WARREN - The country's youngest syndicated cartoonist showed the way he draws his cartoon characters and how he got started in his artistic career.

The Trumbull Area Reading Council hosted Duane Abell at their recent gathering at the Sunrise in Warren where he shared how he began his lifelong pursuit starting in an elementary school learning the craft of cartooning

Abell drew syndicated cartoons for newspapers and magazines at age 15, becoming the youngest syndicated cartoonist in the country, he said.

His first cartoon appeared in a supermarket tabloid in which he earned $50, but was shocked when his first check at age 13 was made out to "Diane Abell"

Abell attended the University of Akron switching from art education to majoring in theater arts and was known for being the Akron School mascot, Zippy, a kangaroo.

He started his own company, Corky Comics, and has had his work featured in books. His comics have been nominated for several awards across the country.

"I have always wanted to be a cartoonist,'' he said.

Abell said his inspirations for his comics come from different places as he works out of his basement studio.

Many cartoons are inspired from childhood memories, including a character, Clyde, who always has a bucket on his head. Another character is Zed, a laundry dweller who retired from the world of fabric softener into the arms of a loving adoptive family.

His mentors included Charles Shultz, creator of ''Peanuts.''

In his programs at schools and libraries, Abell tells children to work, study, learn and always try.

"It is important for them to practice and practice,'' he said.

Abell said children should go to the library where they can gain knowledge for free.

"No matter what you do, do it because you love it. Always follow your passion and do what you like," he said.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com