Tayo Fatunla

Tayo Fatunla is one of Africa's leading iconic comic artists and his work has received international acclaim. He is a Caricaturist, Designer and Illustrator. He lectures at universities and colleges worldwide and holds Cartoon workshops for children and adults. Tayo is also the author of 'Our Roots,' which is an illustrated book on Black History and 'Tayo through the Years'.

Question: How old were you when you first started drawing? Who encouraged you to make a career out of it?

TAYO: I was in my early teens when I got introduced fully to comics and drawing cartoons. It was at my secondary school, Baptist Academy in Lagos that the birth of my gift took place. My mum did most of the encouragement. Little did she know it though, as she bought comics for me from her workplace. My uncles also bought comics for me. I was always drawing cartoons for my school mates to read. Fortunately for me, one of my class mates, Seyi Onabanjo is the son of the late Governor of Ogun State, Chief Onabanjo who ran a publishing company. They lived behind Baptist Academy. It was at Seyi's house that I was introduced to publishing. I offered to draw cartoons for a children‘s magazine called, APOLLO, which his dad published at that time. Seyi's sister, Toun was the editor. My first cartoon was published in Apollo and it was after this, that I decided that I wanted to make a career out of it.

Question: Do you find that there is a difference between drawing for newspapers and drawing for children?

TAYO: I usually do editorial cartoons for newspapers, magazines and web sites which are usually political cartoons. When I have had the opportunity to go with my family to places like Disneyland and other amusement centres and funfairs, I have relived my childhood there . Drawing for children, brings out the child in me as well. I like educating them with my cartoons. It is a very good tool of communication. That is why I have used OUR ROOTS to educate around the world the achievements of Black people. OUR ROOTS honours the courage, creativity and accomplishments of people of African heritage through my illustrations. I love children's' books a lot because of the images that educate and speak volumes. With cartoons in publications, people do not know you but they may recognize your style and signature. As a result of my Cartoon workshops, I see children who call out my name when they see me on the streets. They remind me about my workshop which they have attended. That gives me satisfaction. I have also received letters from children thanking me for teaching them to draw cartoons from different schools all over the country. Adults don't do that.

Question: Your work has led you to travel all over the world. What is your most memorable experience?

TAYO: Memorable experiences you mean. Well, travelling to Egypt, experiencing the North African atmosphere, ancient history, the people and the hospitality. The Red Sea brought memories of Biblical proportion! Artistically my trip to Cento, Italy, where I taught Art and Design students to draw cartoons was also memorable. I was told afterwards that for the visiting local government officials to have remained seated throughout my workshop meant that my workshop wasn't boring and had made an impact on them. I also sat with them (the officials that is) to discuss ideas for future community events. And there is the World Village Festival in Finland that was something else! Imagine thousands of people at a Live Aid concert. I was told to do a quick drawing on the big stage for thousands to see. Now that was memorable as well. I can go on and on……

Question: What is the difference between cartoons and caricatures?

TAYO: Cartoons express visually the deep thinking that has gone into an idea of a cartoonist who parodies, in my case, social, political and economic issues. Cartoons are amusing, funny, thought-provoking and educational. Caricatures distort faces of people by exaggeration but still retain the identity of who has been drawn. It is meant to be funny at first glance. These days, you can see caricatures in cartoons and without being told you can recognize whose caricature it is.

Question: You hold cartoon workshops at festivals, schools and libraries- What is your advice to children and young people interested in pursuing a hobby/ career in cartoons or caricatures?

TAYO: I always tell children that their futures "start now!" It is what they make out of their education that determines their destiny. I tell them “little do we know it, but we are surrounded by cartoons.” Cartoons are everywhere including Animation, so it means that there are loads of jobs for aspiring cartoonists. I implore children and the enthused to be confident and determined and not take “no” for an answer but to press on. There is too much pressure on young black children to excel. I love being a role model and give them hope of a better future. I advise that if they want to draw they can get books from the libraries on how to draw almost everything. Children are quite fortunate these days. Years back I had to draw the hard way. I went to the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in New Jersey, U.S. Not many children may be able to do the same, but there are correspondence courses here in the U.K. and in the U.S. All aspiring cartoonists must get the proper tools for drawing. Some cartoonists draw cartoons on the computer but most importantly a cartoonist must practice!! practice!! practice!!!