Save the Date: 2026 AAEC Convention

September 17-20, 2026

The AAEC is returning to Sacramento, Calif. for its 2026 convention. Details coming soon!


 

CARTOONIST PROFILE

Back To MEMBER DIRECTORY

Contact

Work Fax

8479260338

General

First Name

Jonathan

Last Name

Plotkin

Reprints

Reprint Contact First Name

Jonathan

Reprint Contact Last Name

Plotkin

Reprint Email

spontoonist@gmail.com

Reprint Phone

8473432204

Physical address for reprint requests

None (Do not show a reprint address.)

Private Info

Work Address

same

Profile

Bio

Jonathan is a nationally published editorial cartoonist, illustrator and patron of the arts in all its many forms. He firmly believes spontaneous doodling has the power to expand the creative potential of the human mind and that every child should be allowed to daydream  with a fist full of colored pencils and a stack of blank paper. As a world traveler and self -proclaimed expert on all things strange and unusual Jonathan believes that art is a universal language that can be used as a tool for creative problem solving and expression. Jonathan’s work can be found on the Op-Ed page of the Chicago Tribune as well as within the pages of American Bystander. He is currently a Board member of the Highland Park Community Foundation  and former President of the Board of the Art Center Highland Park. A past two time Chairman of the Cultural Arts Commission in Highland Park, Jonathan received the Mayor’s Award for the Arts in that community in 2015.

Jonathan is also a regular member of the National Cartoonist Society where he proudly serves on the governing body of the Chicago chapter as Minister of Ways and Means. He lives in the Chicago area with his wife Robin who he met 69 years ago in nursery school. Each of their four children are grown and making their way though the world but find the time to talk to their parents every day. #7 grandchild is on the way. A blessing we don’t take lightly.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the AAEC is to champion and defend editorial cartooning and free speech as essential to liberty in the United States and throughout the world.

The AAEC aims to be an international leader in support of the human, civil, and artistic rights of editorial cartoonists around the world, and to stand with other international groups in support of the profession.


The Daily Cartoonist

CSotD: Vox Populi and Other Delusions
CSotD: Vox Populi and Other Delusions

Nor should we listen to those who say “The voice of the people is the voice of God,” for the turbulence of the mob is...


LOCHER FELLOWSHIP

The AAEC John Locher Memorial Fellowship is awarded each year to one early-career cartoonist whose work demonstrates clear opinions and strong artistry on political and social topics. Deadline to be considered is the end of March.

The Locher Fellow will receive a one-year Regular membership in the AAEC, be a guest of the CXC Festival — held every fall in Columbus, Ohio —  and have the opportunity to meet with editorial cartoonists during the year of the Fellowship for portfolio reviews and career advice.


CARTOONS FOR THE CLASSROOM

Cartoons in Education

Every two weeks throughout the year, The Learning Forum and the AAEC offers CARTOONS FOR THE CLASSROOM, a free lesson resource for teachers discussing current events.  Visit NIEonline.com for more lesson plans.