Today, we share a Q&A with Jim Benton!

How did you begin your career as a cartoonist?

JB: Like most cartoonists, I started drawing before I started reading. But my first regular paycheck as an artist began when I started working in a T-shirt shop.

What inspires you?

JB: I did a collection of cartoons a million years ago with Simon & Schuster called DEALING WITH THE IDIOTS IN YOUR LIFE. My editor said my cartoons were about "The absurdity of existence." I'm not sure if that's what inspires me, but it makes me sound smart, so I'm going with it.

What are your biggest achievements and accomplishments?

JB: I'm nominated for an Eisner Award to be presented at Comic-Con. (DOG BUTTS AND LOVE. AND STUFF LIKE THAT. AND CATS.)

I'm a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the kids' book series DEAR DUMB DIARY with more than 10 million books sold, and in 15 languages. I also co-wrote and produced a film based on the series, with Jerry Zucker, which is now on Netflix.

I'm the author of the award-winning book series from Simon & Schuster called FRANNY K. STEIN.

I won a NCS Divisional Reuben Award.

My picture book, THE END (ALMOST), won a NAPPA Award.

I created an animated series that ran on FoxKids for a couple seasons, called THE SECRET FILES OF THE SPYDOGS.

I created IT'S HAPPY BUNNY, a licensing success that has sold more 3/4 of a billion dollars at retail, and won the top industry award five times. Campaigns I created from the brand have won three Addy awards, and the books were top picks from the American Librarians Association.

Here's a quick bio from my site: http://jimbenton.com/page31/page22/page22.html

What were your favorite childhood comics? What comics do you read today?

I still read a lot of them. I even read the ones I don't like, just to see if I still don't like them.

Do you have any upcoming projects or appearances?

I'll be at the San Diego Comic-Con Eisner Awards being beaten by Sergio Aragones. I'll also be signing there someplace. Watch my Twitter if you're interested - twitter.com/JimBenton

What is your studio/workspace like?

My studio is in my house. Sometimes it's a wreck and sometimes it's an absolute wreck.

Are there any comics you'd like to share with us today?

Here are a few that have been really popular online:

Read Jim Benton Cartoons here.