A Cartoonist Workshop with Gavin Thomson – discovering comics, characters and caricature!


Visual artists of all kinds gathered on Saturday 7 October at the Ahem! Art Collective in Observatory to take part in a Cartoonist Workshop with Gavin Thomson.

Gavin is originally from Noordhoek and is the illustrator of Treknet and Mama Taxi, popular daily cartoons which have been appearing in the Cape Times, Saturday Star and Independent newspapers since 2005 - the 2nd longest running daily comic strip after Madam & Eve!
Gavin showing the basics of illustration
Gavin's is also an editorial cartoonist whose work has appeared in the People's Post for the past 10 years. He has also illustrated numerous children's books such as the “And Friends” series written by Roy Harding, and he has exhibited his famous artworks and cartoons at his first solo exhibition titled “Starry Nights Over False Bay” in December 2016. 

The cartoonist workshop included the basics of animation and illustration, types of cartoons (comic strips, editorial cartoons), how to create your own comic strip and character development. Gavin's discussions also included the business of cartooning and intellectual property, and the workshop participants took part in group sketching sessions to create their own characters using the theories which Gavin had presented throughout the day.
Thank you to the Ahem! Art Collective and Gavin Thomson Cartoons and Illustrations for hosting the workshop and happily agreeing to have this event reviewed on 'Cultsha Kennis'. 

 *****Did you know? The Ahem! Art Collective is a gallery and coffee shop that serves to create a sense of community for illustrators and animators locally and internationally, as well as to give platforms to underprivileged artists. The gallery is managed by a mother and daughter duo – Thea and Barbara - with Mark, their Chief of Caffeine! Come visit, have a coffee with friends or use the space for quiet creative time – their address is 77 Lower Main Road Observatory or call them on 071 585 3423. Also 'like' them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AhemArtCollective/. Also visit to purchase Gavin's original artwork and comics, Trek Net and The Circle of Surfers - perfect Christmas gifts for your artist friends over the festive season!   

 Follow Gavin Thomson on Social Media:



Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gavin-Thomson-Cartoons-and-Illustrations-161467797233574/




Instagram: gavin_thomson_cartoonist
Workshop participants 

Mama Taxi sold at the Ahem! Art Collective 
              Discussions from What's So Funny? By Andy Mason - we discovered that the TV show Madam&Eve was a                   manifestation of the cartoon which was came out first! 
Available for sale at Ahem! Art Collective


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