Even on Super Bowl Sunday, the world of cartoons never stops turning. As a cartoonist who’s had the privilege of contributing to The New Yorker, I’m always reflecting on the craft and its rich history. While I’ve only had a couple of football-themed cartoons in the magazine (one making its annual Thanksgiving appearance), exploring the vast world of cartooning, especially online, offers endless learning opportunities.
A vibrant and whimsical ink drawing titled “Weekend Spill,” capturing the carefree essence of leisure and relaxation.
My formal education in art didn’t include cartoon-specific courses, particularly not focused on New Yorker cartoons. My real education in this field came from immersing myself in the classics. This meant countless hours spent poring over bound volumes of The New Yorker in the college library and studying The New Yorker Album collections, spanning from the magazine’s inception up to its 50th anniversary in 1975. The thrill of later being included in volumes covering 1975-1985 and beyond was immense, but for understanding the foundations, these early collections were invaluable.
A political cartoon depicting a football referee explaining a call with the caption “Folks, if that’s not government interference, I don’t know what is,” satirizing government overreach.
Beyond these albums, regularly checking each new issue of The New Yorker was crucial. This practice continues today at the Spill. The latest issue is examined as soon as it appears online on Monday mornings and revisited when the print edition arrives. And like E.B. White described his and his wife Katharine’s habit with their New Yorker bound volumes – “…it would often be our stealthy custom to pull a volume at random and dip up a nice funny piece before going to bed” – I too often randomly grab a volume for inspiration.
A collection of vintage “New Yorker” cartoon album covers stacked together, showcasing the evolution of the magazine’s iconic design and humor over the years.
However, it’s The New Yorker “Albums” of drawings I consistently return to. They are a constant source of enjoyment and learning, showcasing art, culture, history, and exceptional graphic design. Each time I revisit them, I absorb elements that enrich my cartooning vocabulary, consciously and subconsciously. These classics also set a high standard, a challenge I embraced when I entered the New Yorker world, striving to create work that could stand alongside the masters. And in 2023, that aspiration remains.
Many of these albums represent what’s considered the “Golden Age” of cartooning, but the periods surrounding it are equally valuable to study. Whether you’re an aspiring cartoonist aiming for The New Yorker or already a published one, engaging with this high-caliber work – even a casual browse through a volume – is beneficial. And today, you can easily watch cartoons online, exploring not just still images but also animations and discussions about the art form, making learning even more accessible.
The Tilley Watch Online, February 6-10, 2023
The “Tilley Watch Online” banner, signaling a weekly digest of New Yorker cartoonist’s online contributions and activities.
The Tilley Watch Online keeps track of New Yorker artists featured on newyorker.com throughout the week.
Daily Cartoonists: Brendan Loper (bonus Daily), Sarah Kempa, David Ostow, Tommy Siegel, Will Santino, Paul Noth, John McNamee.
Daily Shouts Contributors: Jake Goldwasser, Sofia Warren, J.A.K..
Barry Blitt’s Kvetchbook Highlight: “Making The Country Safe From Balloons.” You can watch cartoons online and see Blitt’s latest satirical takes.
By keeping an eye on these online contributions and delving into the archives, both digitally and in print, anyone can deepen their appreciation for cartooning and perhaps even find inspiration for their own creative journey. So, whether you’re looking to laugh, learn, or simply appreciate the art of cartoons, the online world offers a wealth of resources to watch cartoons online and discover the masters of the craft.
