Whether through traditional pencil and brush or modern digital equipment, creating professional-looking cartoons has never been easier—or more fun! Progressive instruction explains everything from the basics of drawing human and animal figures to innovative uses of shading and light, employing exaggeration and caricature, and portraying humor and emotion. More advanced techniques are added as skills increase, such as using texture to trick the eye, making a powerful statement with the white space, and designing backgrounds that will counterbalance characters. Simple exercises get prospective artists to begin drawing right away, while 140 examples illustrate the required techniques. Expert advice covers the differences between writing single panels and comic strips, as well as secrets to effective political cartoons.