Karl Wimer believes that creativity runs through everyone, it’s only a matter of harnessing it.

Wimer, an award winning cartoonist and illustrator, gave his audience a glimpse into the world of creativity and innovation where cartoons come to be. Having graduated from Yale University and spent time as a cartoonist for the Yale Daily News, Wimer is well-versed in this world.

As the presentation started, Wimer discussed the work of other cartoonists that have made an impact in the field. He shared his opinion on their art, and explained how to discern an artist’s perspective, whether social or political, from the details.

The cartoons that he showed us were very entertaining, especially after Wimer helped us interpret them. Wimer was well-spoken, and did an amazing job of explaining what the cartoons were about.

Further into the workshop, he introduced us to the history of editorial cartoons, and how they have grown over the years. The content of editorial cartoons has changed over the decades as the public becomes concerned with different issues.

Wimer then encouraged us to try making their own cartoons, teaching the students how to draw a man’s face in the editorial style, and how to accentuate the features such as the chin or eyes.

Further into the presentation, Wimer showcased his own work that had been published in like USAToday, NPR and Fox News.

Currently, Wimer is focussing more on sports cartoons for the Mile High Sports magazine to show his passion for sports such as football.

Unfortunately, because the workshop was only an hour long, we weren’t able to learn how to draw an entire human figure in editorial style. However, Wimer did say that if we reached out to him, he would be happy to teach it.

Overall, the presentation was very informative and I would advise any student with an interest in art or cartoons to attend this workshop next year. Wimer highlighted an often overlooked form of art, and I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion.