Cartoonist Blog

Single-panel cartoons , also known as one-shot cartoons , deliver humor and insight within a single frame, capturing wit and commentary succinctly . Here are some of the most iconic examples:​ The Far Side Gary Larson 's ' The Far Side ' presents surreal and satirical humor, often featuring animals and unconventional scenarios that challenge everyday perceptions. ​ Speed Bump Dave Coverly's 'Speed Bump' offers clever observations on daily life, delivering punchlines that provoke thought and laughter. ​ Jim Shoenbill's Illustrations Jim Shoenbill's cartoons turn everyday life on its head, creating a world where animals talk and objects have personalities , all within a single frame.   Bill Whitehead's Cartoons Bill Whitehead's work showcases humorous single-panel cartoons that entertain by presenting quirky characters and situations . ​ Herman Jim Unger's ' Herman ' is a single-panel comic strip known for its dark humor and clever p...

Throughout history, cartoons —both in print and animation—have sparked controversy by addressing sensitive social, political, and cultural topics. Their provocative nature often challenges societal norms and prompts public discourse. Below is an overview of some of the most contentious cartoons and animated works:​ 1. Political Cartoons " Join, or Die " (1754) : Created by Benjamin Franklin , this early American political cartoon depicted a segmented snake representing the American colonies. It urged unity against British rule and became a symbol of colonial resistance. ​ Thomas Nast 's Depictions of Boss Tweed (1870s) : Nast's relentless caricatures of New York politician William "Boss" Tweed exposed corruption within Tammany Hall. Tweed reportedly lamented, "Stop them damn pictures... I don't care so much what the papers write about me—my constituents can't read—but damn it, they can see pictures." ​ Ed Valtman's Vietnam War Cart...

A professional animator 's daily routine can vary based on factors such as their specific role, the project's stage, and the studio's workflow. However, a typical day often includes the following activities:​ Morning Workspace Setup : Animators typically begin their day by setting up their workspace, which includes a powerful computer with a good graphics card and plenty of RAM. They might also have sketchbooks and other drawing tools handy. ​ Team Meetings : Many animators start with a team meeting to discuss the day's goals, review progress, and address any challenges. This helps ensure everyone is on the same page. ​ Mid-Morning Storyboarding : If working on a new project, animators might spend time developing storyboards. This involves sketching out the sequence of events and keyframes that will guide the animation. ​ Checking Renders : Animators often check the renders that were processed overnight to see how their animations are coming along and make any neces...

Storyboarding is a pivotal phase in animation production , serving as the visual blueprint that guides the narrative, pacing, and overall direction of the project. It involves creating a sequence of drawings or images that outline each scene, allowing the creative team to visualize and plan the animation before full-scale production begins. ​ The Storyboarding Process Script Development : The process begins with a script that details the storyline, dialogue, and key actions. This script provides the foundation upon which the storyboard is built. ​ Thumbnail Sketches : Storyboard artists create small, rough sketches known as thumbnails to conceptualize the sequence of events and camera angles. These sketches are quick and exploratory, focusing on composition and flow rather than detailed artwork. ​ Detailed Panels : Once the thumbnails are approved, artists develop more detailed panels. Each panel represents a specific moment or action, illustrating character positions, expressions, b...

Pixar Animation Studios has profoundly transformed the animation industry since its inception, pioneering technological advancements and storytelling techniques that have set new standards for animated filmmaking. ​ Pioneering Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) In 1995, Pixar released "Toy Story," the first feature-length film entirely created using computer-generated imagery (CGI). This groundbreaking achievement demonstrated the potential of CGI in storytelling, moving beyond traditional hand-drawn animation. The film's success not only showcased the capabilities of emerging technologies but also set a precedent for future animated films. ​ Technological Innovations Pixar's commitment to innovation led to the development of proprietary tools like Presto, an in-house animation software created in 2012. Presto allows animators to work in a live, interactive environment, enabling precise control over character movements and expressions. This tool, among others, ha...