Furniture Making, or Football? Hard to Tell...

This cartoon depicts a news anchor presenting a report titled “Furniture Making News”.

The news anchor’s dialogue adds to the joke: “Last week we saw the first leg, this week I’ll show you the second leg, and next week we’ll take a look at the top of the table.”

The humour lies in the double meaning of the words – while the topic appears to be about furniture making, the phrasing sounds exactly like something you might hear on a football programme discussing two-legged matches and league tables.

It’s a light-hearted play on football commentary clichés and DIY terminology, creating a clever mix of sports and woodworking humour.

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

Cartoon available on a Coffee Mug

"Top of the Table" – A Football Managers' Awards Night Cartoon

This cartoon depicts a group of football managers gathered at an awards dinner, with the caption: “They all want to sit at the top of the table!”

The joke works on two levels – it’s both a literal reference to the managers’ desire to sit at the head of the table during the meal, and a clever nod to every football manager’s ambition to see their team finish at the top of the league table.

Buy this cartoon on a Notebook

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

Find this cartoon on a Coffee Mug

Buy this cartoon on a Magnet

Buy this cartoon on a Car Air Freshener
by Nigel Sutherland

Driving Test. Hoping the Examiner Noticed One Particular Aspect...

"Get-U-Thru Driving School" – A Humorous Take on Learner Driver Nerves

This cartoon captures a moment that many learner drivers can relate to – the dreaded driving test! Set at the fictional Get-U-Thru Driving School, it shows a weary examiner sitting beside a nervous student, both inside a car clearly marked for a driving test.

The examiner, looking thoroughly exasperated, says to the hopeful student: “For the last time, yes I did notice how well you opened the door when you got in!”

The humour lies in the way the student’s anxiety has turned even the simplest action – opening a car door – into something they imagine might earn points. It’s a light-hearted reminder of how over-thinking can creep in when we’re under pressure to perform, especially during tests or interviews.

Like many of my cartoons, it takes a familiar real-life situation and gives it a twist of gentle exaggeration, turning tension into laughter. Everyone who’s ever faced a driving examiner will recognise that blend of nervousness and misplaced enthusiasm!

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You can find this design, along with many more of my motoring and everyday humour cartoons, on a variety of products in my Cartoons by Nigel Zazzle store >>.

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

3 Driving School Cartoons on this Coffee Mug

"Alas, Poor Yorick!" – A Witty Twist on Shakespeare’s Hamlet

This cartoon reimagines one of the most famous moments in Shakespeare’s Hamlet – the melancholy scene in which Hamlet holds the skull of Yorick and delivers his immortal line about the court jester he once knew. It’s a moment steeped in drama, reflection and theatrical gravitas.

In my humorous version, that solemn atmosphere is suddenly punctured by another character – the stage director or fellow actor – who interrupts Hamlet mid-speech to correct him with the proper line: “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio.”

The comedy arises from the clash between grand tragedy and trivial correction. While Hamlet wrestles with life and death, the director’s pedantic insistence on accuracy brings the scene crashing down to earth – the lofty turned laughable in an instant.

There’s also a playful nod to how often Shakespeare’s lines are misquoted or parodied in modern culture. By mixing the famous speech with echoes of “Dem Bones, Dem Bones,” the cartoon gently pokes fun at how easily high art becomes light entertainment.

It’s a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the Bard – a reminder that even four centuries later, his words still invite both deep thought and laughter in equal measure.

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You can see more of my humorous artwork, often blending wordplay with visual wit, at my Cartoons by Nigel Zazzle store >>.

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

Purchase on a Coffee Mug

Cartoon available on a Notebook / Journal

Purchase on a Car Air Freshener

Purchase on a T-Shirt

Highways Maintenance. This Driver's Out Gritting

When the roads are due to get icy, the workers are out gritting – but in this cartoon, the driver takes it a bit further! 

The scene shows a gritting lorry driver with a strained expression, clearly gritting his teeth as he works. The humour lies in the wordplay between “gritting” the roads and the driver’s own reaction to the cold, tough job.

It’s a simple, clever cartoon that captures the spirit of British humour – dry, literal, and perfectly timed for the winter season. Whether you’ve seen a gritter out on your morning commute or you just appreciate a good pun, this design is bound to make you smile.

You can find this and other funny designs on products such as mugs, prints, and T-shirts in my Cartoons by Nigel Zazzle store >>.

Available on a T-Shirt

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If you enjoy light-hearted humour with a visual twist, take a look at more of my cartoons at www.nigelsutherland.co.uk. You might also like my “Printed in China” and “It’s Wife, Kevin – Not Housekeeper” cartoons for more classic British wit.

Handy to Have your Solicitor Close By...

This cartoon shows two inmates in a prison cell, with one commenting to the other, “At least I've got easy access to my solicitor – he's in the next cell.”

The humour comes from a sharp twist of irony. Normally, having a solicitor nearby is a positive for a client, but in this case, both client and legal representative share the same unfortunate circumstances. 

The joke highlights the absurdity of the situation and plays on the reader’s understanding of the legal system, turning what might be a serious context into a moment of satirical comedy.

It’s an example of dark humour done lightly, showing how cartoons can comment on real-life frustrations and contradictions with just a single line of dialogue. 

Simple in presentation, it invites readers to appreciate the irony without taking itself too seriously.

N.B. I rarely do this, but I used the same drawing, with an alternative caption some years earlier, which you can see HERE >>

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

Buy this gag on a Coffee Mug

Speed Dating. Maybe not Suitable for Everyone...

This cartoon captures a delightfully humorous scene at the “Twilight Retirement Home,” where the residents are gearing up for a “Speed Dating” event later that evening. 

The common area is filled with elderly residents, some with canes or walkers, as they prepare for the night ahead. A sign clearly announces: “TONIGHT! SPEED DATING.”

The humour is in the gentle irony of the situation – the idea of “speed dating” in a setting where the participants are anything but speedy. It’s a playful exaggeration that highlights both the determination and the charm of the residents, showing that finding companionship and fun doesn’t have an age limit.

Like many of my cartoons, this one mixes everyday life with a twist of absurdity. It’s relatable, lighthearted, and a reminder that humour can be found in the most unexpected places – even in retirement homes where the pace of life is slower, but the personalities are full of spirit.

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You might also enjoy some of my other cartoons that explore relationships, humour in later life, and everyday absurdities, including “And Now for an Item of Late News”, “God’s Gift to Women”, and “On the Face of It - Beauty Salon”.

Purchase on a Coffee Mug

It's Time Cartoonists Start Thinking of Christmas (Cards!)

It's that time of year when businesses and organisations start planning their Christmas Cards. A thoughtful and eye-catching card can make a big difference in how your company is remembered by clients, partners, and staff.

The process often begins with the design. If a humorous or unique image is desired, that's where cartoonists like me come in. 

I work closely with clients to develop concepts and illustrations that perfectly capture the message and personality of their business.

Below are just a few examples of the cartoons I have created over the years for a variety of companies. Each design is tailored to the client's brand, creating cards that are both memorable and enjoyable to receive.

Perhaps you’re looking for something original for YOUR business or organisation this festive season. If so, don’t hesitate to get in touch and discuss your ideas – I would be delighted to create a bespoke cartoon design that will make your cards truly stand out.

Contact Me... to start planning your unique Christmas card today.

Here's my New Calendar - with a Cartoon for each Month.

Here’s another of my creations – a full-year calendar featuring a different cartoon for every month. 

Each illustration is packed with humour and charm, making this calendar a fun and practical way to brighten up your home or office throughout the year.

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift for family, friends, or a colleague, this calendar is perfect for cat lovers, cartoon enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys a daily smile. 

You can start the calendar from any date you choose, making it a personalised and thoughtful present.

Order this Calendar Online >>

I hope you enjoy this calendar as much as I enjoyed creating it. If it brings a smile to your face, please share it with friends and family who would also appreciate a touch of humour every month.

Cartoons by Nigel Sutherland
by Nigel Sutherland

A Summary of 2016 Posts on this Blog

During 2016, the blog has continued to grow into a lively mix of humour, cartoons and design ideas. 

It has been a colourful year filled with quirky T-shirts, mugs and printed gifts, alongside playful commentaries on everyday life. 

From May through to September, the posts revealed plenty of creativity and good humour - sometimes poking fun at relationships and work, sometimes celebrating sport or simply enjoying the art of design. 

Here’s a look back at the highlights of 2016, in the order they appeared.

An amazing achievement by Leicester City! - A cartoon celebration of Leicester City’s surprise Premier League victory - one of the feel-good sports stories of the decade.

Overworked Hospital Doctors... - A witty nod to the pressures faced by medical staff, handled with trademark humour.

Police Training School... - A funny look at the everyday realities of police training, complete with cartoon insight.

Marriage Proposal... - A light-hearted cartoon exploring the ups and downs of romance and timing!

Lottery win cartoon... - Capturing the excitement and absurdity of sudden fortune - with a humorous twist, of course.

Driving lessons... - A familiar scene for many learners - one that’s ripe for gentle comedy.

Drink to Forget... - A cartoon about drowning one’s sorrows - or perhaps just making light of it!

Thick skinned... - A reminder that in life (and in humour), it helps to have a thick skin.

Wife Wishes Husband Was her Dream Man! - Classic relationship humour with an affectionate wink.

Thank you for calling our special Help Lion! - A fun design idea for animal lovers, brought to life on a T-shirt.

For the girl who likes her Pinot Grigio... - A light, humorous cartoon for wine fans everywhere.

Fly High - Like a Bird in the Sky! - A cheerful, uplifting design encouraging freedom and positivity.

The Shops are now OPEN! - Announcing my online Zazzle stores, with plenty of creative cartoon products inside.

Ladies Leggings - Take a Look at the Range of Designs on Offer... - Fun, colourful designs on everyday fashion items.

Cartoons on Wallets - A Fun Idea - A look at how cartoons can brighten up practical gifts like wallets.

See my Designs on these Lovely Scarves! - Stylish accessories featuring my artwork in bold colour.

Keepy Uppy Football Mug - A Funny Football Mug That Scores Every Time - A playful gift for football fans that’s guaranteed to raise a smile.

My NEW "Motor" Design T-Shirts - Now Available! - Fresh, energetic designs for T-shirt lovers and motoring fans alike.

My Tropical Palm Trees Design is now Available on a Table Runner. - A tropical-themed home décor piece that brings a splash of sunshine indoors.

Featuring a Bright T-Shirt from Brazilian Cartoonist, Guto Diaz... - Highlighting vibrant international cartoon design.

Husband being Awkward! - More everyday humour from married life - full of recognition and laughter.

The Optician didn’t expect THIS result from the eye-test... - A cartoon twist on a familiar visit to the optician.

Desk Tidies - featuring Cartoons by Nigel Sutherland - A cheerful way to keep your workspace tidy, with a dash of humour.

A Personalised Mug for Cat Lovers! - Perfect for feline fans - practical, funny and customisable.

Your Child’s First Day at School? - A relatable post for parents, full of warmth and gentle humour.

I Can’t Love You - You’re Not a Cat - A wry cartoon about affection, priorities, and the place of cats in our hearts!

His & Hers - A message on a T-Shirt that is Meaningless Bollox... - A sharp and silly look at the messages we wear.

This is my Palawan Palms Pattern - an Abstract Design, on a Top - Ending the season with a stylish design inspired by tropical beauty.

That wraps up what has been a lively year on this blog - one full of humour, design and creative energy. The 2016 posts show how cartoons, gifts and light-hearted ideas continued to grow side by side - setting the stage for even more to come in the years ahead.