For generations, cartoonists have played an important role in shaping public opinion. (Image: Shutterstock)
On World Cartoonist Day, we honour the invaluable creativity that cartoonists bring to the world, recognising their talent for storytelling and their ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
World Cartoonist Day, observed annually on May 5, is a cherished occasion dedicated to celebrating the remarkable contributions of cartoonists across the globe. These talented individuals captivate audiences with their creativity, offering unique perspectives on a diverse array of subjects, from politics to pop culture. With their ability to distil complex ideas into simple yet impactful images, cartoonists have the power to entertain, provoke laughter, ignite conversations, and even inspire change.
On World Cartoonist Day, we honour the invaluable creativity that cartoonists bring to the world, recognising their talent for storytelling and their ability to connect with audiences of all ages. As we celebrate their work, we also look to the future, inspiring aspiring artists to continue the legacy of creativity and innovation in the world of cartoons. The origin of the first cartoon remains shrouded in mystery, as people have been creating various forms of art for centuries.
The First Official Cartoonist
However, when it comes to identifying the first official cartoonist, that title is often attributed to John Leech. His groundbreaking drawing was published in the magazine Punch on July 15th, 1843, under the title ‘Cartoon No.1: Substance and Shadow.’ This iconic work not only marked the inception of modern political cartoons but also earned Leech the distinction of being the first artist to be referred to as a ‘cartoonist.’
World Cartoonist Day: Quotes
- “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 write the story with pictures – I don’t illustrate the story with the pictures.” – Chris Ware.
- “If you want to find out what a writer or a cartoonist really feels, look at his work. That’s enough.” – Shel Silverstein
World Cartoonist Day: Wishes and Messages
- I’d like to wish you a very happy Cartoonist Day. Let’s give thanks to all the cartoonists who used their own concepts to produce such great cartoons.
- Let’s give thanks to all the cartoonists who produce such fantastic cartoons to amuse us on Cartoonist Day for their amazing labour.
- Making cartoons involves a lot of creativity and artistic skill, so it is not at all a simple task. On behalf of everyone, happy Cartoonist Day.
- Even the most serious of ideas can be expressed by cartoonists in the funniest of ways. Happy Cartoonist Day to all of you artistic types.
- Reading newspapers with sarcastic cartoons there to keep us up to date is usually interesting. Happy Cartoonist Day to everybody who contributes to its success.
- It is not at all an easy job to create cartoons because it requires a lot of creativity and art to do so. Warm wishes on the occasion of Cartoonist Day to all.
- A cartoon is not just a funny thing to look at and enjoy but it is a lot more than that. Wishing a very Happy Cartoonist Day to the cartoonists who create it.
- There is a very important message behind every cartoon and we must thank the cartoonists for it. Warm wishes on the occasion of Cartoonist Day.
- The kids may not know that cartoonists are responsible for creating their favourite cartoons. Let us thank them on the occasion of Cartoonist Day.
- Hats off to the creativity of the cartoonists who have filled our childhood with such cute and adorable cartoons. Happy Cartoonist Day.
World Cartoonist Day: History
During World War II in 1943, cartoonists including Gus Edson, Otto Soglow, Clarence D. Russell, and Bob Dunn uplifted the spirits of soldiers by performing cartoon shows in hospitals. While en route to a military base, Russell proposed the idea of forming a club to preserve their camaraderie beyond the war’s end.
This led to the establishment of the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) in 1946. The celebration of National Cartoonists Day began in 1999, spearheaded by co-chairpersons Polly Keener and Ken Alvine of the National Cartoonists Day Committee.
They drew inspiration from Richard Outcault’s creation 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 known as The Yellow Kid, quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
World Cartoonist Day: Significance
For generations, cartoonists have played an important role in shaping public opinion. World Cartoonist Day also pays homage to the legacies of iconic cartoonists like Charles Schulz, Walt Disney and Dr. Seuss, whose talent continues to inspire audiences worldwide.