The Genesis of World Cartoonist Day

The roots of World Cartoonist Day trace back to 1943, during World War II, when cartoonists like Gus Edson, Clarence D. Russell, Otto Soglow, and Bob Dunn performed cartoon shows in hospitals to uplift the spirits of soldiers. The positive response led them to perform at various hospitals and military bases.

In 1946, cartoonist Russell proposed forming a club to maintain their camaraderie, leading to the creation of the National Cartoonists Society (NCS). spearheaded by Polly Keener and Ken Alvine of the National Cartoonists Day Committee, the celebration of national Cartoonists Day officially began in 1999.The date was inspired by Richard Outcault’s full-color drawings of the cartoon Hogan’s Alley,which debuted on May 5,1895,in the Sunday edition of the New York World.

This iconic character, later renamed The Yellow Kid, became the first commercially triumphant cartoon, appearing on postcards, cigarette packets, billboards, and other advertisements.

The Significance of Cartoonists

World Cartoonist Day celebrates the art of cartooning and its contributions to society. It recognizes the dedication of cartoonists who use their talent to make people laugh, think, and sometimes even inspire social change. The day also honors the legacy of famous cartoonists such as Charles Schulz, Walt Disney, and Dr. Seuss, and celebrates the power of cartoons and the creative minds behind them.

Quotes from Cartooning Legends

cartoonists have often shared insightful perspectives on their craft and its impact. Here are a few notable quotes:

• Cartooning is preaching. And I think we have a right to do some preaching. I hate shallow humor. I hate shallow religious humour, I hate shallow sports humour, I hate shallowness of any kind. ― Charles M. Schulz
• Grown-ups’ could learn a lesson from watching cartoons. ― James Jean-pierre
• Cartoons are a great medium for demonstrating just how absurd something is, without ever having to say it directly. ― jen Sorensen
• Cartoons have always been an enjoyment to me… a relaxation… I get my ideas from everyday events. ― Matthew Ashford
• Cartoons make kids happy, and that’s a great feeling. ― Zelda Williams
• I think it’s best to know about lots of different things besides comics. I don’t think you can become a cartoonist if you look at nothing but cartoons. – Akira Toriyama
• I never saw myself so much as an actor. I wanted to be a cartoonist like Charles M. Schulz and create my own world and be able to have a studio at home and not commute and be able to be with my family. – Mark Hamill
• People still think of me as a cartoonist,but the only thing I lift a pen or pencil for these days is to sign a contract,a check,or an autograph. – Walt Disney
• I don’t think of myself as an illustrator. I think of myself as a cartoonist. I wriet the story with pictures – I don’t illustrate the story with the pictures. – Chris Ware
• If you wont to find out what a writer or a cartoonist really feels, look at his work. That’s enough. – Shel Silverstein

Celebrating Cartoonists Worldwide

People celebrate World Cartoonist Day by sharing and viewing their favorite cartoons, engaging with social media posts, and attending animation and cartooning events or workshops. Creating and sharing a National Cartoonist Day poster on social media is another way to raise awareness and honor cartoonists.

10 Globally Acclaimed Animation Artists

Here are 10 animation artists who have left an indelible mark on the world of cartoons:

1. Walt Disney: Walter Elias disney, a pioneering showrunner of animated cartoon films, revolutionized the animation industry with iconic creations like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. His extraordinary visual storytelling and character progress techniques,along with the introduction of the 12 Animation Principles,set new standards.
2. Hayao Miyazaki: Japan’s master animator,Hayao Miyazaki,is renowned for his focus on social issues,environmentalism,and family. His works showcase emotional storytelling and attention to detail, emphasizing artistry and creative expression in animation and character design.

   Did You Know?

   Miyazaki often incorporates themes of environmentalism and anti-war sentiment into his films, reflecting his personal values and concerns.

3. Tim Burton: American filmmaker Tim Burton developed the distinctive ‘Burtonesque’ style, characterized by appealing textures and overlays. His animated works, such as Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie, are widely recognized for their dark themes and unique visual aesthetic.
4. Glen Keane: Academy Award-winner Glen Keane spent 38 years at Walt Disney Animation Studios,bringing to life iconic characters in films such as The Little Mermaid,Aladdin,Pocahontas,the Beast,and Tarzan. His technique involved integrating exaggeration into his characters’ poses and movements, creating performances that deeply resonate with audiences.

   Pro Tip

   When designing characters, focus on exaggerating key features to enhance their personality and make them more memorable.

5. Chuck Jones: Chuck Jones, associated with Warner Bros. Animation, is celebrated for his contributions to the Looney Tunes series. He created memorable characters such as Bugs Bunny,Daffy Duck,Porky Pig,and the Road Runner,demonstrating the power of comic timing,exaggerated expressions,and dynamic poses.
6. John Lasseter: As the former Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Studios, John Lasseter played a major role in creating iconic animated works such as the Toy Story franchise, Cars, and A Bug’s Life. His contributions to computer-generated imagery and 3D animation paved the way for the animation industry to flourish.
7. Akira Toriyama: Japanese animation artist Akira Toriyama is the creative mind behind the much-loved animated series Dragon Ball. His artistic abilities, ultra-expressive storylines, memorable characters, and dynamic action sequences have been widely discussed across the animation world.
8. Tex Avery: Tex Avery, an American animator, voice actor, and cartoonist, is widely regarded as a genius in executing slapstick comedy. He developed or co-developed characters such as Droopy Dog and Bugs Bunny during his career at Warner Bros., MGM, and Hanna-Barbera.
9. Matt Groening: Matt Groening is the cartoonist behind the sharp, satirical plot of The Simpsons. He is also the creator of Futurama, showcasing his expertise in writing witty scripts and creating cheeky, satirical narratives that reflect real-life situations through animated characters.
10. Stephen Hillenburg: Stephen Hillenburg created SpongeBob SquarePants, one of the most beloved children’s animated series. His characters and the underwater setting of the show were inspired by his degree in marine biology and his fascination with ocean life,creating a world that has brought joy and laughter to audiences around the globe.

    Reader Question

    what is your favorite animated series and why?