City Cast Las Vegas logo

3 Questions With Sun Editorial Cartoonist Mike Smith

Posted on December 6, 2022   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Scott Dickensheets

Scott Dickensheets

A Mike Smit self-portrait depicting him wearing a green shirt

Why did Mike Smith wear a green shirt on picture day? (Mike Smith/Las Vegas Sun)

You’ve been doing this a long time; how do you keep it fresh?

✒️ "I've been doing this so long that I've forgotten how long I've been doing it. Keeping it fresh isn't too much of a challenge in our constant news cycle. New headlines are constantly being churned out which gives me ample subject matter."

How do you find material when there’s not much going on in politics?
✒️ "Thank goodness for Elon Musk. He's the gift that keeps on giving. I could probably justify a cartoon on him each week. There's never a shortage of topics that don't deal with politicians. I often find myself drawing about topics unrelated to politics simply because I don't want to draw five cartoons a week on Congress or the president. Considering that there is a war in Ukraine, turmoil in Iran, a pandemic, mass shootings, and economic challenges, it's easy to consider topics other than politics."


Who do you most like to draw?
✒️ "People with prominent physical characteristics are the easiest. Caricature is based on exaggeration, so whether it's Obama's ears or Trump's hair, I'm looking for aspects to exaggerate that will make a caricature recognizable. Of the presidents I have drawn, I would say Trump has been the easiest. Once you get the hair down, the rest falls into place. (There's really no secret to drawing Trump's hair. It's just a matter of trial and error in practice sketches until it works.) Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton were also enjoyable to draw due to their hair. Obama is probably the hardest president I've had to draw. Other than the ears, there's just not a lot to work with."

More Mike Smith Cartoons
see more:education,art

Share article

Hey Las Vegas

Stay connected to City Cast Las Vegas and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

The latest in Las Vegas

Keep It Local from City Cast Las VegasJune 26

Turn Your Closet Into a Store

Looking for the best vintage clothing in Las Vegas? Visit Republic Goods in the Arts District to shop pre-loved fashion, rare finds, and...

The front of Republic Goods - an olive-painted building with a rose mural.
Keep It Local from City Cast Las VegasJune 26

High-End Style Without the High-End Price Tag

Discover Vegas' booming vintage and consignment scene! Shop consciously, find unique designer fashion, and give second life to old treasu...

A bright, open store with clothing racks along the walls and a long wood bench running down the center.
Las Vegas, ExplainedJune 19

Take This Week's Las Vegas News Trivia Quiz

Ready for a challenge? Take our weekly quiz, based on the news and stories of this past week in Las Vegas.

The Fremont Street Experience and a street light.
Las Vegas' BestJune 18

Father's Day Freebies in Las Vegas

Dads, step-dads, and granddads get to enjoy a few free perks for Father's Day on June 21.

A bar and lounge.
Las Vegas, ExplainedJune 15

Where to Watch July 4 Fireworks in Las Vegas 2026

Your guide to fireworks shows and the legalities of setting off your own in Clark County. Spoiler: It's complicated.

Fireworks erupting above Downtown.
Las Vegas' BestJune 8

Off-Beat Summer Road Trips From Las Vegas

Fill up the tank, check those tires, and hit the highway for a few not-so-obvious vacation destinations in the Southwest.

Victorian architecture in Carlsbad.
Food & DrinkJune 4

Our Top Picks for Restaurant Week

The City Cast Las Vegas team shares our top picks for the most interesting and attractive prix fixe menus during Restaurant Week.

A bowl of rigatoni.
Las Vegas, ExplainedJune 2

Where to Watch FIFA World Cup Soccer in Las Vegas

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is June 11-19. So we've narrowed down the best places to watch soccer in Las Vegas.

Mexico and Costa Rica face off at Allegiant Stadium during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.