Mark Brayer is the editorial cartoonist for The Daily Journal of Johnson County. Mark draws a weekly cartoon for the Saturday edition of the newspaper. He has been illustrating cartoons for the paper for several years and enjoys his work as a cartoonist. "I love to draw great looking cartoons--but if the message in one of my drawings makes a positive impact that affects people's lives, that's when it really counts." Mark has been drawing cartoons since he was very young. "I drew all the time--at home, school, wherever I could find a piece of blank paper. I would sit down for hours and fill the page with drawings." Mark not only finds joy in bringing life to cartoon creations, but teaching cartooning to kids. He has taught cartoon workshops for children at local elementary schools. "They love it, when they learn how easy it can be to create a cartoon character of their very own...it makes their day." Mark is also working on two comic books he hopes to publish. The first is a space adventure for kids and the second is a supernatural action story about a warrior who battles against demonic forces. Mark is a graduate of Allegany High School in Cumberland, Maryland, class of 1981, and attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He received one of his first professional cartooning experiences while attending college in Pittsburgh, where he was given the opportunity to work on an animated sequence for the Stephen King movie, "Creepshow". Some of Mark's recent awards: Best Editorial Cartoonist 1999 - Hoosier State Press Association Best Weekly Editorial Cartoonist 1998 - Hoosier State Press Association Best Use of Graphics 1999 - Hoosier State Press Association Best Editorial Cartoonist for a Daily 2001 - Second Place -- Hoosier State Press Association When he is not drawing, Mark enjoys being involved with children's ministry as a puppeteer at his local church. He resides in Whiteland, IN with his wife Danni, and his daughter Hayley.