Meet Michael Lee Sr

In his own words

Growing up in a family that never owned a home or a reliable car, life was full of challenges. Yet, amidst the struggles of poverty, a passion for drawing humorous cartoons took root and flourished. Over the years, I’ve worked a wide variety of jobs, farm labor, rice mills, chicken processing plants, river barges, and managing grocery stores, each experience adding depth and perspective to my journey.

At 65 years old, with no formal art training, I’ve come to see life itself as the greatest teacher. Every challenge, every triumph, and every job has shaped my artistic voice. This book is a celebration of that journey, an ode to perseverance, creativity, and the power of finding joy in unexpected places.

A style all his own

Michael draws everything by hand with pen and ink: wild-haired cowboys, birds in pinstripe suits, telephones with feelings. He has never tried to draw like anyone else, and it shows. Readers often say they have never seen cartoons quite like his.

Today he draws from home in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, most days from 4 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon. That is a lot of coffee and a lot of jokes.