Dennis Goris isn’t just a cartoonist—he’s a former creative director and designer who’s turned years of branding and communication expertise into pointed, punchy editorial cartoons. But behind the wit and simplicity of his drawings lies a deep sense of purpose. “Your work is helping me and others get through a tough situation... you are doing a great service. Thank you,” one reader messaged him. “Hearing something like that is incredibly uplifting—it reminds me why I do what I do.” Though praise like that fuels him, Dennis also embraces the full spectrum of reactions. “Whether positive or critical, those responses confirm that my work is resonating and making people think, and that’s what keeps me going.”
His cartoons are often politically charged or socially reflective, offering sharp commentary on current events. The process behind each one is rooted in both instinct and intention. “Most of my recent work is inspired by politics and current events, so there’s an endless stream of material to draw from,” Dennis shared. “Often, an idea will spark almost immediately when something irritates or annoys me. Other times, ideas pop into my head during a walk or while doing something else. My process always starts with pen and paper—I like to sketch out concepts by hand first.” That tactile, grounded process is key to shaping cartoons that feel personal and considered, even when covering global issues.
But delivering a clear message with humor takes more than just timing. “Starting with a compelling message is key,” Dennis explained. “I try and point out an issue or subject from a perspective people may not have thought of, and find the funny there. There’s always something funny.” Visual simplicity is part of his signature, too. “I like to deliver it in a way that makes the reader think about what the situation was that led to the interaction happening in the cartoon. Puzzled faces and goofy expressions also help the reader connect with the characters.” With a background in print, Dennis has learned to be intentional with every element—color included. “I’ve tried to introduce color carefully, only where it adds to the message.”
Of course, creating social or political commentary comes with risk. “Absolutely. When you’re making political and social commentary, the trolls and haters (and bots) will find you. And they’ll reply vocally,” he said. “I rarely engage in the discussions, and will block people if it gets to extreme rudeness or name-calling.” Instead of focusing on negativity, Dennis puts his energy into what the medium gives him: freedom. “Having a forum to comment daily on injustice and hypocrisy is a satisfying privilege. And it’s fun.”
What Dennis wants people to take away from his cartoons is surprisingly modest. “I’d like people first to enjoy and be entertained by them. And second, to see a side of a situation they’ve not considered before,” he said. At its core, his work is about offering another lens—sometimes humorous, sometimes critical, but always aiming to spark thought. “Cartoon thinking,” as Dennis puts it, helps with perspective. And perhaps in a time when everything feels loud and polarized, his simple black lines and expressive characters offer something refreshingly human.
