Tim Doyle: The IAN Interview

Tim Doyle

Tim Doyle is an award-winning political illustrator/humorist. Tim's acute eye for detail and resolve to present images truthfully has been developed by working as a commercial photographer/film maker in a previous career. During this time, Tim received numerous awards both nationally and internationally. By turning his creativity to political satire, Tim has been able to distill the broad range of political misfortune into an accurate portrayal of wrongs within the system. Tim's plans are to keep making the public aware so that change can happen, if only we are actively involved. As the late U.S. Representative and activist John Lewis said, "When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, say something! Do something! Get in trouble! Good trouble! Necessary trouble!"

Tim’s academic past has included a diploma in photography from the Center for Creative Studies, Detroit, a BFA in drawing from Wayne State University, Detroit, and a post-graduate diploma from the London Film School, London, England.

Tim resides between London, England and the US.

IAN: Please tell us about your latest book.

Tim Doyle: Welcome to the Swamp: An Illustrated Journey into the Deplorable World of Donald J. Trump is a relentless, cringe-worthy, boldly illustrated look at the foibles of the Trump administration, certain to grasp your sense of reality and throttle it. From talking trash on the toilet to giving a thumbs-up to the Capitol insurgents, Trump has astounded his admirers and critics alike.

This fly-on-the-wall book of political indiscretions allows the viewer to witness, without the danger of an inflicted Twitter rampage, the most abhorrent acts of self-interest by Trump and his cronies. Although it represents a sad state of affairs, Welcome gleefully pokes fun at the Cheeto-in-Charge and his ensemble of misfits. It is a compelling read that will make you laugh and cry at the same time.

IAN: Is Welcome available in Print, eBook of both?

Tim Doyle: Print only.

IAN: What inspired you to write Welcome to the Swamp?

Tim Doyle: Current events and the need to voice my opinion on what I found offensive in the previous administration.

IAN: How long did it take to write Welcome to the Swamp?

Tim Doyle: I was able to complete the book from initial concept to finished printing and distribution in just over 9 months.

IAN: How did you come up with the title?

Tim Doyle: The concept of Swampy Don was inspired by a Stephen Colbert interview with Jon Stewart on June 25, 2020. During the interview, the conversation turned to Trump’s nicknames for everyone within his realm. Whether friend or foe, the monikers remained derogatory. Dragging Trump into his own game and bandying about possible names, Stewart announced, “He’s not draining the swamp! He is the swamp! He’s Donald Swamp. Ol’ Swampy Don. With eyes fixed to the camera, Stewart implored the audience to forever refer to Donald Trump by his new name. Thus, was born the character of “Swampy Don” who is listed as the author of Welcome to the Swamp. Once I had the concept of Swampy Don it was easy to form a title around his view of the swamp and Donald Trump.

IAN: How much of Welcome to the Swamp is realistic?     

Tim Doyle: 100%. The book is based on headlines and accompanying articles. Every headline/article is referenced with a date, name of publication and author/byline.

IAN: How is Welcome to the Swamp different from others in your genre?     

Tim Doyle: I don’t know if there are others that are similar in style. Most humor/satire is done in a conventional word-based approach. “Welcome” is primarily illustrations depicting the events of the day with accompanying headlines.

IAN: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Tim Doyle: Ralph Steadman and Gary Larson

IAN: Do you see writing as a career?  

Tim Doyle: Yes, definitely! I have found that creating an impact and possibly influencing peoples’ thought processes is stimulating and rewarding. As the late U.S. Representative and activist John Lewis said, "When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, say something! Do something! Get in trouble! Good trouble! Necessary trouble!"

IAN: Who designed the cover?

Tim Doyle: I designed both the cover (front and back) and the inside layout and illustrations.

IAN: What was the hardest part of writing Welcome to the Swamp?   

Tim Doyle: Trying to keep up with current events. I had to know when to stop. There was so much political information to choose from it was difficult to pre-edit prior to illustrating.

IAN: Tell us about your next book. Is it a sequel or a stand-alone?

Tim Doyle: 2021: A Year in Review: The Aftermath is a sequel to Welcome to the Swamp.

2021: A Year in Review: The Aftermath is a critical and irreverent retrospective of the political landscape of 2021. Although humorous in design, The Aftermath is a no-holds barred approach to stripping the skin off some of the most egregious offenses of the first year of the Biden administration. Witnessing Donald Trump's never-ending stranglehold on the Republican Party will have you gasping in disbelief and chuckling while trying to catch your breath. Whether you consider yourself Red or Blue, the illustrations and accompanying press articles will delight, enrage, elicit tears...and, hopefully, laughter as well. Enjoy the rollercoaster ride that was 2021.