ADVERTISEMENT

Natalya Lobanova is a London-based artist and cartoonist with a knack for turning everyday moments into clever, funny, and relatable illustrations. Her work is minimalistic but packed with meaning, often offering sharp observations about modern life, culture, and how we see the world around us.

"None of my funny comic strips are about my life specifically. I tend to focus more on universal feelings that I believe everyone experiences, usually of existential angst! I deliberately avoid drawing myself in comics, which is why sometimes I resort to an amorphous blob-like person, as I see that as a sort of ‘anti-character," the artist told Bored Panda.

In this article, we’re excited to share some of Natalya’s latest creations. Whether you’re already familiar with her work or just discovering her now, there’s something here you’re bound to enjoy. Let’s dive in!

More info: Instagram | natalyalobanova.com | Facebook | x.com | Substack

#1

Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova of a person holding a black cat with text "I have no choice" above.

natalyalobanova Report

Angela B
Community Member
10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Worship the Void. But the Void's face says " You will die later. In your sleep."

Bored Panda contacted Natalya Lobanova once more to gain further insight into her creative process and her background. When asked whether she intentionally aims to make people laugh with her art or if it happens organically, the artist explained that it is definitely an intention. "I think humor is a useful tool for talking about things that might be quite difficult as it's a softer landing in delivery. No one is interested in an angry rant or a pity fest, but they don't mind if it makes them laugh!"

RELATED:
    #3

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova depicting humorous observations of a husband acting like a cat.

    natalyalobanova Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    When it comes to deciding which ideas are strong enough to transform into a comic or illustration, Natalya shared that it's somewhat of a guessing game. "Sometimes I know something is hilarious because it makes me laugh as soon as I think of it, but other times I just note the idea down and come back to it after some time. Usually, I just make things and hope for the best – for example, my Old God comic did surprisingly well and I really did not expect it to do so and was on the fence about even creating it!"

    #4

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova showing a person in a dome with labeled buttons indicating outcomes of choices.

    natalyalobanova Report

    Pia Hanslep
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yellow. I'd walk away with 1 010 000 £ and everyone's happy. :D

    Doc
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yellow. Why not bless and do a simple act of kindness

    m6nbtfpx7q
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This took an unexpected turn and gave me a good laugh this morning.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova of two cats hugging with text about love.

    natalyalobanova Report

    The majority of Natalya's work does not feature color, so we asked her how she decides when to keep things simple or incorporate more vibrancy. "I tend to be quite scared of using color as a cartoonist who works primarily in black and white, but it's also usually actually the most enjoyable part when painting anything. Some works just require color for context, though, so I need to add it, whether I like it or not!"

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova shows a bug-like creature in various domestic settings.

    natalyalobanova Report

    Every artist has their favorite part of the creative process, and for Natalya, it's painting and inking. "Drawing can be very frustrating, but once you're painting or inking the work then you can just switch your brain off and really get into the zone."

    #8

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova showing internal vs external dialogue in three panels.

    natalyalobanova Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova depicting daily routine and worship of the algorithm with simple line drawings.

    natalyalobanova Report

    #10

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova featuring two cats: one rude and criminal, the other polite and responsible.

    natalyalobanova Report

    #11

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova featuring a humorous crocodile reflecting on evolution and its downfall.

    natalyalobanova Report

    #12

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova showing a server asking two customers if they need the concept of a restaurant explained.

    natalyalobanova Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #13

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova depicting a humorous take on flower fairies and fuchsia flowers.

    natalyalobanova Report

    #15

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova depicting a dream about a genius painting and a surreal airplane illustration.

    natalyalobanova Report

    #16

    Minimalistic illustration by Natalya Lobanova depicting vineyards under cloudy skies with sunrays breaking through.

    natalyalobanova Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #17

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova of colorful flowers in a vase with text: "I'm a sucker for a flower market."

    natalyalobanova Report

    #18

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova depicting a castle with the phrase "I'm certain sordid things happened here."

    natalyalobanova Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #21

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova featuring a comic scene with characters unable to hear Satan, who is on mute.

    natalyalobanova Report

    #22

    Red devil minimalist cartoon by Natalya Lobanova with a humorous caption about staying late.

    natalyalobanova Report

    #23

    Minimalistic cartoons by Natalya Lobanova with humorous self-facts in black and white drawings.

    natalyalobanova Report

    #24

    Minimalistic illustration of a person in bed with a face mask, reflecting on future appearance in a humorous tone.

    natalyalobanova Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #25

    Minimalistic cartoon by Natalya Lobanova showing a person wrapped in a white snake against a dark background.

    natalyalobanova Report