Interesting article about editorial cartoonist Mike Keefe over at Cagle.com. Mike has just accepted a buyout from the Denver Post where he’s been a staffer for over 35 years. He’ll retire from The Post on the 29th of November.

In an interview Mike was asked what role he thought cartoonists have in this digital age? His response: “The answer to that is implied in your question. Clearly cartoonists must create with digital media in mind. Traditional newspapers are going to be a less robust and thinner version of their former selves. Not many will be able to afford to support a full-time cartoonist. That means someone has to crack the code concerning online profits. Till that time, it will be a forum for the dedicated and passionate cartoonist who also works at Starbucks.”

It’s amazing to me that after all these years, I still have a chip on my shoulder about such comments. That the old guard still considers us part-time amateurs. Passionate baristas. If I’ve learned one thing in the 14 years I’ve been a full-time cartoonist, it’s that you can not let anyone else define your professionalism. It has to be a personal ethos to which you adhere despite third party influence or acceptance. The old measuring sticks for professionalism are going away and now more than ever it’s time for independent creatives to set the bar.

Set it high.