Scott Stantis

After 10 years as full-time editorial cartoonist for the Chicago Tribune, Scott Stantis is taking a step back from the drawing board by shifting to freelance status.

Under the new arrangement, his work will continue to appear in the Tribune but less frequently than it does now.

Stantis said the voluntary cutback will allow him to pursue other interests and projects, including writing children's books, painting, and exploring animation.

Turning 60 earlier this year prompted his reassessment. “This milestone got me to thinking that, after a 40-plus year career, there are so many other things I want to try, and time is more and more precious,” Stantis told me.

Stantis, a San Diego native, joined the Tribune in 2009 after working for the Birmingham News, Orange County Register, Memphis Commercial Appeal and The Arizona Republic. His work is syndicated by Tribune Content Agency and also appears in USA Today.

He's also been a regular contributor to "The Mincing Rascals," a weekly podcast hosted by John Williams for Tribune Broadcasting WGN 720-AM. Asked about his status on the show, Stantis said: "We are still working on that."

Scott Stantis (Chicago Tribune, July 3, 2019)