Drawing Methodology & Philosophy
Zunar
Drawing Methodology & Philosophy
ZUNAR’S CARTOON PHILOSOPHY AND DRAWING METHOD
During my school days, drawing cartoons was a casual, relaxed, and fun practice for me. However, when I became a professional cartoonist, drawing cartoons demanded a long, difficult, and highly disciplined process.At times, it brings pressure and stress, especially when deadlines approach and the breakthrough idea has yet to come. Yet, if the cartoon receives a good response from readers, I experience an extraordinary sense of satisfaction. Sometimes I meet people who say, "Thank you. Your cartoons have opened my eyes and mind to the political situation in Malaysia." Expressions like this touch my heart to its deepest core, even bringing tears to my eyes.Regarding the drawing process, I do not start by drawing right away. The first step is to do extensive and deep 'homework' by gathering information about the specific issue to be cartooned.I obtain this information from various sources such as the media, YouTube, and internet searches. Occasionally, if the issue involves someone I know personally, I will contact them directly to get further information from their own perspective. 'Homework' regarding facts and data is crucial for me to produce works that hit the target. It also serves as a shield against potential legal action.That is the first step. The second step is taking and establishing a firm stance on the issue. My stance must be clear and never ambiguous. After these two steps are taken, only then do I look for the humor.
THE "SIMPLE & COMPACT" APPROACH
Since the issues in my cartoons are serious, my visual approach must be simple and compact. My drawings usually feature only the main characters without any background. The background in my drawings is typically just white. I enjoy playing with negative space so that readers can focus more attention on the primary subject. A background drawing only appears if it is part of the subject itself.Simple does not mean sparse; it means compact—meaning it encompasses everything intended to be conveyed through a single object.
THE CONCEPT OF ‘EVEN MY PEN HAS A STAND’
I find it strange that many people choose to ignore political issues and claim that politics is dirty. Even more unfortunate, some artists and cartoonists share this view and refuse to touch upon it in their work. To me, this kind of stance is just looking for a safe escape, or playing it safe. Does playing it safe benefit humanity?For example, suppose you are at a bus stop and a woman is standing next to you with a handbag. Suddenly, a snatcher arrives and grabs her bag. Do you choose to remain neutral?By playing it safe and taking no action, you are actually condoning the snatcher's actions. The right thing to do is to help the woman. By taking this action, you face high risks. If the snatcher is armed, you might get hurt. But it is a necessary action to take because a value is measured by how much benefit we provide to others.But how can I make this group understand that when facing a moral crisis, there is no room for neutrality? Neutrality is actually escapism.How can I make them understand that what they refer to as political issues are not things that only affect politicians, but instead impact our lives as citizens?How can I make them understand that they also need to play a role in changing the situation?I needed to create a message in the form of a slogan, drawing, or anything that could invite people to take a stance. I needed effective words and a punchline. It took a long time to focus. I concentrated deeply at home, in the studio, on buses, on trains, and while eating, but I still could not find the right words.One day, while in the studio, I suddenly looked at a glass on the table where I always put my pens before and after drawing. This glass container is called a "Pen Stand" in English. I was inspired to create the slogan: "How Can I be Neutral, Even My Pen Has a Stand.
TALENT IS NOT A GIFT....
I did not need to go to university to take a course on talent. In fact, not a single university in this world is capable of offering a course on talent. Yet, I can still draw cartoons. This is because I was born with talent. In other words, the talent I possess is a direct gift from God. Because of that, I cannot be arrogant. To me, "Talent is not a gift, but a responsibility." Therefore, I cannot use talent for self-interest. Instead, I must use this talent for the benefit of the people.High financial reward is not the goal—what matters is that I can fulfill my responsibility as someone given talent by God. In fact, it can be said that for the vast majority of the cartoons I produce, I receive no payment at all. At one point, I even temporarily lifted the copyright of my cartoons to allow them to be easily distributed by the public. It was not a financially profitable move, but it carried high value in fulfilling my responsibility.
RESPONSIBILITY IS GREATER THAN FEAR
In several programs, when invited onto the stage, I am introduced as a brave cartoonist. I want to clarify that this title is inaccurate. I do not intend to be a brave person. I have the same feelings of fear as anyone else. However, no matter our level of fear, responsibility must still be carried out. Being handcuffed, thrown into a lockup, or having my office raided are not my choices. If possible, I too would like to draw cartoons in peace. But when I live in a society where corruption and injustice happen right before my eyes, I cannot remain silent because that is my responsibility. And responsibility must be placed at the highest level. Responsibility is greater than fear.
WHY PINCH WHEN YOU CAN PUNCH
A shotgun is a type of firearm that scatters many small pellets in a single shot. This is because the shooter hopes that even if the aim is not precise, at least one small pellet will hit the target. However, such a hit often lacks impact and is ineffective. In terms of reaching a goal, the shotgun approach is not the best example for my cartoon style. My cartoon must be like a precision instrument with a single, focused aim that hits the mark perfectly. I do not want to just graze the surface here and there—I want to deliver a powerful, direct impact.
Why Pinch When You Can Punch!
PHILOSOPHY OF THE STRUGGLE
What I draw is the result of anger, frustration, and heartache buried within the soul. If these feelings are left suppressed, negative energy will fill the chest. I need to pour out these emotions to release the burden from my soul. It is these feelings that I process, turn positive, and translate into visuals on paper. This is what is called "Zunar's Cartoons."The struggle through cartoons is fighting for what I believe in my heart. The struggle is a marathon with no finish line. The winners are those who stay on track and move forward. It does not matter whether I walk, run, or crawl. As long as I keep moving forward, I will eventually reach the destination.Even though I might not see the change during my lifetime, it is enough if it can serve as a gift for future generations.