and I hope you'll treat yourself to another thoughtful look..." - Pulitzer Prize Winning Editorial Cartoonist and Creator of the comic strip, "ZITS", Jim Borman

"Gillett has a keen eye for the absurd and a clean line for expressing what his eye sees. The result is a combination of insight and humor." - Editorial Cartoonist, Chip Bok