At a young age, Ron began his career as a pro illustrator (pro bono that is). Later at age 13 he attempted a paid gig when he saw an Art Instruction Schools’ “Draw Me” ad in TV Guide. Ron submitted a rendering of Tippy the Turtle, hoping at least for the $10 cash prize but only got a cheezy “thanks for trying” letter. (If it weren’t for the fact that Ron’s brother actually drew Tippy, he may have thought he was on to something.) A bit later in high school art studies, Ron again took a stab at this noble craft but soon dropped out of the class after concluding that he didn’t like drawing. Eventually the art bug-bite finally became systemic, but he can no longer cash in with another Tippy submission as

the Art Instruction Schools are no more.