The Cartoonist Studio Website Launches

Yesterday a new website called The Cartoonist Studio quietly launched into cyberspace. Created by cartoonist Peter Guren and Anthony Leonardi, the website is a virtual visit to the studios of many of your favorite cartoonists and a centralized place to interact with them. In their own words:

We created The Cartoonist Studio as a way to bring us closer to the fans who enjoy our funny little drawings–those characters and scribbles that make our cartoons come to life. They live, breathe and occupy a place in our lives…kinda like our children or our pets or our alter egos (except the last one doesn’t need feeding or bathing). Our fans know our cartoons and now we want them to know us. In other words, The Cartoonist Studio provides one-stop shopping to get personally involved with all your favorite cartoonists and cartoons.

We want to connect with you and get feedback from you. Share your thoughts about our characters, our story lines and our humor. After all, you are the ones who make our world possible…and now we have a place to welcome you to!

The site launched with the eight founding members of The Cartoonist Studio: Tom Batiuk (Funky Winkerbean), Dave Coverly (Speed Bump), Greg Evans (Luanne), The afore mentioned Peter Guren (Ask Shagg), Jeff Keane (The Family Circus), Rick Kirkman (Baby Blues), Mike Luckovich (editorial cartoonist) and Jerry Scott (Baby Blues, Zits). Their virtural studios are all functional and other features like The Cartoon Store (merchandise from the various cartoonist’s work), Greeting Cards (created by the participating cartoonists), the Cartoon Auction (originals and other goodies auctioned by the cartoonists) and the “Cartoon Contest” (where you can enter a cartoon and vote on your favorite) are all “Coming Soon”.

One cool thing that is operational is the “Amateur Cartoonists Cubicle” where anyone can register and create their own cartoon page to showcase their work.

I’ve already signed on and my virtual studio will be added to the site sometime in the next few weeks. I will let everybody know when my page is up and running.