How to Start a Local Cartoonist Meetup or Group

"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 face:

• 🎨 Skill sharing: Learn new styles, techniques, and tools
• 🧠 Creative inspiration: Leave with more ideas than you came with
• 🤝 Support network: Get feedback, encouragement, and motivation
• 📣 Collaboration: Work on group zines, comics, or exhibitions
• 💼 Opportunities: Job referrals, commissions, and event invites

For me, building local connections has always been essential. Whether I was in Dhaka, Oslo, or Berlin, the cartoonists I met offline enriched my work and widened my world.

2. Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Format

Before you invite others, ask:

❓ What kind of group do you want?

Type of Group	Focus
Casual meetup	Coffee and sketching, social bonding
Critique group	Reviewing each other’s cartoons
Workshop group	Learning new techniques
Exhibition planning	Organizing public cartoon shows
Mixed format	Rotate focus each month

✅ Decide frequency: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
✅ Decide commitment level: open drop-ins or members-only?

🎯 Tip: Start simple. You can evolve as the group grows.

3. Step 2: Choose a Meeting Space

You don’t need a fancy venue to begin.

Great starter locations:

• Local cafés (ask for a quiet corner)

• Public libraries (free rooms often available)

• Community centers

• Art schools or university spaces

• Bookstores or comics shops

🧩 Things to consider:

• Accessibility (public transport, wheelchair access)

• Lighting and seating

• Noise level

• Wi-Fi (if using digital tools)

📍 Pro Tip: Start with free spaces. Once your group grows, you can consider co-working spaces or gallery partnerships.

4. Step 3: Recruit Your First Members

Don’t worry about starting small. Even 3–5 cartoonists is a great beginning.

Where to find members:

• Art schools and colleges

• Local comics shops

• Facebook Groups (e.g., “Artists in [Your City]”)

• Instagram hashtags (e.g., #BerlinCartoonists)

• Libraries and art centers (ask to leave flyers)

• Meetup.com or Eventbrite (post your event for free)

🎯 Post in communities like CartoonistNetwork.com and invite nearby artists to join in person.

5. Step 4: Plan Your First Event 

Make your first meetup fun, welcoming, and easy to attend.

Example First Event:

• Name: “Sketch & Chat: Local Cartoonist Meetup”

• Location: Central Café

• Date/Time: Saturday, 3–5 PM

• What to bring: Sketchbook, favorite pen, ideas

• Activities:

  • Introductions

  • Sketching session with a theme (“Draw your cartoon self!”)

  • Show and tell

  • Open discussion

✅ Take photos (with permission), collect contact info, and thank everyone for coming.

📝 Follow up with an email or group message the next day.

6. Step 5: Create Group Identity and Rules 

Give your group a name:

• City + Theme: e.g., “Copenhagen Cartoonists Collective”

• Fun title: “Ink & Ideas”, “Satire Society”, “Pencil Posse”

Define the vibe:

• Is it open to all or just cartoonists?

• Are critiques welcome or optional?

• How do you handle disruptive behavior?

📃 Draft a short code of conduct to make the space inclusive and safe.

🧠 Consider setting up a WhatsApp, Discord, or Facebook Group for coordination.

7. Step 6: Keep the Momentum Going 

Tips to build a sustainable group:

• Rotate leadership: Avoid burnout by sharing tasks

• Set themes or prompts for each session

• Celebrate milestones: birthdays, publications, contests

• Host group exhibitions at a local café, library, or gallery

• Invite guest speakers (local illustrators, editors, or publishers)

• Document your journey: post photos, stories, and drawings on social media

🎉 Over time, your group can publish a zine, start a webcomic, or even organize a local cartoon festival.

8. Bonus: Go Beyond In-Person—Hybrid and Online Options

Sometimes, local artists can’t always attend in person. That’s okay.

Consider:

• Monthly Zoom check-ins

• Livestreaming your workshops

• Using Discord or Slack for community chat

• Sharing cartoon challenges and deadlines online

🖥️ Tip: Hybrid models keep the group flexible and accessible. You’ll include introverts, caregivers, disabled artists, or those outside the city.

9. Resources: Tools and Templates 

Here are free tools to help organize your group:

• Canva – design flyers and event posts

• Google Forms – gather RSVPs

• Google Calendar – send event reminders

• Meetup.com – promote your group (free or low cost)

• CartoonistNetwork.com – find and message cartoonists by region

🎁 Want free templates for posters, sign-up sheets, and social media posts? Let me know—I’ll send them your way.

10. FAQs 

Q1: What if only 2 people show up?
That’s still a success! Some of the most meaningful connections happen in small groups.

Q2: Do I need to be a professional cartoonist to start a group?
Absolutely not. You just need passion, curiosity, and a willingness to bring people together.

Q3: Should we collect fees?
Only if needed (e.g., for renting space or printing). Start free if possible.

Q4: Can I use the group to promote my work?
Yes—but don’t make it only about you. Celebrate others too.

11. Conclusion & Call to Action

Starting a local cartoonist meetup is one of the most powerful ways to grow your art, confidence, and community. You don’t need a big budget, a fancy space, or hundreds of followers. All you need is a table, a few sketchbooks, and an open invitation.

I’ve seen small meetups evolve into art collectives, exhibitions, and lifelong friendships. So if you're waiting for permission—this is it.

🎨 Start small. Think big. Draw together.

✅ Your next steps:

• Post on CartoonistNetwork.com to find others in your area.

• Pick a date and venue for your first meetup.

• Invite 3 artists to join you—and sketch something bold.