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  • Impact of AI-Generated Caricatures on Traditional Caricaturists 

    Impact of AI-Generated Caricatures on Traditional Caricaturists 

    Introduction 

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the art of caricature. New AI-driven tools can instantly turn a photo into a cartoon or exaggerated portrait, raising questions about the future of traditional caricature artists. AI caricatures have “taken the digital art world by storm”, blending technology and creativity to produce exaggerated likenesses that offer a fresh take on the classic caricature (AI Caricature and Image Enlargement: A Guide to Creating High-Resolution Caricature Portraits). This discussion explores how these advancements compare to hand-drawn caricatures, their growing market demand, and what they mean for professional caricaturists. Are AI caricature generators a threat to artists’ livelihoods, or do they present an opportunity for innovation? Below, we examine the pros and cons of AI-generated caricatures and provide recommendations on how artists can adapt to remain relevant and creative in this evolving landscape. 

    The Rise of AI-Generated Caricature Tools 

    Advancements in AI Art: Recent AI models like Midjourney, DALL-E, and specialized apps can generate caricature-style images with remarkable speed and detail. AI-driven caricature creation represents a “digital revolution”, giving artists and casual users access to tools that generate caricatures with impressive precision (Modern and colorful style of caricatures created by AI – Wavy). These systems use algorithms to detect and exaggerate facial features, much like a human caricaturist would, balancing humor with recognizability. The results often incorporate intricate details and vivid colors, sometimes achieving a level of realism that captures not just a subject’s looks but even a hint of their personality or “essence” (Modern and colorful style of caricatures created by AI – Wavy). Today, turning a selfie into a cartoon avatar or whimsical caricature can be as simple as uploading a photo and letting AI do the rest. In seconds, the software outputs a stylized portrait – a process that once took an artist many minutes or hours. 

    ( AI Generated Caricature Photos and Artwork | Deep Dream Generator ) An AI-generated caricature portrait. Modern AI tools can produce detailed, exaggerated renditions of faces within seconds, based on user photos or text prompts (AI Caricature and Image Enlargement: A Guide to Creating High-Resolution Caricature Portraits) (Modern and colorful style of caricatures created by AI – Wavy). 

    Comparisons to Hand-Drawn Work: In terms of visual output, AI caricatures are increasingly convincing. They can mimic various artistic styles – from pencil sketch caricatures to painterly cartoons – by training on vast image datasets. For example, one popular app can conjure stylized self-portraits ranging from “cyberpunk Medusa to Rococo Garden nymph” at the tap of a button (A Viral A.I. Generator, Which Allows Users to Conjure Up Their Own Self-Portraits, Has Sparked New Concerns About Creator Rights). This variety of imaginative styles goes far beyond the repertoire of many individual artists, and for a low cost (some services charge only a few dollars for dozens of images (A Viral A.I. Generator, Which Allows Users to Conjure Up Their Own Self-Portraits, Has Sparked New Concerns About Creator Rights)). AI systems also benefit from consistency and endurance: they don’t tire or lose patience, and they can churn out multiple iterations to refine a caricature’s exaggeration as needed. On the surface, these capabilities make AI-generated caricatures a tempting alternative to hand-drawn art for many consumers. However, a machine-generated image, no matter how polished, differs in important ways from a caricature crafted by an artist – from the process behind it to the emotional impact it delivers. 

    Traditional Caricature Art in the Age of AI 

    Despite the impressive tricks of AI, traditional caricaturists bring qualities to the table that algorithms can’t easily replicate. Hand-drawn caricatures carry the unmistakable imprint of human creativity – the subtle choices of what to exaggerate, the spontaneous humor, and the personal connection to the subject. Skilled caricature artists infuse creative flair and uniqueness into their drawings that often “may lack” in AI-generated caricatures (Caricaturer.io AI Reviews, Features, Pricing, & Alternative Tools). Every caricaturist has a signature style developed over years; this artistry means no two caricatures (even of the same person) will be exactly alike. In contrast, automated results can feel more standardized or formulaic (Caricaturer.io AI Reviews, Features, Pricing, & Alternative Tools), since the AI follows patterns learned from training data rather than making truly inspired decisions. 

    (We Draw Live Caricatures At Events & Commissions From Photos) A traditional caricature artist drawing live guests at an event. Live caricatures double as entertainment—onlookers enjoy watching portraits come to life with humorous exaggeration, and subjects get a one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home (We Draw Live Caricatures At Events & Commissions From Photos). 

    Moreover, caricature artists often perform live at parties, festivals, and parks, providing an experience beyond the artwork itself. Having an artist sketch you on the spot is a form of interactive entertainment: people laugh and chat with the artist, and a crowd might gather to watch the caricature take shape, stroke by stroke (We Draw Live Caricatures At Events & Commissions From Photos). This social aspect is something an AI app on a phone cannot replace. The “contagious laughter” and fun of seeing one’s features comically exaggerated in real time is a unique value of live caricature sessions (We Draw Live Caricatures At Events & Commissions From Photos). The finished hand-drawn caricature – whether a quick ink sketch or a detailed illustration – also has tangible, sentimental value. It’s often signed by the artist and can be framed as a memento. In short, traditional caricaturists offer both an artistic and human touch: a creative process and a personal connection, which together give their work an emotional depth and “personal touch” that many feel AI lacks (TOP 8 AI Art Generator Online Recommended for Free). 

    Market Trends: AI Caricatures vs. Traditional Demand 

    The growing popularity of AI-generated caricatures is already influencing market demand. On social media, whimsical AI portraits have become a trend – users enjoy posting cartoon versions of themselves as profile pictures or sharing AI-“drawn” characters for fun. In fact, “AI caricatures are the modern-day digital portraits, perfectly shareable on social media”, notes one digital artist (Modern and colorful style of caricatures created by AI – Wavy). The ability to get a quick, eye-catching avatar has broad appeal in the age of Instagram and TikTok. In late 2022, for example, the Lensa AI app’s “magic avatar” feature went viral by allowing people to generate dozens of stylized portraits of themselves with different imaginative themes (A Viral A.I. Generator, Which Allows Users to Conjure Up Their Own Self-Portraits, Has Sparked New Concerns About Creator Rights). This surge of AI avatars on feeds hinted at a shifting preference, at least for casual use: why pay an artist for a single caricature when an app can output fifty for the price of a latte? 

    Beyond social media, AI caricatures are finding commercial applications. Marketers and event organizers see potential in their speed and scalability. There are cases of corporate events setting up AI photo booths where attendees snap a picture and an AI (like DALL-E 3) generates a branded caricature portrait within “around 10 seconds,” sent straight to the user’s phone for sharing (A year of drawing on on Mugs. Wine Corks. Napkins. Coasters. Your Face. Whatever.). In one artist’s observation, guests were “posting stunning cartoon art that was whipped up in microseconds,” marveling at how quickly the AI could produce images that might take a human artist much longer (A year of drawing on on Mugs. Wine Corks. Napkins. Coasters. Your Face. Whatever.). For companies, this can be a novel attraction that also pushes their logo or message (as the AI output can be watermarked with a brand). Similarly, AI-generated caricatures are being used for personalized merchandise – people can print their AI-created cartoon face on mugs, t-shirts, or holiday cards without having to commission an illustrator (Modern and colorful style of caricatures created by AI – Wavy). The entertainment industry is even experimenting with AI caricatures for satire and animation. For instance, caricatures of public figures for political commentary or comedy can be produced and iterated rapidly with AI, supporting content for shows or editorial cartoons (Modern and colorful style of caricatures created by AI – Wavy). 

    All of this does not mean traditional caricature work has vanished, but market trends indicate a shift. Some professional caricaturists have felt a decline in commissions as clients opt for quicker (and often cheaper) AI solutions. Between 2022 and 2023, many art and illustration jobs saw a downturn; one veteran caricaturist reported that freelance “caricature portrait requests” virtually dried up – kaput – during the year that generative AI went mainstream (A year of drawing on on Mugs. Wine Corks. Napkins. Coasters. Your Face. Whatever.). Advertising agencies and publishers that used to hire caricature artists for illustrations started experimenting with AI-generated art, cutting into a key income source for artists (A year of drawing on on Mugs. Wine Corks. Napkins. Coasters. Your Face. Whatever.). These anecdotes suggest that AI is already undercutting some of the traditional demand, especially for digital uses like profile pictures, concept art, or quick-turnaround graphics. However, there remains a segment of the market that still values what human caricaturists create – be it the live event drawings as entertainment, high-end gift caricatures with a personal touch, or editorial caricatures that require human wit and insight. The challenge for artists is how to recapture or retain clients in areas where AI is “good enough” and very convenient. 

    They can mimic various artistic styles – from pencil sketch caricatures to painterly cartoons – by training on vast image datasets.

    Pros of AI-Generated Caricatures 

    AI tools bring certain clear advantages that explain their rapid rise in popularity: 

    • Speed and Volume: An AI can generate a caricature in seconds or minutes, far faster than a person can draw. This instant gratification appeals to consumers and enables high-volume use (e.g. an app creating hundreds of avatars overnight). For artists, AI can handle time-consuming tasks, allowing quick drafts or multiple concepts to be explored at once (Exploring AI Image Generators for Cartoonists –). 
    • Consistency and Precision: AI algorithms excel at maintaining consistent quality (given good input) and can produce very polished results with fine details. They don’t have “off days,” and they can be tuned to emphasize certain features exactly as instructed. As a result, AI caricatures can achieve a clean, high-resolution look – for example, sharp lines and vibrant colors – that might satisfy professional requirements for print or web use (Modern and colorful style of caricatures created by AI – Wavy). They also never get bored of doing repetitive work, so creating caricatures for 100 employees with the same style is feasible and efficient. 
    • Tool for Artists: Importantly, not all the pros of AI are about replacing artists; many professionals are using AI as a supplementary tool. AI can generate background elements, suggest funny exaggeration ideas, or quickly visualize a concept that an artist later tweaks by hand (Exploring AI Image Generators for Cartoonists –). Rather than spending hours on rough sketches, a caricature artist could prompt an AI for a starting point and then refine the output, combining human creativity with machine efficiency. This collaboration can free up time for the artist to focus on the aspects of the caricature that truly require human finesse (like adding clever personal details or inside jokes for a gift caricature) (Exploring AI Image Generators for Cartoonists –). In this way, AI can expand creative possibilities – acting as a kind of creative assistant. 

    Cons and Challenges of AI Caricatures 

    Despite their benefits, AI-generated caricatures come with notable drawbacks and limitations, especially when viewed from the perspective of professional caricaturists and discerning art consumers: 

    • Lack of Human Touch: A common critique is that AI caricatures “lack the personal touch and emotional depth” of hand-crafted art (TOP 8 AI Art Generator Online Recommended for Free). The algorithm might exaggerate a smile or eyes perfectly, but it doesn’t understand the person behind the photo. Human artists often capture intangible qualities – a sparkle of personality or a humorous observation about the subject – which make a caricature truly special. AI outputs can feel impersonal or generic in comparison. 
    • Creative Limitations: Similarly, “AI-generated caricatures may lack the creative flair and uniqueness” associated with a skilled caricaturist’s work (Caricaturer.io AI Reviews, Features, Pricing, & Alternative Tools). AI learns from existing images, so it tends to recombine or mimic what’s been seen before. It might not invent a wholly new comedic concept or a wildly original style on its own. Users have noted that automated results, while polished, can become formulaic or “somewhat standardized” after a while (Caricaturer.io AI Reviews, Features, Pricing, & Alternative Tools). In contrast, each human artist brings a unique voice to their caricatures. 
    • Quality Control and Accuracy: Although AI is good with clear input, it can struggle with poor-quality photos or complex scenes. The caricature might miss subtle features or distort something important if the algorithm misinterprets the image. For instance, an AI might fail to capture the exact dimple or the distinct sparkle in someone’s eyes that a human artist would notice. As one review pointed out, the AI may not “perfectly capture the subtleties” of a subject’s face or the artist’s intended style (Caricaturer.io AI Reviews, Features, Pricing, & Alternative Tools) (Caricaturer.io AI Reviews, Features, Pricing, & Alternative Tools). The technology is improving, but mistakes (like odd anatomy or eerily off expressions) do happen, requiring human intervention to fix. 
    • Originality and Ethics: Many artists worry that AI models, which train on countless artworks (often scraped from the internet), raise issues of originality and copyright. Opponents of AI art argue that these systems can inadvertently plagiarize styles or even specific images created by living artists, without proper credit ((News Focus) Webtoons at crossroads: Is AI opportunity or threat? | Yonhap News Agency). In the caricature community, there have been backlashes – for example, cartoonists protesting and boycotting AI-generated webtoons – due to fear that AI companies are profiting from databases of art built on unlicensed images ((News Focus) Webtoons at crossroads: Is AI opportunity or threat? | Yonhap News Agency). Using AI to create a caricature of a celebrity might also be legally murky if it replicates a look from someone’s published caricature. These concerns make some clients and artists uneasy about embracing AI caricatures fully. 
    • Threat to Artists’ Livelihoods: From a professional standpoint, the rise of AI caricature generators is seen as a direct competitive threat. If clients choose a cheap AI service over a human artist, caricaturists lose work. The feeling of having one’s hard-earned skills suddenly devalued can be demoralizing. One cartoonist lamented that people were so enamored with “AI-generated selfies” and “stunning cartoon art” created in moments that it was “rendering 20 years of [his] skill obsolete within months” (A year of drawing on on Mugs. Wine Corks. Napkins. Coasters. Your Face. Whatever.). Such rapid upheaval in the market for art and illustration has left many artists anxious. While new technology has challenged art careers in the past (photography, Photoshop, etc.), the speed and scope of AI’s impact today is unprecedented – it’s not just one aspect of art, but potentially any style on demand. This forces caricaturists to justify their value in a world where automated options exist. 

    Voices from the Field: Threat or Opportunity? 

    Opinions among artists and experts are divided on whether AI is a danger to caricaturists or a tool they can leverage. Some express deep concern. Jason Chatfield, a New York-based cartoonist, observed a sharp downturn in work when AI art tools exploded in 2023, even seeing long-time clients disappear. He notes that traditional freelance gigs in caricature and illustration nearly vanished in that period (A year of drawing on on Mugs. Wine Corks. Napkins. Coasters. Your Face. Whatever.). To artists like Chatfield, AI can feel like an existential threat – an unfair competitor powered by the very artwork of the past masters. Similarly, many illustrators worry that a flood of AI-generated images online dilutes the market and lowers prices for commissions. In early 2023, groups of artists even organized protests, flooding platforms with “AI Art Boycott” messages to voice their opposition ((News Focus) Webtoons at crossroads: Is AI opportunity or threat? | Yonhap News Agency). The fear is not only losing income, but also the loss of artistic control and recognition. If a client can generate a caricature in your style with an algorithm, will they still credit or pay you? – such questions are now front and center in artists’ communities. 

    On the other hand, there are optimistic voices who see AI as an ally rather than an enemy. Veteran cartoonist Lee Hyun-se, who has witnessed decades of technological change, likened AI to past innovations like digital coloring and 3D modeling. There were worries that those tools would make artists obsolete, “but they overcame them all,” he says ((News Focus) Webtoons at crossroads: Is AI opportunity or threat? | Yonhap News Agency). Lee is actively collaborating with a tech company to train an AI on his own drawing style – effectively embracing the technology to extend his creative reach ((News Focus) Webtoons at crossroads: Is AI opportunity or threat? | Yonhap News Agency). He expressed hope that rather than replacing artists, “AI will eventually become a creative tool for artists” ((News Focus) Webtoons at crossroads: Is AI opportunity or threat? | Yonhap News Agency). This perspective suggests that artists who adapt can find ways to work with AI, using it to boost productivity or explore new styles. Similarly, industry experts advise that AI’s march is unstoppable, so the pragmatic approach is to learn how to “effectively utilize AI in the field of creative work” instead of trying to erect barriers against it ((News Focus) Webtoons at crossroads: Is AI opportunity or threat? | Yonhap News Agency). Many younger caricaturists and cartoonists are already experimenting with AI to draft ideas or create hybrid works, viewing it as just another medium (much like some painters moved to digital tablets). 

    Even some who are uneasy about AI acknowledge potential upsides. For example, proponents in the webcomic arena argue AI can reduce the heavy workload on artists and lower the barriers for newcomers, allowing people with ideas but limited drawing skills to bring stories to life ((News Focus) Webtoons at crossroads: Is AI opportunity or threat? | Yonhap News Agency). In caricature terms, an artist could use an AI to handle tedious parts (say, rendering a complex background or trying out 10 different exaggeration approaches) and then add their finishing touches. It’s clear that attitudes are in flux: while anxiety is understandable, a number of caricaturists see room to innovate and even expand their art through these tools, rather than compete head-to-head with them. 

    Adapting and Thriving in an AI-Enhanced Future 

    For caricature artists determined to maintain their relevance and creativity, adaptation is key. Here are some strategies and recommendations gleaned from industry experts and early adopters: 

    • Leverage AI as a Partner: Instead of viewing AI purely as competition, artists can incorporate it into their workflow. For instance, use AI to generate initial caricature concepts or to quickly apply different artistic styles to a sketch. This can spark new ideas and save time on drafts (Exploring AI Image Generators for Cartoonists –). Cartoonists have found that using AI for tasks like background scenery or color fills frees them to focus on the caricature’s expression and gag – the parts that truly require their talent (Exploring AI Image Generators for Cartoonists –). By mastering these tools, caricaturists can increase their output and even offer new types of products (e.g. semi-AI-assisted caricatures with rapid turnaround). Think of AI as an apprentice that handles the grunt work under your direction. 
    • Emphasize the Human Element: Double down on what makes your caricatures human. This could mean highlighting the live drawing experience (if you do events) or the personal customization you offer for commissions. Since AI art can feel impersonal, make your services feel extra personal. Talk to clients, include their stories or inside jokes in the drawing, and perhaps even provide progress sketches to involve them in the creative process. The goal is to offer something AI cannot – a relationship and a story behind the artwork. As the entertainment company example showed, people still love watching an artist draw “as features are humorously exaggerated on paper” amidst shared laughter (We Draw Live Caricatures At Events & Commissions From Photos). Sell not just a caricature, but an experience or a deeply thoughtful piece of art that no app can replicate. 
    • Cultivate a Signature Style: If AI tends to produce cookie-cutter results, having a distinct style can set a caricaturist apart. Whether it’s a particular way of drawing eyes and teeth, or a unique comedic twist you add, make your work recognizable and inimitable. Clients who appreciate that style will come specifically to you. Some artists are even branding their style in collaboration with AI – for example, training a custom AI model on their own past caricatures. This way, they can generate rough sketches in their style quickly (since the AI is effectively learning their “hand”), then refine and finalize the artwork themselves. This approach, used by artists like Lee Hyun-se ((News Focus) Webtoons at crossroads: Is AI opportunity or threat? | Yonhap News Agency), turns AI into a multiplier of one’s artistic brand rather than a generic replacement. 
    • Focus on Quality and Creativity: While AI can produce decent images, it often lacks true creativity or fails at complex compositions and multi-subject scenes. Caricaturists can focus on those high-difficulty projects where human skill shines. For example, group caricatures (e.g. a whole family or a company team in one scene) are challenging for AI to arrange coherently, whereas an experienced artist can compose a charming scene that reflects each member’s personality. By taking on projects that require higher artistry – dynamic compositions, caricatures with clever conceptual humor, or mixed-media caricatures (perhaps integrating physical painting or collage) – artists can offer services that outclass what AI can do. Essentially, move up the value chain: if quick headshot cartoons become commodified by AI, shift to offering more elaborate caricature art or related services (like caricature-based illustrations for editorial or advertising) where your expertise stands out. 
    • Educate Clients and Find Niches: It may help to educate clients about the differences between AI art and an artist’s caricature. Some clients might not realize, for instance, that an AI won’t capture a person’s hobbies or subtle traits unless explicitly told, whereas a human artist might notice and include those delightful details. By communicating the value of a hand-drawn caricature (its uniqueness, its collectability, the care put into it), artists can justify their pricing and appeal to customers looking for special gifts or experiences. Additionally, seek out niches where authenticity matters – such as caricature illustrations for wedding sign-in boards, or editorial cartoons – where having a known artist’s signature or style is part of the appeal. These are areas less likely to be overtaken by anonymous AI art because they rely on reputation and trust. 
    • Continuous Learning and Innovation: Lastly, caricature artists should stay informed about AI developments and art trends. The field is evolving fast. New tools might empower solo artists (for example, an AI that colorizes your line art flawlessly in your style could be a boon). By keeping an open mind and learning new digital skills, a traditional caricaturist can become a versatile creative professional. They might branch out into related domains – like concept art, character design, or graphic novels – using a mix of hand-drawing and AI assistance. Far from making creativity obsolete, the AI era could push artists to broaden their horizons. As one professor noted, “even if we pile up barriers, AI will become the mainstream trend… we should consider how to effectively utilize AI” in creative fields ((News Focus) Webtoons at crossroads: Is AI opportunity or threat? | Yonhap News Agency). The caricaturists who heed that advice can find ways to thrive, using AI to amplify (not replace) their artistry. 

    Conclusion 

    AI-generated caricatures are undeniably changing the landscape of caricature art. They offer speed, convenience, and endless variety, which have captivated many users and clients. This poses a real challenge to traditional caricaturists, evidenced by reports of declining commissions and a sense of an existential threat in the profession (A year of drawing on on Mugs. Wine Corks. Napkins. Coasters. Your Face. Whatever.). Yet, this new technology does not spell the end for human caricature artists – rather, it is a catalyst for evolution. While AI can imitate styles and churn out drawings on demand, it lacks a human artist’s creativity, intuition, and personal touch. Savvy caricaturists can leverage those strengths to differentiate their work, all while adopting helpful AI tools to enhance their productivity and creative range. The future of caricature art may well lie in a hybrid approach: artists and AI in collaboration, each playing to their strengths. Those who view AI not just as a threat but as an opportunity for innovation (Exploring AI Image Generators for Cartoonists –) ((News Focus) Webtoons at crossroads: Is AI opportunity or threat? | Yonhap News Agency) Are already finding new avenues for their talent – from offering live experiential art that no machine can replace, to using AI to push their art into exciting new realms. In summary, AI is reshaping the caricature market and forcing adaptation, but it doesn’t have to erase the caricaturist. With resilience and creativity (traits caricature artists have in abundance), professionals can continue to flourish, drawing the world in ways that make us laugh and reflect – aided, but not overshadowed, by the latest technology. 

    Dialogue: The Future of AI-Generated Caricatures

    Dr. Emily Carter (AI Researcher & Digital Artist)
    “Artificial Intelligence has completely transformed the caricature landscape. AI tools like Midjourney and DALL-E can generate caricatures in seconds—something that used to take traditional artists hours. This speed and accessibility make AI caricatures wildly popular, especially for social media avatars and commercial applications. We’re seeing a major shift in how caricature art is produced and consumed.”

    James Nolan (Professional Caricature Artist & Illustrator)
    “Absolutely, but AI-generated caricatures lack the human touch. A skilled caricaturist doesn’t just exaggerate features; they capture personality, humor, and subtle quirks that an algorithm often misses. AI may be able to mimic artistic styles, but it struggles with originality and the emotional depth that hand-drawn art provides.”

    Dr. Carter:
    “I agree AI lacks true creativity, but it can be a powerful tool for artists rather than a replacement. Many professional illustrators are using AI to generate initial sketches or experiment with different styles before refining their work manually. In this way, AI can enhance artistic workflows rather than compete with them.”

    James Nolan:
    “That’s a fair point, but there’s also the economic impact. AI caricatures are disrupting freelance markets—clients who once paid for custom caricatures now opt for AI-generated alternatives at a fraction of the cost. Many artists feel that their work is being devalued, and there are ethical concerns over AI training on existing artworks without consent.”

    Dr. Carter:
    “That’s where regulation and transparency come in. AI-generated art should have clear attribution and ethical training practices. However, I believe traditional caricaturists can still thrive by focusing on what AI can’t replicate—live event caricatures, hand-drawn commissions with personal storytelling, and artistic styles that aren’t easily reproduced by AI.”

    James Nolan:
    “Exactly! The future for caricaturists lies in adaptation. Those who embrace AI as a tool rather than viewing it as competition will have an edge. Live event drawing, highly personalized artwork, and creative storytelling in caricatures are areas where human artists will always have an advantage over AI.”

    Dr. Carter:
    “Well said! AI is reshaping the art world, but human ingenuity, humor, and creativity remain irreplaceable. The key is to innovate rather than resist—artists who learn to integrate AI into their practice can unlock new creative possibilities.”

  • Mission Statement

    “Folks, let’s talk about the Australian Cartoon Gallery & Museum. Now, this place is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Australian cartoon art, which is great because, you know, someone’s gotta keep the laughs coming down under. Their mission? To build a comprehensive collection that documents the evolution of printed cartoon art in Australia. Because, let’s face it, if we don’t preserve our cartoons, who will? The aliens? I mean, they’re already taking our jobs, but our cartoons? That’s just too much.

    So, they’re organizing these materials, making them accessible to the public, and fostering appreciation for this unique cultural expression. It’s like they’re saying, ‘Hey, Australia, let’s not forget how to laugh at ourselves.’ And I’m all for it. I mean, who doesn’t love a good cartoon? It’s like the news, but with more humor and less Tucker Carlson.

    But here’s the thing: this website isn’t just about preserving the past; it’s about keeping the spirit of satire alive. Because, let’s be honest, if we can’t laugh at ourselves, we’re doomed. And what better way to do that than through cartoons? It’s like the ultimate form of political commentary—without the politics, or the commentary, or the politicians. Just pure, unadulterated humor.

    Jim Bridges
    CEO ACM Jim Bridges