Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
25 Absurd-Yet-Funny Cartoons I’ve Made That Got Rejected By “The New Yorker” (New Pics)
I'm a cartoonist who dreams of one day being in The New Yorker. It's near impossible, but hope springs eternal. Here are more of my rejected efforts.
I'd still be making these New Yorker cartoons regardless of the outcome because it seems I don't know any better. This has created an interesting situation; forcing me to examine (and reexamine) my reasons for trying out for the "show". Turns out; I love cartooning more than I thought. So, scribbling and searching out the absurd is, in my humble opinion, an excellent way to spend a few hours each day.
If you enjoy my illustrations, check out my previous post here on Bored Panda.
More info: johnart.org
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Final score:
76points
The average cartoon from concept to completion usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Of course, there are exceptions where either the concept comes very quickly, or the gag isn’t being delivered as well as it could be. Sometimes it takes a few days to get the idea right.
I don’t have any personal favorites. I’d say that I’m more interested in creating consistently well-executed cartoons. Spending a little extra time on draftsmanship and clear ideas is what I strive to do. My favorites are the cartoons where I drew well and had a simple, understandable gag.
RELATED:
#2
Final score:
63points
I tend to work on cartoons in batches. I’ll go to my local coffee shop with a pad and paper. Sometimes I’ll take my 18-year-old daughter with me and test out ideas on her. I think some of my best cartoons come from her input. I write down concepts in a rough list. I’ll make notes of how I’d like to draw the idea and what seems to be the funniest way to execute it.
I try to get at least 10 strong ideas down on paper before I ever think about real sketching. Once I feel committed to an idea/gag, I’ll sketch a bit and get the concept and background ironed out. I like to keep my sketches very loose, so I don’t lose any spontaneity during the inking phase. Ideally, I strive to execute 10 (or more) strong ideas per week.
#5
Final score:
50points
Some days I just don’t feel funny or have the juice to find absurdity in what’s going on around me. There are times I must force myself to sit down with my pad of paper and start kicking around ideas. Consistency is key. If I do it every day, I’ll have more to show for my effort. Even if my list of ideas is weak, the exercise still makes me better. I admire anyone who can do this well. For me, it ebbs and flows.
I think spending too much time honing a unique style can get in the way of productivity. Not that it should be ignored, but executing a well-drawn, conceptual cartoon should be the focus. Style usually comes on its own once the artist commits to creating on a regular basis.
#6
Final score:
49points
As for the future, I’d like to continue getting published. The New Yorker would still be a nice get. Of course, that requires quantity and consistency. Two things I work very hard at. I’m working on three children’s books at the moment. I’d be happy to see them completed.
#8
Final score:
45points
Mary Rose Kent 4 years ago
As a long-ago fencer, I want to say great job of getting the gazelle in a very believable advance position!
#9
Final score:
41points
IrrelevantNonsense 4 years ago
I’d choose a fist bump over a butt sniff any day..don’t know ‘bout y’all tho.,.
#10
Final score:
36points
#11
Final score:
35points
#12
Final score:
33points
#13
Final score:
33points
#15
Final score:
27points
#16
Final score:
27points
#18
Final score:
25points
#22
Final score:
18points
#23
Final score:
18points
Harry pottsh 4 years ago
Cows die if there not milked tho. what I would hate was being kicked in the @ss for trying to keep it alive. ( nearly happend at a fair when i was like 8)
#24
Final score:
10points
Mine Truly 4 years ago
If these got rejected, maybe you can try submitting cartoons that address topics in some of New Yorker's articles? Like, find a specific article and then make a cartoon related to it? Just an idea, I don't know how this industry works.
#25
Final score:
7points
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Sleazy Weaver 4 years ago
i don't know if it's just me, but the jokes all seem half-baked. there's no actual humor or punchline, just the suggestion of one. it gives the impression that there was a good idea behind some of the comics, but they were simply executed poorly. others seem to have little semblance of a joke or social commentary typical of newspaper cartoons, like someone going through the motions without knowing what they're doing. perhaps thumbnailing more ideas for each comic beforehand & asking friends or family which sketch clearly communicates the joke before making the finished product could help. this isn’t meant to be rude, i hope the artist can take it as constructive criticism to improve in the future & one day achieve the dream of being published. the art style is perfect, it's just the content itself that needs to be fine-tuned a little more, but i believe in you!
Sleazy Weaver 4 years ago
i don't know if it's just me, but the jokes all seem half-baked. there's no actual humor or punchline, just the suggestion of one. it gives the impression that there was a good idea behind some of the comics, but they were simply executed poorly. others seem to have little semblance of a joke or social commentary typical of newspaper cartoons, like someone going through the motions without knowing what they're doing. perhaps thumbnailing more ideas for each comic beforehand & asking friends or family which sketch clearly communicates the joke before making the finished product could help. this isn’t meant to be rude, i hope the artist can take it as constructive criticism to improve in the future & one day achieve the dream of being published. the art style is perfect, it's just the content itself that needs to be fine-tuned a little more, but i believe in you!
Related on Bored Panda
