It’s that time of the year again when we have to celebrate the cartoonists who have put indelible smiles on our faces through their astonishing works.

This time, I looked no further than 2010, when both Despicable Me and Tangled were debuted on the big screens by Illumination Entertainment/Universal Pictures and Disney Studios respectively.

Viewers got so engrossed with the cute, slapstick humour of the minions (not forgetting their silly language) and also the enchanting and ever-flowing serpentine hair of Rapunzel; however, did you know the cartoonists/animators behind them?

Based on the original folktales of Brothers Grimm, Rapunzel’s initial sketches were designed by the reputable Disney animator, Glen Keane. Some of his other notable works include Ariel, Beast and Aladdin from Disney’s Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin respectively. Inspired by his Rapunzel creation, I had to portray a captured Rapunzel with coloured pencils, and I enjoyed absolutely every minute of it.

Furthermore, the mastermind behind the adorable Minions is none other than Eric Guillon, who has also served as a character designer on both The Secret Life of Pets and Sing. My favourite character from The Minions is Stuart, particularly because of his whimsical acts of mischief and adventurousness, hence, my depiction of him.

Phew! I can’t thank these cartoonists/animators enough for the joy their works have put on our faces, and also for the fact that I enjoyed flexing my coloured pencils once again, thanks to the inspiration garnered from the recognition of National Cartoonist’s Day.

In the meantime, do make sure you start your great week off by immersing yourself in your favourite comic strip or childhood cartoons, as we celebrate Cartoonists’ Day. Also, feel free to check out part one in my Day of the Cartoonist series and till next time, Ciao!

Cheemnonso