Cartoonist Blog

“In my early days as a cartoonist, I never imagined my drawings would travel farther than my hometown. But when my first cartoon was selected for an exhibition in Europe, I discovered something that changed my life: cartoons speak every language.” —  Arifur Rahman , founder of  Toons Mag  and  Cartoonist Network Introduction: More Than Just Walls and Frames An international cartoon exhibition is not just a place where drawings hang on white walls. It’s a  global conversation , a  celebration of creative resistance , and a reminder that  lines on paper can cross borders more easily than people can . Over the past 15 years, I’ve been lucky to participate in—and organize—numerous international cartoon exhibitions, from Norway and Slovakia to India, Sweden, and beyond. Each time, I’ve learned something not just about the craft of cartooning, but about humanity, culture, and the power of visual storytelling. In this post, I’ll share the most important lesso...

"Cartooning can feel lonely. But when cartoonists come together—in a café, a library, or even a WhatsApp group—magic happens. Ideas flow. Friendships form. Creativity multiplies." —  Arifur Rahman , cartoonist and founder of  Toons Mag  and  Cartoonist Network Introduction: Why Local Cartoonist Meetups Matter The internet connects us across borders—but nothing replaces the energy of sitting across from fellow artists, sketchbooks open, pens in hand. In a world of remote work and digital saturation, starting a  local cartoonist meetup  is one of the most rewarding things you can do—not just for others, but for your own growth as a cartoonist. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the  step-by-step process to start your own meetup , from finding your first members to keeping the group alive and thriving. Whether you're in a small town or a big city, this is your blueprint. 1. Why Start a Cartoonist Meetup? Here’s what happens when cartoonists meet face to...

“When I was a young cartoonist, I often felt alone—no mentors, no feedback, and no place to share my voice. That’s why I built CartoonistNetwork.com: a home for cartoonists like us, wherever we are in the world.” —  Arifur Rahman , cartoonist and founder of Cartoonist Network Introduction: The Lone Artist Is a Myth Cartooning can be a solitary art, but  success is never built alone . Whether you're a political cartoonist, comic strip artist, illustrator, or webtoon creator, one truth holds in 2025:  community is your greatest creative asset . That’s why I founded  CartoonistNetwork.com —a free, global platform where cartoonists can  connect, collaborate, publish, learn, and grow together . In this post, I’ll share why  every cartoonist—beginner or professional—should be part of this community , and how it can transform your creative journey. 1. What Is CartoonistNetwork.com?  CartoonistNetwork.com is a  free online platform and global community ...

“A cartoon starts with a whisper—a loose idea scribbled in my sketchbook—and ends as a published image seen by thousands. What happens in between is part ritual, part chaos, and part digital magic.” —  Arifur Rahman , cartoonist, writer, and founder of  Toons Mag Introduction: Why Workflow Matters Whether you're drawing political satire, serialized webcomics, or daily gag strips,  your workflow is the bridge between imagination and impact . As a cartoonist who publishes regularly in multiple languages and formats—and someone who has faced both censorship and international recognition—I've learned that an efficient, flexible, and emotionally satisfying process can make or break your creative career. In this article, I’ll walk you through  my cartooning workflow from sketch to screen , the tools I rely on (both traditional and digital), and share honest advice on what works, what doesn’t, and why. This is not just a tech tutorial—it’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse into h...

“When I first started drawing cartoons, I sent them to newspapers by post. Many came back unopened. Today, I can publish a cartoon and reach thousands instantly. But the question remains: how do you stand out in the vast online sea?” —  Arifur Rahman , cartoonist, writer, and founder of  Toons Mag Introduction: The Digital Canvas Awaits In the past, getting published as a cartoonist meant knocking on editors’ doors or mailing printed portfolios. Today, the gatekeepers have changed—and in many cases, disappeared. The digital world offers a vast, borderless stage for your art, opinions, and characters. But with opportunity comes competition. This guide will walk you through the  practical steps, platforms, and principles  needed to  publish your cartoons online effectively , build an audience, and grow your creative voice—without compromising your values. Whether you're just starting out or trying to transition from print to digital, this is your roadmap. 1. Why P...

“When I first started cartooning, I didn’t have fancy tools, followers, or even a proper desk. All I had was a cheap pen, a borrowed scanner, and something to say. Everything else, I learned along the way.” —  Arifur Rahman , cartoonist, writer, and founder of  Toons Mag Introduction: You Chose the Right Time If you're starting your cartooning journey in 2025,  you're in luck—and also in uncharted waters . On one hand, there are more tools, platforms, and global audiences than ever. On the other hand, attention is scarce, algorithms are unpredictable, and AI is reshaping visual storytelling. It can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve created this guide—not to sell you a dream, but to share  what every new cartoonist truly needs to know  to grow, thrive, and stay grounded in this fast-changing world. This is not theory. It’s the hard-earned wisdom I’ve learned from publishing cartoons for over two decades, surviving censorship, and mentoring artists through  To...