Mr. Microphone…

A couple of weeks ago I did a phone interview for a small local newspaper promoting the Tucson Festival of Books, which took place this past weekend, and my participation in it. No big deal. I’ve done this kind of thing before. The nice thing about doing an interview over the phone rather than in person is that you can do other things while talking. I pace. If someone had opened a door while I was on the phone, I may have ended up in Indiana before the conversation was over.

“Hello Mr. Porfirio? I’d like to ask you a couple of questions about your work and life as an illustrator.” “Fire away!” (Thought bubble), “I’ve got this guy right where I want him–heh heh heh.” I’m always in control. Unless, of course, I’m feeling a little stress, uncomfortable, in the middle of a high fever, or under anesthesia. Other than that, I’m solid, a regular secret agent man. “What’s that? The plans for the new inter-planetary space transporter? Sure thing; behind the credenza– top left hand side–hidden panel. Tap it three times and slide it to the right. Here’s the key. Just leave it under the mat on your way out.” I’m pretty sure I told this unsuspecting reporter my shoe size. Not that he or the reading public needed to know that bit of information or even what my favorite pizza toppings are for that matter, sausage, onions, and green peppers just in case your wondering. See what I mean? But for some reason, that came out too. Ask me no questions and I tell you no lies, but if you do ask me a question I’ll start at the beginning. 

This is one of the highlights of my drawing workshop.

I call it... The Chair Guy.