Comic Strip & Cartooning
Bubble
Skill
Comic strip & cartooning is a creative community of artists and illustrators dedicated to telling stories and jokes through static sequ...Show more
Comic Strip & Cartooning
Bubble
Skill
Comic strip & cartooning is a creative community of artists and illustrators dedicated to telling stories and jokes through static sequential art, using shared techniques, terminology, and workflows for both print and online formats.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
300K
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
General Q&A
Comic strip & cartooning centers on visual storytelling using sequential art—illustrations arranged in panels—to convey humor, stories, or commentary, often accompanied by balloons for dialogue.
Community Q&A
Comic strip & cartooning centers on visual storytelling using sequential art—illustrations arranged in panels—to convey humor, stories, or commentary, often accompanied by balloons for dialogue.
People network at conventions, participate in challenges like Inktober, and post work via syndication or online on webcomic platforms, fostering a collaborative, feedback-driven culture.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Creative Hierarchy
Community DynamicsThe bubble respects a tiered status from veteran syndicated artists to fledgling web cartoonists, with gatekeeping often tied to syndication deals yet challenged by the rise of independent online creators.
Challenge Rituals
Social NormsParticipating in rituals like Inktober or the daily comic challenge is a badge of commitment, fostering peer feedback and informal mentorship unique to this community.
Visual Language
Insider PerspectiveInsiders use precise terms like 'gutters' and 'balloons' as shorthand for storytelling mechanics, reflecting an assumed fluency in visual narrative that's obscure outside this bubble.
Satire Evolution
Opinion ShiftsThere's an ongoing debate about how satire should evolve in comics, balancing traditional punchlines with modern social commentary, reflecting shifting cultural sensitivities within the community.
Sub Groups
Webcomic Creators
Artists focused on publishing comic strips and cartoons online, often building dedicated followings.
Print Cartoonists
Creators who publish in newspapers, magazines, or print anthologies.
Aspiring Cartoonists & Students
Individuals learning cartooning through classes, workshops, or university programs.
Convention & Expo Participants
Artists and fans who engage primarily through comic conventions and related events.
International Cartooning Communities
Regional groups, such as those on Pixiv (Japan) or niche forums, focusing on local styles and languages.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 7
DeviantArt
19%DeviantArt is a major online hub for comic strip and cartoon artists to share work, receive feedback, and participate in themed groups.
Reddit
13%Reddit hosts active subreddits dedicated to comic strips, cartooning, and webcomics, fostering discussion, critique, and sharing.
Niche Forums
9%Independent forums and message boards provide focused spaces for cartoonists to discuss techniques, share work, and network.
Discussion Forumsonline
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
Discover Similar Bubbles
Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
Keep those panels tight!
Outsider
Huh? What do you mean by that?
Insider
It’s a way to wish fellow cartoonists well, meaning keep your comic storytelling concise and well-arranged.
Outsider
Oh cool, sounds like a secret handshake for cartoonists!
Cultural Context
This greeting is a good luck wish among cartoonists, referring to the importance of good panel composition in comics.
Inside Jokes
"Is it 'pencil, ink, color' or 'color, pencil, ink'?"
This joke pokes fun at the varying and often passionately debated workflows within cartooning — the order of steps is a surprisingly common topic of friendly dispute.
"My deadline is tomorrow, but so is my creative block."
This humorous complaint resonates with insiders who know the stress of last-minute deadlines paired with the challenge of finding fresh ideas.
Facts & Sayings
„"Panels speak louder than words."“
This phrase highlights how the visual layout and sequence of panels convey the story's emotion, pacing, and meaning beyond just dialogue or caption text.
„"Mind the gutters."“
Refers to being mindful of the spaces (gutters) between panels which affect timing, jumps in action, and narrative flow—the empty space is as important as the drawn content.
„"No 'death by balloon.'"“
A humorous warning against overcrowding a panel with too many speech balloons, which can overwhelm the reader and dilute the punchline or art.
„"Lettering makes or breaks a strip."“
Emphasizes the critical role of the style, clarity, and placement of text (lettering) in making the comic readable and stylistically cohesive.
Unwritten Rules
Respect the gutter space.
Overcrowding panels or neglecting the gutters disrupts readers' flow and is considered poor storytelling.
Always give feedback politely and constructively.
The cartooning culture treasures critique sessions and workshops where mutual respect encourages learning and growth rather than discouragement.
Don’t overuse clichés or tropes.
Originality is highly valued; relying heavily on tired clichés is frowned upon as lazy or uninspired writing.
Credit your collaborators and sources.
Proper attribution is critical to maintain trust and respect, especially given the collaborative nature of many comics' production.
Be patient with deadlines but communicate struggles openly.
The community understands creative cycles but values transparency to manage expectations with publishers and readers.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Sophia, 28
Graphic DesignerfemaleSophia is a young professional graphic designer who discovered comic strip drawing in college and now shares her humorous, slice-of-life comics online.
AuthenticityHumorCommunity Support
Motivations
- Express personal experiences humorously
- Build an online following
- Improve artistic storytelling skills
Challenges
- Balancing time between work and comic creation
- Finding consistent inspiration
- Growing visibility in a saturated online space
Platforms
Webtoon forumsInstagram commentsReddit r/webcomics
panellinginkingspeech balloonpacing
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
People
Charles M. Schulz
Creator of Peanuts, set the emotional and minimalist standard for daily strips.↗
Midcentury MasterDaily StripEmotional Wit
Bill Watterson
Revolutionized Sunday-strip artistry with Calvin and Hobbes’ expressive linework and thematic depth.↗
Philosophical HumorIndependent SpiritExpressive Art
Jim Davis
Built Garfield into a global franchise with its relatable humor and merchandising success.
Commercial TitanGag StripMerch Mogul
Gary Larson
Brought absurdist single-panel humor to the mainstream with The Far Side.
Absurdist WitPanel InnovatorCult Classic
Winsor McCay
Pioneer of early comic-strip art and sequential storytelling with Little Nemo.
Early InnovatorDreamscapesArt Nouveau
Garry Trudeau
Introduced sharp political satire in Doonesbury, expanding strip maturity and scope.
Political SatireLongform Arc1970s Voice
Lynn Johnston
First woman to earn widespread syndication success with For Better or For Worse.
Domestic RealismFeminine PerspectiveDaily Drama
Berkeley Breathed
Created Bloom County, blending whimsical art with cultural commentary.
1980s ZeitgeistAnthropomorphicPop Culture
Scott Adams
Popularized workplace satire through Dilbert’s corporate caricatures.
Office HumorCorporate Satire90s Icon
Patrick McDonnell
Modernized gag-panel traditions with Mutts’ gentle philosophy and animal focus.
Animal CompassionMinimalist LineContemporary Strip
1 / 3
1 / 3
People
Charles M. Schulz
Creator of Peanuts, set the emotional and minimalist standard for daily strips.↗
Midcentury MasterDaily StripEmotional Wit
Bill Watterson
Revolutionized Sunday-strip artistry with Calvin and Hobbes’ expressive linework and thematic depth.↗
Philosophical HumorIndependent SpiritExpressive Art
Jim Davis
Built Garfield into a global franchise with its relatable humor and merchandising success.
Commercial TitanGag StripMerch Mogul
Gary Larson
Brought absurdist single-panel humor to the mainstream with The Far Side.
Absurdist WitPanel InnovatorCult Classic
Winsor McCay
Pioneer of early comic-strip art and sequential storytelling with Little Nemo.
Early InnovatorDreamscapesArt Nouveau
Garry Trudeau
Introduced sharp political satire in Doonesbury, expanding strip maturity and scope.
Political SatireLongform Arc1970s Voice
Lynn Johnston
First woman to earn widespread syndication success with For Better or For Worse.
Domestic RealismFeminine PerspectiveDaily Drama
Berkeley Breathed
Created Bloom County, blending whimsical art with cultural commentary.
1980s ZeitgeistAnthropomorphicPop Culture
Scott Adams
Popularized workplace satire through Dilbert’s corporate caricatures.
Office HumorCorporate Satire90s Icon
Patrick McDonnell
Modernized gag-panel traditions with Mutts’ gentle philosophy and animal focus.
Animal CompassionMinimalist LineContemporary Strip
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-4 weeks
1
Study Classic Comic Strips
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Read and analyze influential comic strips to understand storytelling and visual language.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the world of classic and contemporary comic strips. Study how established artists use panel layout, pacing, and visual cues to tell stories or deliver jokes. Pay close attention to recurring themes, character design, and the interplay between text and image. Take notes on what makes certain strips effective or memorable. Beginners often overlook the importance of reading widely, but this foundational step builds your visual vocabulary and helps you internalize the conventions of the medium. To deepen your analysis, try breaking down a favorite strip: identify the setup, punchline, and how the art supports the narrative. Progress can be measured by your ability to articulate what works (or doesn’t) in a strip and by recognizing stylistic influences. This step is crucial for developing a critical eye and understanding the expectations of the comic strip community.
2
Gather Basic Drawing Tools
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Assemble essential materials: pencils, pens, erasers, paper, and optionally, a sketchbook.
Details: Before you start drawing, gather the basic tools used by comic strip artists. At minimum, you’ll need pencils (for sketching), pens or markers (for inking), erasers, and paper. Many artists recommend a dedicated sketchbook for practice and idea development. Beginners sometimes over-invest in expensive supplies; focus on affordable, accessible materials to start. If you’re interested in digital cartooning, free or trial drawing software and a basic tablet can suffice, but traditional tools are perfectly valid for learning fundamentals. Organize your workspace to keep tools handy and encourage regular practice. This step is important because having the right tools removes barriers to starting and allows you to experiment freely. You’ll know you’re ready when you can quickly set up and begin sketching ideas without hesitation.
3
Create a Simple 3-Panel Strip
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Draw your own short comic strip using basic characters and a simple story or joke.
Details: Jump into hands-on creation by making a 3-panel comic strip—a classic format for beginners. Start by brainstorming a simple scenario or joke. Sketch rough thumbnails to plan the pacing and layout. Focus on clear character expressions and concise dialogue. Don’t worry about perfection; the goal is to complete a strip from start to finish. Beginners often get stuck trying to make their first strip flawless—embrace imperfection and treat this as a learning exercise. Use pencil for initial sketches, then ink over your lines for clarity. Scan or photograph your strip if you want to share it online. This step is vital for translating observation into practice and overcoming the fear of the blank page. Evaluate your progress by completing a strip and reflecting on what worked and what you’d change next time.
1
Study Classic Comic Strips
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Read and analyze influential comic strips to understand storytelling and visual language.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the world of classic and contemporary comic strips. Study how established artists use panel layout, pacing, and visual cues to tell stories or deliver jokes. Pay close attention to recurring themes, character design, and the interplay between text and image. Take notes on what makes certain strips effective or memorable. Beginners often overlook the importance of reading widely, but this foundational step builds your visual vocabulary and helps you internalize the conventions of the medium. To deepen your analysis, try breaking down a favorite strip: identify the setup, punchline, and how the art supports the narrative. Progress can be measured by your ability to articulate what works (or doesn’t) in a strip and by recognizing stylistic influences. This step is crucial for developing a critical eye and understanding the expectations of the comic strip community.
2
Gather Basic Drawing Tools
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Assemble essential materials: pencils, pens, erasers, paper, and optionally, a sketchbook.
Details: Before you start drawing, gather the basic tools used by comic strip artists. At minimum, you’ll need pencils (for sketching), pens or markers (for inking), erasers, and paper. Many artists recommend a dedicated sketchbook for practice and idea development. Beginners sometimes over-invest in expensive supplies; focus on affordable, accessible materials to start. If you’re interested in digital cartooning, free or trial drawing software and a basic tablet can suffice, but traditional tools are perfectly valid for learning fundamentals. Organize your workspace to keep tools handy and encourage regular practice. This step is important because having the right tools removes barriers to starting and allows you to experiment freely. You’ll know you’re ready when you can quickly set up and begin sketching ideas without hesitation.
3
Create a Simple 3-Panel Strip
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Draw your own short comic strip using basic characters and a simple story or joke.
Details: Jump into hands-on creation by making a 3-panel comic strip—a classic format for beginners. Start by brainstorming a simple scenario or joke. Sketch rough thumbnails to plan the pacing and layout. Focus on clear character expressions and concise dialogue. Don’t worry about perfection; the goal is to complete a strip from start to finish. Beginners often get stuck trying to make their first strip flawless—embrace imperfection and treat this as a learning exercise. Use pencil for initial sketches, then ink over your lines for clarity. Scan or photograph your strip if you want to share it online. This step is vital for translating observation into practice and overcoming the fear of the blank page. Evaluate your progress by completing a strip and reflecting on what worked and what you’d change next time.
4
Share Work for Feedback
1-2 daysIntermediate
Summary: Post your strip in beginner-friendly forums or social media groups to get constructive critique.
Details: Engage with the comic strip community by sharing your work in spaces welcoming to newcomers. Look for online forums, social media groups, or local art clubs focused on cartooning. When posting, ask for specific feedback (e.g., clarity of story, character design). Be open to critique and use it to guide your next attempts. Many beginners fear negative feedback or comparison, but most communities are supportive of honest effort. Respond graciously to comments and consider joining discussions on others’ work as well. This step is important for building confidence, learning from others, and starting to form connections within the bubble. Progress is measured by your ability to receive and apply feedback, and by feeling more comfortable sharing your creations.
5
Practice Daily Sketching Habits
1-2 weeks (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Set aside time each day to sketch characters, expressions, or strip ideas to build consistency.
Details: Establish a routine of daily drawing, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes. Focus on sketching characters, experimenting with facial expressions, or drafting quick strip ideas. Consistency is key—regular practice develops muscle memory, sharpens observation, and generates new ideas. Beginners often struggle with motivation or unrealistic expectations; set small, achievable goals and track your progress in a sketchbook. Use prompts or challenges from the community to stay inspired. This habit is crucial for skill development and for becoming part of the cartooning culture, where regular output is valued. Evaluate your progress by reviewing older sketches and noting improvements in confidence, speed, and creativity.
Welcoming Practices
„"Welcome to the artists sketchpile!"“
New cartoonists are often invited to share their sketches and roughs with a group, symbolizing acceptance into the collaborative and supportive cartooning community.
Beginner Mistakes
Cramming too much dialogue into one panel.
Use concise text and multiple panels to maintain readability and pacing.
Ignoring lettering style importance.
Pay attention to clear and harmonious lettering; it enhances professionalism and reader engagement.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Publishing consistently
Regularly releasing work demonstrates dedication and builds an audience, key to gaining peer respect.
Engaging in critique circles
Participating constructively in feedback communities shows openness to growth and earns trust from other cartoonists.
Contributing to conventions or anthologies
Being active in public events or collaborative publications showcases commitment and connects one to the wider bubble culture.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American comic strips historically dominate newspapers with iconic syndicated strips, while today the region leads in webcomic platforms and conventions like San Diego Comic-Con.
Europe
European cartooning often blends comic strips with graphic novels, with a stronger tradition of auteur-driven, artistically experimental works and festivals such as Angoulême.
Asia
Asian cartooning encompasses diverse styles like Japanese manga and Korean webtoons with different reading directions, pacing, and digital distribution methods influencing the bubble.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Comics are just for children.
Reality
Comic strips and cartooning encompass a vast range of genres and themes, including adult satire, political commentary, and complex storytelling appreciated by all ages.
Misconception #2
All cartooning is about superheroes.
Reality
While superhero comics are prominent, many cartoonists focus on slice-of-life, humor, social issues, and abstract art forms that have little to do with superheroes.
Misconception #3
Digital tools are ruining the art of cartooning.
Reality
Digital methods are embraced by many as tools that expand artistic possibilities and accessibility; hand-drawn and digital approaches each have their passionate advocates and unique merits.
Clothing & Styles
Ink-stained apron or smock
Many cartoonists wear these during inking sessions to keep their clothes clean; it signals a working artist deeply engaged in traditional drawing methods.
Comfy casual attire with quirky graphic tees
Reflects the creative, laid-back culture where personal expression and geek culture references (often comics themselves) are proudly worn.
