Learn Cartooning

There are many ways to learn cartooning and this web page introduces some resources.

Stop Laughing this is serious CD-ROM

Read a review by Charles Cave of this Australian product. A CD-ROM aimed at school students (but suitable for adults) that introduces techniques for creating gags - single cartoons with a humourous caption.

Recommended Books

I am a member of the associates program with Amazon Books. Click on the images of the books to read reviews of the books, and to browse/buy.

The Cartoonist's Workbook by Robin Hall
Robin Hall provides his unique 'keyhole' drawing method for beginners, which showss step by step how to build faces, bodies, experessions, movement, costumes. He then descriveds techniques for freehand drawing, composition, perspective and caricature with hundreds of useful drawings. I found this book to be an excellent start for cartooning.

The Cartoonist's Bible by Terry Simpson, Terence Simpson
Here is the art of pocket jokes, comic strips, and greeting cards. This book reveals the secrets of drawing faces, bodies, explosions, fights, clouds, or anything else. This exciting reference covers cartooning from character creation to animation and back, with step-by-step techniques. Fledgling cartoonists and professionals will appreciate the inspiration--plus, the book gives advice on selling cartoon work.

Getting Started Drawing & Selling Cartoons by Randy Glasbergen
Learn how to draw funny characters, develop your cartoon charactes and style, including how and where to look for character ideas and how to sketch, develop and refine those ideas. Learn dozens of ways to develop funny ideas and how to match them to your character. Tools and techniques for sketching and inking are described, and finally where and how to sell your cartoons.

Drawing on the Funny Side of the Brain: How to Come Up With Jokes for Cartoons and Comic Strips by Christopher Hart.
The most common question any professional cartoonist gets asked is, "Where do you come up with your ideas?" It's not based on inspiration, because if it were, cartoonists would be hanging out at the beach all day, waiting for inspiration to strike. There's a formula for coming up with an endlesss stream of funny punch lines. Once you learn it, the jokes just flow. Also learn the techniques of drawing humorous characters that create an instant bond of reader loyalty.
Chapters: 1 - Drawing Funny Characters
2 - Writing Jokes
3 - Humorous Layout and Design
4 - Everything You Need to Know to Be a Professional Cartoonist

Web sites on Cartooning

The Cartoonist's Fountain of Knowledge
Australian Black and White Artists Club - the oldest cartooning organisation in the world.

Practice, Practice, Practice

You can read books on how to cartoon and be entertained looking at cartoons, but there is nothing like putting pencil (or pen) to paper and draw!. Practice daily, and practice often.

Return to Cartooning Page

Last updated: 28th February 2000

	The Cartoonist's Workbook by Robin Hall Robin Hall provides his unique 'keyhole' drawing method for beginners, which showss step by step how to build faces, bodies, experessions, movement, costumes. He then descriveds techniques for freehand drawing, composition, perspective and caricature with hundreds of useful drawings. I found this book to be an excellent start for cartooning.
	The Cartoonist's Bible by Terry Simpson, Terence Simpson Here is the art of pocket jokes, comic strips, and greeting cards. This book reveals the secrets of drawing faces, bodies, explosions, fights, clouds, or anything else. This exciting reference covers cartooning from character creation to animation and back, with step-by-step techniques. Fledgling cartoonists and professionals will appreciate the inspiration--plus, the book gives advice on selling cartoon work.
	Getting Started Drawing & Selling Cartoons by Randy Glasbergen Learn how to draw funny characters, develop your cartoon charactes and style, including how and where to look for character ideas and how to sketch, develop and refine those ideas. Learn dozens of ways to develop funny ideas and how to match them to your character. Tools and techniques for sketching and inking are described, and finally where and how to sell your cartoons.
	Drawing on the Funny Side of the Brain: How to Come Up With Jokes for Cartoons and Comic Strips by Christopher Hart. The most common question any professional cartoonist gets asked is, "Where do you come up with your ideas?" It's not based on inspiration, because if it were, cartoonists would be hanging out at the beach all day, waiting for inspiration to strike. There's a formula for coming up with an endlesss stream of funny punch lines. Once you learn it, the jokes just flow. Also learn the techniques of drawing humorous characters that create an instant bond of reader loyalty. Chapters: 1 - Drawing Funny Characters 2 - Writing Jokes 3 - Humorous Layout and Design 4 - Everything You Need to Know to Be a Professional Cartoonist