The art style of early cartoons from the 1920s-1930s era is known as “Rubber Hose”. It refers to the bendy limbs of cartoon characters from Disney and Fleischer Studios, such as Felix the Cat, Betty Boop and early Mickey Mouse (or Steamboat Willie) and their associated antagonists. Other characteristics that give the cartoons of the silent era their distinctive look include black bodies with white faces, pie-shaped eyes, and three-fingered hands in white gloves. In today’s inspiration showcase I present 30 modern day character illustrations which are inspired by the art style of ’30s cartoons. See how those visual traits are incorporated to give the illustrations a familiar vintage appearance.
No Menace by Alan Oronoz
Barbajan by Alan Oronoz
Oronoz 2018 by Alan Oronoz
Misfortown by Alan Oronoz
Nothing Matters by Keystone Studio
Super Friends! by Rogie
Gangsta Sh*t by Scifuentes
The Long Arm of The Law by DXTR
No Hope / No FVTVRE by Steve Crack
20s Cartoon Punk Poster by Roww Design
Cheapskate Gypsies by Marc Pilgaard
Brightly Colored Eyes by Nemanja Bogdanov
Kids Who Won’t Vaccinate by Taxali
NO by Taxali
Vote by Taxali
Wild Forever by Taxali
Summertime Treats by Taxali
Happy Halloween by Shawn Dickinson
GarterBelts and Gasoline by Shawn Dickinson
Bierhaus Cat! by Shawn Dickinson
El Fauno! by Shawn Dickinson
Booze Doodles by Shawn Dickinson
The Spooks by Shawn Dickinson
Haters Gonna Hate by Marko Purac
Acrylic Paintings on Wood by Brian Taylor
Acrylic Paintings on Wood by Brian Taylor
I See Colours by Tony Riff
My, What a Big Bat! by Jublin
Many Strange Legends in the Amazon by Jublin
They’re coming to get you, Barbara by Jublin
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Chris, your depth of research and immense generosity (your compilations must take a lot of time) is greatly appreciated. These samples of a bygone era, resurrected by today’s artists, are priceless. I especially admire the authentic-looking letterpress off-register effect by Taxali. Here’s my version of what I remember printing looked like in the 50s and 60s:
https://amperart.com/21-new-improved/
Wow — what a great post.
Any chance of some of these being downloadable and useable?
These kinds of showcases are purely for inspiration. All the images are the works of other artists, so it wouldn’t be respectful to download them for other uses.
I second that. These would be amazing
Fabulous! Nice round up. I especially loved the one crying rainbows.
good post thanks
How utterly bizarre.
Cool collection of artwork. Definitely has that old cartoon feel! Thanks for taking the time to put together another awesome selection Chris.
Hi Chris,
I am a research fellow living in California. I know How much time consumed to research and find out something extraordinary. You have done a great Job. 1930 to 2019, too many years. But In your article, all the amazing things are Infront our eyes. Great Job. Thank You.
These are amazing. Any way for you to create a tutorial on how to make these type of effect (the vintage used style)?
If you have one already, I apologise.
Thank you for these showcases. You’re the man Chris.
Thanks for this fun showcase, Chris. There’s something that draws me to the cartoons of that era…and these updated pieces are so inspirational! And kudos to the illustrators. What a great gallery.
Such an awesome, and interesting, topic for you to approach!! Thank you!
This art style was prevalent in my own childhood. I REALLY like the cartoons that gave animation to plants and other inanimate objects, “Merry Melodies”, for one.
https://youtu.be/5BqM8nU7-b8
Great read, my friend!! Thanks!!
Uhhh, i love this. Especially the ice cone looks like a advertising from fallout :D
What a great collection! In Mexico there are great illustrators that make art something like those you showed us: Mr. Kone, Chema Skandal and Dr. Alderete.
Best Regards
Fabulous! Nice round up. I especially loved the one crying rainbows.