Connect with us

Success Advice

(Video) Aaron McGruder – Making Millions From My Cartoon “The Boondocks”

Published

on

Image Credit: Unsplash


Aaron McGruder
is a successful American cartoonist best known for writing and drawing the Controversial Comic Strips & TV Show “The Boondocks“, based on two young African American brothers from inner-city Chicago now living with their grandfather in a sedate suburb.

Aaron McGruder, started drawing in his teenage years. Through his own research, Aaron knew that most professional cartoonists are self-employed. So in some sense, Aaron knew what he was getting his self into. For example, he knew that professional cartoonists typically had their work disseminated through newspapers via syndicates. This allowed Aaron to focus his energies effectively.

In hopes of polishing his craft, Aaron began submitting his comic strips to the “The Hitlist Online” in 1996. There, he received tremendous feedback. He recalled receiving 100’s of emails with positive feedback. However, he does recall receiving one email that told him he was “wack.” He was able to get his comics into his University paper, which had a readership of 20,000 people. Unfortunately, Aaron’s comic was pulled within 2 months. However, later on in the same year, Aaron’s comic was featured in “The Source” magazine.

Aaron, later, successfully got a writer at “Editor & Publisher” to write a story on him. This got Aaron nation-wide attention. Aaron used this opportunity to get in contact with key people. He contacted these key people associated with syndicates (e.g., Universal Press Syndicate (UPS)) by mail and in person. He met some people from UPS at a National Association of Black Journalists convention.

The UPS expressed interest in Aaron’s work. Having done his research, Aaron knew that it would best he let the lawyers handle the negotiations (something that, from his research, he knew other African American cartoonists didn’t do). This allowed him to maintain rights over all of his characters. Aaron was quoted as saying that in his first year of syndication he would be pulling in a successful income in the “six-figure range.”

Aarons Advice: Get help when you need it. When you’re about to get into negotiations that has to do with your intellectual property, make sure you have lawyers on your side, because if you’re dealing with a large company, they DEFINITELY got lawyers on their side.

Inside the mind of Aaron McGruder – Boondocks Exclusive (Part 1)

 

Inside the mind of Aaron McGruder – Boondocks Exclusive (Part 2)

 

I am the the Founder of Addicted2Success.com and I am so grateful you're here to be part of this awesome community. I love connecting with people who have a passion for Entrepreneurship, Self Development & Achieving Success. I started this website with the intention of educating and inspiring likeminded people to always strive for success no matter what their circumstances. I'm proud to say through my podcast and through this website we have impacted over 200 million lives in the last 10 years.

Advertisement
5 Comments

5 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Success Advice

The Real Reason Your Personal Brand Isn’t Working

When your brand is rooted in intention, it becomes compelling.

Published

on

personal branding strategy
Image Credit: Midjourney

Your brand isn’t a logo. It’s the lived expression of who you are, what you value, and the legacy you’re building. (more…)

Continue Reading

Success Advice

25 Leadership Lessons That Will Make You a Smarter, Stronger Leader

It blends emotional intelligence with strategic thinking, people skills with performance metrics, and empathy with execution.

Published

on

smart leadership skills
Image Credit: Midjourney

Leadership is not just a role; it’s a continuous journey of growth, reflection, and service. While personal experience shapes much of that journey, the wisest leaders learn from the triumphs and missteps of those who walked before them. (more…)

Continue Reading

Entrepreneurs

Why Passion, Not Profit, Builds the Most Successful Businesses

While the dream is grand, the journey comes with real challenges, risks, uncertainty, and setbacks that test your resilience

Published

on

Entrepreneurship mindset and strategy
Image Credit: Midjourney

Entrepreneurship excites many. The idea of being your own boss, building something meaningful, and breaking free from the 9-to-5 grind is incredibly appealing. (more…)

Continue Reading

Success Advice

The Modern Blueprint for Success: Mastery, Purpose, and High-Income Skills

If your current path feels empty, maybe it’s time to aim for something more meaningful

Published

on

what it really means to be successful
Image Credit: Midjourney

Most people chase success because they want more money. (more…)

Continue Reading

Trending