Teen Cartoonist turns talent into a business

By: Isabel Mascareñas

Town'N Country, Florida - By the age of 16 many teens are looking for some extra cash. So they might get a part time job at places like a fast food restaurant. One bay area teen has found a way to combine her artistic talent with business.

16-year-old Leah Lopez started drawing at the age of 2. She'd scribble crayon shapes on her bedroom wall.

Leah Lopez, Teen Cartoonist:

“Since then I've always had that creative side, always kept with the art, always been encouraged.”

Today the 11^th grader scribbles using colored pencils. Her favorite subject animals, especially whales.

Leah:

“They're fascinating and I'm intrigued by them.”

Leah's natural talent got her noticed early on her artwork framed school programs and calendars and now family pets.

Leah:

“I try to make my art look realistic still convey emotion in my animals, people, plants.”

Leah loves her fine art drawings and there are many but her cartoon characters have lead to her own business.

Leah:

“A pineapple it's tropical put a hula hoop and earrings, have fun with it.”

A kids' cartooning workshop at a neighborhood library last spring gave Leah the idea she now heads Leah's Cartooning Parties, Inc.

Leah:

“I really love it that's the purpose of our business uncover hidden talents.”

Leah says through cartooning kids learn the fundamentals.

Leah:

“ I do step by step circles here line there they're surprised how good it comes out…They find out what a joy drawing can really be.”

Leah hopes to be an animator one day. In the meantime, she'll keep holding cartooning workshops for kids at daycare centers, libraries and birthday parties.

Kids can sign up for one of Leah's workshops tomorrow at the TampaMuseum of Art's Family Day. The evens are free.

Leah's Cartooning Parties,

Leah Lopez

813-957-5524

cartoonparty@hotmail.com

Tampa Museum of Art

Family Day (Free Event)

Saturday, September 16^th

1:00 PM-4:00 PM

600 North Ashley Drive