Cartoonist Blog

“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...

“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...