Lee Enterprises Presents a Unique Drawing Series
Lee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: LEE), a prominent name in local news, is uniting creativity with technology through an exciting event series titled “Draw Off.” This innovative initiative features exceptional cartoonists from well-known publications collaborating with D.J. Coffman, the Director of Comics at VeeFriends, a unique character universe founded by the influential entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk.
Live Streaming Events Scheduled
Set to be streamed live on Facebook, the first drawing session will take place with The Wisconsin State Journal's Phil Hands, followed by The Buffalo News' Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Adam Zyglis. These events will be on consecutive days - the 20th and 22nd of May.
Understanding the Art of Cartooning
Phil Hands expressed his enthusiasm: "I’m excited to share my drawing process with State Journal readers and introduce the art of political cartooning to the VeeFriends fans. I can’t wait to see how my creative process compares to D.J.’s." Similarly, Adam Zyglis shared, "We may be cartoonists of different stripes, but we both utilize the power of visual storytelling.”
Experience Creative Interaction
Each session, lasting one hour, promises a unique interactive experience for viewers. Audiences can actively engage by commenting and voting as the cartoonists bring their sketches to life. Finished sketches will be available for free download, and fans are encouraged to suggest themes for future events.
Bringing Communities Together
Nathan Bekke, Lee’s Senior Vice President, notes, “These events offer a unique opportunity to blend our newsroom voices with a broader digital audience through creativity and shared storytelling. Live drawing serves as an irresistible way for us to achieve this.”
Adding more insight into the dynamic collaboration, D.J. Coffman remarked, “The spontaneity of sketching live and the immediate reactions from the audience truly embodies the essence of storytelling. Collaborating with legends like Phil and Adam creates an exciting blend of VeeFriends' energy and traditional editorial cartooning.”
Event Information
For those interested in joining these live sessions, here are the details:
Session 1: Facebook Live Cartoon Drawing with Phil Hands and D.J. Coffman
Date: May 20, 2025
Time: 5 to 6 p.m. EDT / 4 to 5 p.m. CDT
Location: Wisconsin State Journal Facebook Page
Session 2: Facebook Live Cartoon Drawing with Adam Zyglis and D.J. Coffman
Date: May 22, 2025
Time: 5 to 6 p.m. EDT / 4 to 5 p.m. CDT
Location: The Buffalo News Facebook Page
About Lee Enterprises
Lee Enterprises Inc. is widely recognized as a trusted local news provider, serving numerous markets across various states. Committed to delivering high-quality journalism and embracing digital innovation, Lee provides valuable content to its communities and partners. For more information, please visit their official website.
About VeeFriends and Gary Vaynerchuk
VeeFriends is an innovative entertainment company that champions values of community through a diverse universe of characters. Each of the over 250 characters represents unique stories that inspire personal connections, empowerment, and joy. Created by Gary Vaynerchuk, a thought leader in business and digital culture, VeeFriends aims to nurture creativity and self-discovery. Gary is celebrated for his forward-thinking mindset and contributions to the entrepreneurship landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Draw Off” event series?
The “Draw Off” series is a live drawing event featuring editorial cartoonists collaborating with VeeFriends' director to showcase creativity and engage the audience.
When will the live drawing sessions take place?
The live sessions are scheduled for May 20 and May 22, with specific times listed for each event.
How can viewers participate in the drawing sessions?
Viewers can watch live on Facebook, engage by commenting, voting during the sessions, and download sketches after the events.
Who are the featured cartoonists in the series?
Phil Hands from The Wisconsin State Journal and Adam Zyglis from The Buffalo News will be the featured cartoonists.
What is VeeFriends about?
VeeFriends is an entertainment company created by Gary Vaynerchuk, focusing on building community through a universe of characters that inspire engagement and connection.
