Cartooning — Smithsonian Books. The definitive one-stop guide to cartoons, caricatures, comic strips and manga.
Drawing Cartoons That Sell — a practical guide to turning cartoon skills into a professional career.
John Byrne Creative
John Byrne has spent over thirty years working as a professional cartoonist, illustrator and author — with more than forty books published by HarperCollins, Penguin, Macmillan, Smithsonian and others. His work has appeared in Private Eye, The Guardian and The Bookseller, and he has been a course tutor at the London Art College. Whether you want to develop your drawing, break into picture books, find your visual storytelling voice, or navigate the publishing world, John brings hands-on professional experience to every session.
Cartooning — Smithsonian Books. The definitive one-stop guide to cartoons, caricatures, comic strips and manga.
Drawing Cartoons That Sell — a practical guide to turning cartoon skills into a professional career.
How I can help
Cartooning & Illustration
One-to-one Zoom sessions covering the fundamentals of cartooning, caricature, comic strips and manga — whatever your level. Sessions are goal-led, with clear milestones and an email follow-up after each one.
£30 per session
Picture Book & Visual Storytelling
Developing your picture book ideas, illustration style and visual narrative — from initial concept through to a finished dummy. Practical guidance on what publishers are looking for and how to present your work.
£30 per session
Navigating the Publishing World
Practical guidance on how the publishing industry works — finding the right publishers, approaching agents, understanding contracts, and building a sustainable career as an illustrator or author-illustrator.
£30 per session
Coaching Block
A series of sessions with a clear through-line — ideal if you have a project to develop or a specific skill to build. Block bookings are available at a discounted rate.
Enquire for details
Published work
A selection of John's published titles — over forty books for adults and children across cartooning, humour and illustration.
What students say
"I am very much enjoying cartoon lessons with John as a total beginner. He has a wealth of experience and gives very helpful guidance. We have defined goals of what we want to achieve within our set of lessons and with John's clear instruction, I'm confident I'll achieve them. I thoroughly recommend working with John."
"Your Drawing Cartoons That Sell book got me started as a teen. Thanks!"
"Perfect! I'm delighted that I chose John as my tutor. He has a vast knowledge and passion and he is a natural born teacher."
John tutors cartooning, fantasy art and children's book illustration at the London Art College — one of the UK's leading providers of online creative courses. His courses are designed to suit complete beginners and experienced illustrators alike, with structured learning and personal feedback at every stage.
Visit the London Art College →Trained at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin, and Bolton Street College of Print Technology.
Original tutor at the Museum of Cartoon Art. Resident cartoonist on Nickelodeon TV. Comedy writing for BBC Radio 4, Channel 5, BBC World Service and Virgin Radio.
His cartooning book Learn to Draw Cartoons has passed its tenth edition.
Whether you'd like to book a session, ask about block coaching, or discuss a specific project, use the form below and John will get back to you directly.
Practical tools for illustrators, cartoonists and creative professionals — available to download immediately.
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