Educating America: #2 The Failed Cartoonist...

Clif Tinker is a self-admitted "failed cartoonist", but an accomplished artist. He is currently teaching Art at Madison HS, where he also has the distinction of Department Head of Fine Arts. Clif is an extremely talented, creative, and people-friendly individual. His journey has taken him through many avenues of the Arts, but eventually landed him in the teaching profession. In college he loved to draw cartoons for the newspaper in school. The editor, didn't see the value in his artwork, and thus fired him. So the so-called "failed cartoonist", took his creative talents to the educational realm. He has been teaching in public school for 20 years now, and taught privately for another, near decade. His work has been honored by HEB (a local grocery store chain) in which they have made grocery bags, mugs, aprons, and many other items with his art on them. They are currently for sale at any of the 180 HEB stores located in Texas. I've known Clif for about 13 years (teaching together) and I must say, his work stands out and above most. He has been honored by the San Antonio Spurs NBA team (the banners hanging in the AT&T center, belong to him, as well as, the 2003 Championship celebration poster done in 2004). TSTA commissioned him to create their century celebration poster in Austin. And the San Antonio Library used his design on their 100 year celebration poster. Clif has a big heart for helping others, and he hopes his art inspires others to reach their potential. Quoted from a recent interview with the Express News, I want my art to "uplift people" and be affordable. "I love that you can own Clif Tinker art for $1.50 and eat off of it, too". Clif is not only a creative artist and educator, but an inspiration to us all when it comes to perseverance and staying true to his calling. Click here to learn more about Clif on our website. As always, leave a comment or two. Enjoy....