I did freelance cartooning off and on from college graduation in 1991 through ABC News hiring me in 2003. I did a weekly comic strip for 'Roll Call' for about nine years. I sold cartoons and caricatures to 'The Los Angeles Times' and 'The Washington Post.' I drew as much as I could. It's really tough to make a living doing it.

In this quote, Jake Tapper reflects on his career journey as a freelance cartoonist after his college graduation in 1991. Tapper describes how he worked independently, creating cartoons and illustrations for several years before being hired by ABC News in 2003. During this time, he contributed to a weekly comic strip for 'Roll Call' for nearly nine years, and also sold cartoons and caricatures to prominent publications like 'The Los Angeles Times' and 'The Washington Post'. His dedication to drawing highlights his passion for the craft, despite the challenges of pursuing a career in a competitive and uncertain field.

Tapper emphasizes the difficulty of making a living as a cartoonist, recognizing that while he loved creating art, the financial rewards were often uncertain. This reflects the reality of many freelancers, who face the instability of inconsistent work and income. Tapper's experience underscores the challenges of pursuing a career in the arts, where success is often achieved after years of hard work, persistence, and overcoming financial barriers.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Tapper’s personal experience as a freelancer in the art and media world, where he worked tirelessly in various roles before transitioning to broadcast journalism. His reflections offer insight into the realities of a creative career, emphasizing the unpredictability of making a living in the arts and the persistence required to keep moving forward despite setbacks.

Through this quote, Tapper highlights the difficulties and perseverance necessary to succeed as a freelance artist. His story serves as a reminder that creative pursuits often require a combination of talent, dedication, and resilience. Despite the challenges he faced in the early years, his success in both cartooning and journalism demonstrates how a varied career path can eventually lead to fulfillment and professional achievement.