BIOGRAPHY OF "DILBERT" ARTIST SCOTT ADAMS

I'm often asked what horrible events in my past caused me to be the
cartoonist I am today.  Here is my abbreviated biography and some
answers to the most frequently asked questions.

The Early Years

Born 6/8/57.  Raised in upstate New York.  Graduated valedictorian
because I was the only person who could spell "valedictorian." Began
actively doodling.  Became addicted to Peanuts books and Mad
magazines.  Decided to become a professional cartoonist at about age
six, but gave the notion up at age twelve when I found out it was
impossible.

Education

- Hartwick College, Oneonta New York, BA in economics, 1979.
- University of California at Berkeley, MBA, 1986.
- Certified Hypnotist, Clement School of Hypnosis, San Francisco,
1981.

Where I Live

In my senior year of college my car broke down on a desolate road in
upstate New York.  It was the middle of night and the middle of
winter.  I had arrogantly neglected to bring a coat.  I was miles
from civilization.  As I jogged along the road that night, wondering
if I would die, I promised myself that if I survived I would sell my
car for a one-way ticket to California and never see snow again.

Eventually a car came along and saved me.  That spring I sold my car
for a one-way ticket to California.  I've never been back to upstate
New York and I've never been in snow since.

Now I live in Dublin, California, about 35 miles east of San
Francisco.

Day Jobs

Crocker National Bank, San Francisco, 1979 to 1986, working in a
number of humiliating and low paying jobs including:  teller (robbed
twice at gunpoint), computer programmer, financial analyst, product
manager, and commercial lender.

Pacific Bell, San Ramon, California, 1986 to present (yeah, still
there).  Worked in a number of jobs that defy description but all
involve technology and finances.  Currently working in a laboratory
environment.

Why Do I Still Have My Day Job?

You never really have enough money.  Also, it's where I get my
material for the strip.  And I like playing with the technology.

Art Training

I took one drawing class in college and got the lowest grade in the
class.  Everything I know is just trial and error and lots of
doodling.  This probably comes as no big surprise to anybody.

How I Became a Syndicated Cartoonist

On the advice of a kind cartoonist I bought a book called "1988
Artist Markets" and followed the instructions on how to get
syndicated.  I drew fifty sample strips and mailed copies to the
major cartoon syndicates.  United Media called a few weeks later and
offered a contract.  I accepted.

Dilbert was launched in 1989 after several months of further
developing the strip.  This was my first cartooning for profit.

Where Did Dilbert and Dogbert Come From?

Dilbert is a composite of my co-workers over the years.  He emerged
over time as the main character of my doodles.  I started using him
in business presentations and got great responses.  A co-worker
suggested the name.  Dogbert was created later just so Dilbert would
have somebody to talk to.

Are You Like Dilbert?

It depends who you ask.  We share a love of technology and have a
similar dating history.  But I spend more time in the gym.

Dogbert's personality is an exaggerated version of my own.  He says
the things I would say if I didn't fear retribution and had lots of
time to think up clever responses.

What's the Story With Dilbert's Necktie?

It looks normal to me.  I don't know what you're talking about.

                                    =*=