How Online Forums Help Me Grow as a Cartoonist
“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 topics, ask questions, share work, give critiques, and offer encouragement.
Unlike social media (which is fast, visual, and fleeting), forums are usually organized, thoughtful, and built for dialogue. Threads are searchable, discussions go deep, and you can connect with cartoonists across styles, cultures, and experience levels.
🧠 Think of it as an ongoing workshop that never closes and doesn’t charge tuition.
2. How Forums Helped Me in the Early Days
When I was just starting out, I didn’t know any other cartoonists in person. I drew alone, posted to forums, and waited—nervously—for responses.
To my surprise, seasoned cartoonists took the time to comment on my work. They didn’t sugarcoat—but they didn’t mock either. They taught me:
How to improve visual clarity
Why certain punchlines fell flat
Which tools and brushes they used
How to format my work for print and web
And even how to protect my rights
That feedback fast-tracked my growth more than any tutorial or textbook could.
3. What I Learn From Forums Today
Even as a professional, I still rely on forums—not just to teach, but to keep learning.
Here’s what online forums offer me now:
✍️ Critique: On new formats like vertical webtoons or motion comics
🖥️ Tech troubleshooting: Like exporting animation-ready frames or fixing color profiles
🎨 Art challenges: Like #OnePanelADay or “Cartooning from Memory” prompts
💬 Global insight: How artists from Nigeria, Mexico, or Japan approach satire
💡 Inspiration: Sketchbooks, works-in-progress, behind-the-scenes process posts
📢 Some of my published cartoons even began as rough ideas I first posted for peer input on forums.
4. Best Cartoonist Forums to Join in 2025
Here are some forums and communities I personally recommend:
✅ CartoonistNetwork.com
A global platform I co-founded—built for cartoonists to publish work, get feedback, and collaborate. You’ll find editorial artists, webcomic creators, beginners, and professionals alike.
✅ Reddit: r/Cartoonists, r/Comics
Great for casual feedback, Q&A, and comic publishing insights.
✅ Discord servers (e.g., “Webcomic Creators Lounge”)
Real-time chat, critique, and collaboration opportunities. Great for daily motivation.
✅ Penciljack & ConceptArt.org (for technical critiques)
Especially helpful for those focused on drawing fundamentals and storytelling.
✅ Facebook groups like “Cartooning World,” “Webcomic Artists Unite”
Good for promotion, discussion, and networking.
🌍 Tip: Join at least one global and one local forum or chat group. You'll benefit from both cultural diversity and geographical proximity.
5. Tips for Getting the Most Out of Online Forums
🧠 Be Active, Not Passive
Comment on others’ posts before asking for feedback. Build trust.
🎯 Be Specific in What You Ask
Instead of “Thoughts?”, say:
“Does this punchline land?”
“Is the character expression clear?”
“What do you think about the pacing?”
🤝 Give Before You Take
Critique others honestly and kindly. You’ll improve your own eye in the process.
🧹 Organize Your Threads
Keep track of your own posts and feedback so you can revisit and apply it later.
📬 Follow Up
Let people know when their suggestions helped. It builds community.
6. Real Lessons I’ve Learned Through Forum Feedback
Here are a few moments when online forum feedback shaped my work:
💥 One artist pointed out that my character’s dialogue was too expository. I rewrote it with more visual cues, and the cartoon flowed better.
😂 A reader told me the satire was too subtle. I added a visual exaggeration in the background—and it suddenly became clearer and funnier.
🧠 Someone from another country explained how a cultural reference I used was misinterpreted. That helped me become a more globally conscious cartoonist.
These aren’t things you learn in isolation. You learn them in dialogue—with people who want you to succeed.
7. FAQs
Q1: What if I get harsh feedback?
Take a breath. Look for the intent. If it's constructive—even if blunt—it can help. If it's rude or dismissive, move on. Don’t let one voice silence yours.
Q2: How often should I post in a forum?
Start with once a week: share a cartoon, comment on others, and join one discussion thread. Consistency matters more than volume.
Q3: What if I'm a beginner? Will I be welcome?
Yes! Most forums are full of beginners. Honest effort and kindness go a long way.
Q4: Can I share finished work or only drafts?
Both. Some forums are great for WIPs, while others are places to celebrate finished comics.
8. Final Thoughts: Your Cartoonist Circle Is Only a Click Away
You don’t need to wait for an art school, an editor’s approval, or a gallery invite. Your community of cartoonists is already out there—on forums, message boards, and digital collectives—ready to cheer you on, challenge you, and grow with you.
If you’re feeling stuck, start sharing.
If you’re feeling isolated, start commenting.
If you’re serious about improving—start asking questions.
🎨 Your best work won’t come from hiding in your studio. It will come from engaging with other cartoonists who care.
✅ Next Steps:
Introduce yourself with one of your recent cartoons
Give feedback to at least two other artists
Start a discussion thread with a question you've been afraid to ask
Let’s learn, laugh, draw, and grow—together.
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