Cartoonist Blog

"The first time I showed my cartoon to another artist, I was nervous. What if they hated it? Instead, they pointed out something I hadn't seen—and helped me make it better. That moment changed how I approached my entire creative process." —  Arifur Rahman , cartoonist, writer, and founder of  Toons Mag  and  Cartoonist Network Cartooning Is a Dialogue, Not a Monologue Cartooning may look like a solo journey—but behind every great cartoonist is a circle of peers, mentors, and editors who offer perspective, encouragement, and critique. In the age of social media and instant publishing, it’s tempting to skip feedback altogether and go straight to “likes.” But if you truly want to grow as an artist, storyteller, and communicator,  peer feedback is one of the most powerful tools you can embrace . In this post, I’ll explain why feedback matters, how it has shaped my own cartooning journey, and how you can give and receive critique that improves—not discourages—your cr...

“Before my cartoons reached international exhibitions or were featured in magazines, they lived in online forums—where strangers became mentors, and every critique became a lesson.” —  Arifur Rahman , cartoonist and founder of  Toons Mag  and  Cartoonist Network A Lifeline for the Isolated Artist Cartooning can be solitary. We spend hours hunched over our sketchpads or tablets, caught in our own thoughts. While solitude can fuel creativity,  too much of it can also stunt growth . That’s why, for me,  online forums have always been a creative lifeline —a space where I could connect with other artists, get feedback, learn new techniques, and stay motivated. In this post, I’ll share  how online cartoonist forums helped me grow—artistically, professionally, and emotionally , and how you can benefit from these digital communities too. 1. What Are Online Forums for Cartoonists?  Online forums are  virtual communities where artists gather to discuss...

“When I held my first cartooning workshop, I was nervous. Would the students be interested? Could I really teach what I knew? But when the pencils started moving and the laughter began, I realized: cartooning isn’t just teachable—it’s contagious.” —  Arifur Rahman , cartoonist, educator, and founder of  Toons Mag  and  Cartoonist Network Why I Started Teaching Cartooning Cartooning changed my life. It gave me a voice, helped me make sense of the world, and allowed me to speak truth to power through humor and art. That’s why I’ve spent the last decade  sharing cartooning with others—especially young people and aspiring artists —through hands-on workshops around the world. From schools and universities to refugee camps and libraries, I’ve taught cartooning in  Norway, Bangladesh, India, Sweden, and Slovakia . Every workshop is different, but each one proves the same thing:  cartooning empowers people  to express, reflect, and connect. In this post, ...

“The first time I organized a cartoon exhibition, I didn’t have a budget, a sponsor, or even enough frames. But I had something stronger: a message to share and a group of artists willing to speak through their drawings. That’s how it began.” —  Arifur Rahman , cartoonist and founder of  Toons Mag  and  Cartoonist Network Why Exhibit Cartoons? Cartoons aren’t just for the back pages of newspapers or social media timelines. When displayed thoughtfully in a gallery, library, school, or online space, cartoons become  artifacts of public dialogue, dissent, and creativity . A cartoon exhibition can: 💬 Spark political or social discussions ✊ Advocate for rights, justice, or freedom of expression 🎨 Showcase artistic talent from local or global cartoonists 📚 Educate communities on complex issues through visual storytelling I've organized cartoon exhibitions in  Norway, Bangladesh, Sweden, India, Slovakia, and online , with artists from over 100 countries. Each o...

“Some of my most powerful comics were born not from solitude, but from dialogue—with a writer who brought ideas I never would have imagined on my own. When words and pictures align, something magical happens.” —  Arifur Rahman , cartoonist, editor, and founder of  Toons Mag  and  Cartoonist Network The Power of Two Minds Cartooning is often seen as a solo pursuit—but behind many great comics and editorial pieces is a  writer-artist partnership  that turns ideas into unforgettable stories. Whether you’re drawing for a webcomic, a graphic novel, an editorial piece, or a children’s book, knowing  how to collaborate effectively with a writer  is a skill that can elevate your work—and lead to lasting creative relationships. In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned from collaborating with writers over the past two decades—both successfully and awkwardly. You'll get real-world advice, best practices, and tips to avoid common pitfalls when blending scri...