Postal Strike Cartoon

One of my monochrome single-panel cartoons is set at the Royal Mail head office, where the bosses are seated at a negotiating table opposite the Postal Workers Union representative. 

One of the managers says: “We’ll email the new offer just to make sure you get it.” 

This cartoon appeared in Eyebrow Magazine on 9th October 2007. The humour lies in the ironic twist – the Royal Mail, whose entire identity is built around delivering post, is here shown relying on email to guarantee something actually arrives. 

It’s a clever little jab at both modern communication habits and the frustrations people sometimes feel about postal delays.

The gag works because it plays on a contrast everyone recognises: the long-standing image of the post as reliable, versus the growing preference for email as the “safer bet”. 

By placing that observation in the high-stakes setting of a union negotiation, the cartoon exaggerates the joke in a way that’s sharp, memorable, and instantly clear to the reader.

Thanks for visiting! If you fancy another laugh, check out “Reading in the Library” or revisit an older gem, “Firework Display”. Both are part of my growing archive of everyday humour.

Marriage Guidance Cartoon – My Brother's a Proper Cook

This black-and-white cartoon of mine, published in The Sun on July 12th, 2001, takes a light-hearted look at the world of relationship counselling. 

Set in a Marriage Guidance office, it features a couple seated in front of the counsellor – but with an unexpected extra guest. 

The husband, hoping to strengthen his case, has brought along his brother, announcing, “My brother’s a proper cook – he’s come as a witness.”

The humour lies in the clever play on words and the husband’s misunderstanding of what a “witness” might be in this situation. 

Instead of bringing emotional or relational insight, his brother’s presence is intended to confirm that the wife’s cooking could do with some improvement!

Like many of my cartoons, this one combines gentle social observation with a touch of absurdity – taking a familiar scenario and adding a twist. It’s an ideal cartoon for anyone who enjoys humour about relationships and human nature.

Amazon Best Seller >>

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See more of my cartoons and artwork at www.nigelsutherland.co.uk. 

Many of my designs are also available on gifts and prints through my Zazzle stores – perfect for anyone who appreciates witty humour and everyday life captured in a few clever lines.

View Best Selling Cookbooks on Amazon >>

I hope this cartoon gave you a chuckle! Keep the fun going with “The Optician Didn’t Expect This Result” or “Make Sure Your Dating Request Is Legible”.

Bumper Sticker Asks: How's My Wife's Driving?

This image is a cartoon I drew that depicts a woman in the driver's seat of a car, while a bumper sticker on the back of the car asks "HOW'S MY WIFE'S DRIVING?" with a phone number. 

The cartoon is a humorous take on the stereotype of women being poor drivers, together with the trend of, mainly commercial, vehicles having bumper stickers that usually say "How's MY Driving?". 

I remember I had a really nice comment about this one, years after it was published, by Rupert Besley (of seaside postcard fame). 

He'd remembered it, and I was flattered to have had praise from such an eminent fellow-cartoonist.

From The Sun - 17th April 2001

Fancy another quick cartoon? Try “Diving Header” or the cheeky “God’s Gift to Women”.

Treat Her Like A Woman

One of my cartoons that was published in The Sun on 9 June 2001.

The scene is set in a marriage guidance office: the counsellor sits at his desk facing the husband, while the wife’s chair beside him is conspicuously empty. The counsellor says: “Actually, when I said treat her like a woman, I didn’t mean send her out to wash-up the cups!”

The humour works on a few levels. First, it plays on the well-known phrase “treat her like a woman,” which ordinarily implies respect, attention, and emotional care. In the cartoon it’s twisted to suggest the husband misheard - or misapplied - the advice, turning it into housework. 

The gap between intended meaning and literal action makes the joke land. 

Second, placing the line in a professional counselling setting sharpens the contrast: advice is supposed to be wise and considered, but here it’s applied naively and absurdly. 

It’s a funny, gentle poke at stereotypes and miscommunication in relationships.

If you liked this post, you might enjoy “Don’t Confuse Your Internet Search with Research” or “On the Face of It”.

Burglars on Holiday

Another of my cartoons was printed in The Sun on 14th October 2003. It shows a car that has been stopped at the roadside by a police constable. 

While the officer is busy writing out a ticket for the driver, the man’s wife pointedly asks: “Are all the burglars on holiday?”. 

The gag works because it taps into a very familiar frustration – when the police seem more interested in minor offences like traffic stops than in tackling bigger crimes. 

The wife’s sarcastic remark turns that everyday complaint into a neat, witty punchline, suggesting that the officer must have plenty of free time if he’s out writing tickets instead of chasing burglars.

This cartoon is funny because it blends two worlds that readers recognise instantly: the inconvenience of being pulled over and the universal gripe about crime priorities. 

By putting the words into the mouth of the passenger, it also makes the exchange sharper and funnier – she’s cheeky enough to say what many people might only be thinking. 

With its clear set-up and quick payoff, the cartoon delivers the laugh in seconds, which is exactly what makes it work so well.

You could also take a look at my Thesaurus Compilers cartoon or the light-hearted “Simple Home Cooking”.

My Hate Tattoos Cartoon that was Printed in The Sun Newspaper in the UK.

Here's a cartoon I had published in the Sun Newspaper on a Beauty Parlour theme.

Cartoonists are always on the lookout for fun, fresh themes that spark creativity – and the Beauty Parlour theme is perfect for that. It’s a playful setting that offers endless opportunities for humour, from exaggerated hairstyles and dramatic makeovers to over-the-top spa treatments.

The Sun – 28th February, 2000

Using a Beauty Parlour backdrop allows cartoonists to explore relatable situations with a humorous twist – think of the frantic stylist, the chatty customer, or the inevitable beauty mishaps. 

It’s a setting that’s instantly recognisable, which helps your audience connect quickly with your joke or storyline. I have created a Mug on Zazzle which carries this cartoon as its design. The image appears on both sides of the mug.

Buy this Coffee Mug >>

Why I’ve Never Been a Fan of Tattoos

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years – from Polynesian tribal art to sailors marking their journeys, right through to today’s intricate sleeve designs. For many people, a tattoo is a way of expressing individuality, honouring a loved one, or simply enjoying body art.

But here’s my confession: I’ve never liked them.

I don’t deny the skill of tattoo artists. Some designs are stunning works of art, carefully crafted and deeply meaningful. Yet for me, the idea of putting something permanent on my skin feels unappealing. Fashion changes, tastes evolve, and what seems cool at 25 might feel awkward at 55.

I’d rather stick to clothes, posters, or even a good cartoon for self-expression – things you can change when your mood changes. Of course, that’s just my view.

Many of my friends adore their tattoos and wouldn’t dream of going without them. They see them as part of their identity – like wearing a badge of honour. I see them as something I’d quickly regret.

Perhaps that makes me old-fashioned, or maybe just squeamish about needles!

At the end of the day, tattoos are personal. They divide opinion sharply – some people love them, others hate them, and plenty sit somewhere in the middle.

I’m firmly in the “not for me” camp, and I doubt I’ll ever change my mind.

What about you? Do you love tattoos, hate them, or feel indifferent? I’d be curious to hear your thoughts.

Whether you’re poking fun at beauty trends, creating witty illustrations for women’s magazines, or designing cheeky greeting cards, the Beauty Parlour theme gives cartoonists a playful canvas full of personality. 

It’s all about turning everyday scenarios into humorous, eye-catching art that your audience will love – and that’s exactly what every cartoonist wants.

If you’re in the mood for more, check out “Missing Person” or my classic “How’s My Wife’s Driving”.

"God’s Gift to Women" – A Relationship Cartoon with a Twist

This cartoon from my collection was printed in The Sun newspaper on January 22nd, 2001 and takes a light-hearted look at relationships and the sometimes delicate balance between self-confidence and thoughtfulness. 

It shows a couple sitting together having a relationship counselling session at Relate. The counsellor, addressing the husband, Mr. Jackson, delivers the witty line: “I'm sure you ARE God's gift to women, Mr Jackson, but I think she'd have liked a proper birthday present too.”

The humour works on several levels – it gently pokes fun at male vanity while also highlighting a common theme in relationships: the mismatch between what one person thinks is romantic or sufficient, and what the other actually hopes for. 

It’s a perfect example of how a simple line can reveal so much about human nature, communication, and expectations.

Cartoons like this one connect with people because they’re rooted in everyday life. Most couples can recognise a moment like this – when good intentions meet a touch of misunderstanding. 

It’s that familiarity, combined with a wry smile, that makes this type of humour so enduring.

Amazon Best Seller >>

Why not continue with “Burglars on Holiday” or revisit an old favourite, “Postal Strike Cartoon”?

Diving Headers Cartoon Printed in the Wolves v Spurs 1978-79 Season Match Day Programme

"A Literal 'Diving Header' – Football Cartoon

This cartoon depicts two football players staring at a third player who has executed a “diving header” in the most literal sense. The player has half-disappeared into the soft ground, leaving only his legs and body sticking out for all to see.

The caption reads: "Always was a brave one with the diving headers!"

The joke plays on the football term “diving header,” exaggerating it into a comically literal scenario. It’s a visual pun that would amuse anyone familiar with football terminology, especially those who enjoy seeing playful twists on familiar phrases.

This cartoon first appeared in the Wolves v Spurs match day programme, 1978-79 Season. Note the old Wolves logo on the shirts!

While you’re here, you could also read “Dog Playing Computer Games” or “Weakest Link Cartoon” – both guaranteed to raise a smile.

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See more of my cartoons at www.nigelsutherland.co.uk

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I have all kinds of football-related items available in my Zazzle Store HERE...

Sport - Clocks & Watches by Nigel Sutherland

"Dish of the Day" – Restaurant Cartoon

This cartoon, printed in The Sun newspaper on 9th April, 1999, is set in a busy restaurant, where a diner has the startled waitress sitting on his lap. 

Standing beside the table, the maître d’ looks on disapprovingly and says, “That’s our waitress, sir – the dish of the day is on the blackboard!”

The humour here comes from the play on words between the restaurant’s “dish of the day” and the situation at hand. 

The maître d’s dry response perfectly punctures the awkwardness of the moment, adding a touch of classic British understatement. It’s a cartoon that relies on timing, expression, and that delicate balance between suggestive humour and everyday farce.

Like many of my cartoons, it takes a familiar social setting and introduces an unexpected twist.

If you liked this cartoon, take a peek at “Hate Tattoos” or the relationship-themed “Treat Her Like a Woman”.

Police Training School – The Early Version

Now we’re going back! This is an earlier version of my Police Training School cartoon, drawn many years before the version I reworked and posted on the blog in 2016. 

It’s always interesting to look back and see how ideas evolve – sometimes the humour is the same, but the drawing style, character design or pacing changes quite a bit over time.

This earlier drawing was published in Revue newspaper on 11th April 1981, back when much of my cartoon work was still produced in pen and ink. 

The humour revolves around police recruits and the slightly absurd world of training exercises – even then, I enjoyed playing with the idea of authority meeting everyday human fallibility.

When I revisited the cartoon in the 2016 version, I kept the same comic idea but refined the visual style – a reminder of how both the humour and the artwork can evolve over time while keeping the same core idea intact.

Cards and Gifts for Police Officers >>

It’s satisfying to compare the two versions side by side. The early one has a loose, spontaneous energy that often comes with deadline newspaper work, while the later version benefits from a more polished composition and digital finish. 

Between them, they tell their own story of how a cartoonist’s approach can change over the years.

You might also enjoy “Firework Display” or my digital-age favourite, “Spider’s Website”.

See more of my police-themed cartoons here...

from Nigel Sutherland

"On the Face of It" – A Beauty Salon Cartoon

This cartoon,published in The Sun newspaper on 20th October 2001, takes place in a beauty salon and captures one of those delightfully awkward moments of everyday humour. 

A man is standing beside his wife, who has just finished her beauty treatment. 

Looking at her, he turns to the beautician and remarks, “Well, on the face of it, I’d say you’ve failed.”

The humour lies in the man’s unfiltered honesty – or perhaps, his complete lack of tact. 

His remark, while clearly intended as a joke, lands somewhere between playful and disastrous, depending on how you imagine his wife might react next! It’s a classic example of observational humour, highlighting the sometimes fine line between wit and misjudgement in everyday conversation.

Cartoons like this often resonate because they reflect recognisable situations – in this case, the light-hearted tension between couples and the well-meaning but occasionally foot-in-mouth moments that can happen in relationships. 

It’s gentle, relatable comedy drawn from real life, with a cheeky twist at the end.

For another quick laugh, have a look at “My Brother’s a Proper Cook” or the tongue-in-cheek “God’s Gift to Women”.

"A Totally Useless Little Man" – Garden Gnome Humour

This cartoon from my archives printed in The Sun on January 18th 2000, captures a scene many people will recognise – a visit to the local garden centre. A woman is looking at a display of garden gnomes, while her friend stands beside her. 

With a touch of sarcasm and dry humour, she remarks, “Why would I want a totally useless little man hanging around the garden, when I’ve already married one!”

The joke works beautifully because it plays on the stereotype of the “lazy husband” – a light-hearted exaggeration that many couples can laugh about. 

By comparing a garden gnome to her husband, the woman delivers a punchline that’s both cheeky and instantly relatable. It’s that blend of truth and wit that makes cartoons like this so popular – taking an everyday situation and giving it a humorous twist.

Like much of my work, this cartoon combines gentle domestic humour with a touch of irony, reminding us that even the simplest moments – like shopping for garden ornaments – can reveal plenty about human relationships. 

A fun gift idea for gardeners or couples with a good sense of humour, it’s one of those cartoons that always raises a smile.

This cartoon is available on a mug from my Zazzle store >>

If you enjoyed this one, you might also like “Police Training School” – a cartoon taking a fun look at police training.

"Loads of Cartoons" - My imaginatively entitled book!

I thought I ought to start this journey of reminiscence by publishing an advertisement for my book. 

With two cartoons per page, there are well over 200 rib-ticklers in this great selection of single-panel gags

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You can read a review of the book here...

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You can see how to order a copy here.

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