My name is Keri and I have just completed the Cartooning Online Art Diploma Course with distinction, tutored by John Byrne.
Drawing has always been important to me. It has defined who I am and continues to bring me great joy. As soon as I could put pencil to paper and could explore my imagination, I was creating crazy cartoon creatures, dragons being a particular favourite. Life however took me down a different path and my doodles and characters slumbered in the depths of my mind, but not yet forgotten. Early this year I decided to resurrect my characters. I started creating cartoon strips, something I had never thought of doing before and this rekindled my love of drawing.
Going back to School
I decided, thanks to the response to my first cartoons, to look at doing an art course. I discovered the Cartooning Diploma with the London Art College and couldn’t believe how perfect it was. I could enjoy the course in my own time at my own pace and it had a very relaxed feel. My tutor John Byrne was fantastic and very encouraging. Although I could draw cartoons, I learnt not only how to refine my work to a professional standard, but also how to execute cartoon jokes and see the cartoon from the audience’s perspective. Below is one of my first cartoons I submitted, ‘Curry Night’. This is the version I updated for my final assignment and features my dragon character, ‘Zookie’. I particularly enjoyed the expressions in this one and I hope the personalities of the three dragons come through. I use bold line work and colours in my cartoons to really make them stand out and catch the viewer’s interest.
I also submitted a few of my multi-panel cartoons later in the course. This one in particular, named ‘A Romantic Getaway’ has a fun build up. I’m sure my female character ‘Cinder’, was not expecting that outcome!
Post Diploma
I submitted my final assignment and eagerly awaited my results. The feedback from John was incredible and I was overcome with emotion while reading it. I am delighted to have earned a diploma with distinction, having been originally self taught and keen to pursue my cartooning dreams. Since completing the course, I have been continuing my cartoon strip ‘Zookie the Dragon’ which I post weekly on Facebook. I also have plans to explore the greeting card market with Zookie and am currently creating some humorous designs. I have also received some interest in my work by way of commissions, particularly pet caricatures.
You can see more of my work on my website: Zookie Cartoons
Come and like my Facebook page to see a new cartoon every week – Zookie on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter – Zookie on Twitter
A big thank you to my tutor John Byrne. I imagine I will be keeping in touch (hopefully) as my career progresses. If you are interested in an art course, I would definitely recommend The London Art College.
Keri Johnson
Cartooning Online Art Course Student
