Cartooning is a way of describing the world in a simple form and a much more interesting way than through words alone. A cartoonist can tell a joke, a story or make a particular point, but above all make us smile. Cartoons today are as much a part of our modern lives, whether we are five or ninety five.

I became interested in cartooning while working on a 3 year research project for the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull, tracing the work of the talented cartoonist, Ern Shaw. During my research I came across the Cartoonist Club of Great Britain, an organisation with a long history of famous cartoonists as members. After visiting some of their events the idea for the large cartoon activity strips was conceived.

I had previously worked in the toy and games industry, as a graphic designer, but it was when I started to run my own puppet and cartoon workshops, and introduced the cartoon strip activity, that I realised by the children's enthusiastic reaction to them, the potential of this fun product.

Cartoons in this format are a great way of keeping large groups of children engaged and entertained when individuals or organisations are running events. An event or special occasion is a much more enjoyable experience for everyone involved if the children are kept busy and provided with an opportunity to show their drawings skills, have fun, and make new friends.

Ream Designs was launched in 2011 and I was soon supplying various themed cartoon activity strips to different organisations for their events.

Designing the cartoon strips in my studio on my 12 foot long drawing desk, makes each day different, exciting and fun. I never know from one day to the next what I will be drawing!

Olwyn Cossins