In a city best known for music and soul, a different kind of storytelling has flourished quietly for decades – told in ink lines, speech bubbles, and laughter.The Mid-South Cartoonists Association is more than just a club. It is a creative force that has connected artists across Memphis for nearly four decades. Founded in 1987 by syndicated cartoonist and educator John R. “Jack” Cassady, the MSCA began with a simple idea: give local cartoonists a place to gather, share their work, and support each other. Today, that mission is stronger than ever, with members ranging from professional illustrators to indie creators, hobbyists, educators, and new voices in the Memphis comics scene.
A Brief History of MSCA
The Mid-South Cartoonists Association was founded 38 years ago by John R. “Jack” Cassady, a syndicated cartoonist and educator who believed in giving local artists a space to gather, share their work, and grow. But Cassady wasn’t alone. Early MSCA meetings also included professional cartoonists like Scott Stantis and Charles Tuthill of the Commercial Appeal, along with freelance gag cartoonist Sam Ray. “They were the professional cartoonists at the beginning,” says Greg Cravens, “who saw the need to create the MSCA for those who weren’t pros and didn’t know where to go.”
The original meetings were small but full of enthusiasm. They took place in libraries, bookstores, and members’ homes. As the group expanded, it became a nomadic but close-knit collective, gathering in places like Zinnie’s East, the Commercial Appeal offices (where members toured Mike Ramirez’s Pulitzer-winning workspace), and various studios and shops. Early members like Ramirez, Jim Palmer (creator of the Lil’ E comic strip), Jack Chapman (DeSoto Times-Tribune editorial cartoonist), Greg Cravens, A.G. Howard, and Lin Workman helped shape the group’s creative foundation. Lin recalls one memorable meeting at his t-shirt shop with Mitch Foust, where members got hands-on with airbrushes.
Over time, Garibaldi’s Pizza near the University of Memphis became the group’s most consistent meeting spot – offering a fitting mix of art, laughter, and community spirit. What started as sketch sessions around kitchen tables grew into an enduring institution, helping local cartoonists find direction, friendship, and creative momentum.
A Home for Memphis Cartoonists
Today, the MSCA continues to serve as a home for artists at all stages of their careers. Under the leadership of current president Kevin L. Williams, the group has remained active, welcoming, and forward-thinking. Kevin, creator of Muley the Mule and Friends (and puppets), sees the organization as a vital link between artists and the broader Memphis community.
“We’re here to encourage each other,” Kevin says. “Whether you’ve been drawing comics for decades or just picked up a pencil yesterday, there’s a place for you at our table. The MSCA exists to support the artist behind the work, not just the work itself.”
The group meets regularly to share projects, offer feedback, and build camaraderie. They also appear at comic conventions, organize community art shows like the annual exhibit at Germantown Community Theatre, and publish The Good, the Bad, and the Sketchy, a group zine that showcases a wide range of styles and storytelling.
For illustrator Eric McMeans, the MSCA opened a new world of possibilities. “Before joining, I had a very narrow view of what a cartoonist could be,” he says. “Now I’m inking my own work, experimenting with tones, and studying lettering and color theory. All of that came from the guidance and encouragement I found in the group.” Eric has gone on to work with Bad Dog Comics Publishing on the all-ages book Raptor Boy.
Katie Jones, a local artist and educator, says the MSCA gave her a place to belong. “I stayed a member because I felt safe. And my kid had a safe place to enjoy themselves too. I never felt like a full member of any other arts or convention community until I met the cartoonists association,” she says.
Kevin agrees that the human connection is what makes the group special. “We’re all artists, but more than that, we’re a family,” he says. “We laugh together, learn together, and we keep each other going.”
Still Sketching: MSCA Today
Monthly meetings remain at the heart of the MSCA. They are informal, welcoming, and open to everyone, from seasoned professionals to first-time doodlers. The community includes artists of all ages and backgrounds, and that diversity keeps the energy fresh and inspiring.
“We have everything from Ameri-manga to classic newspaper strip styles,” Eric says. “It helped me better see where I stand in my development and where I want to go.”
Ron Hicks remembers the early encouragement that helped him stick with it. “Michael Ramirez once looked at my early work and said, ‘You’re just as qualified as anyone else here to be a cartoonist.’ That really stuck with me,” he says. “Greg Cravens and others inspired me to keep going. Or, as Greg likes to say, ‘Get to work.’”
Evolving With the City
As the Memphis arts scene has changed, so has the MSCA. “It used to be a group of mostly older guys doing serialized strips,” says Katie. “Now it is extremely diverse. We have different styles, different stories, and different voices. And that’s a good thing.”
Jason Negan, who joined in 2006, says the group helped him connect with people he might never have met otherwise. “The love of art crosses all boundaries. Race, age, background — we have people from all walks of life who come together through this shared creative energy.”
Several members also lead efforts beyond the group itself. Katie helps organize Rogue’s Gallery Memphis and supports Daughters of Dorkness, both of which lift up underrepresented creators in the region. Lee Raggs often appears at conventions and community events. “MSCA shows people that the art community is still alive and accessible,” Lee says. “We are not just online avatars. We are here, in Memphis, making art.”
And new members are encouraged to participate, share their work, and step into leadership roles. “This group helped me find my voice,” Katie says. “Now I want to help others find theirs.”
MSCA in the Wild
The creative spirit of the MSCA extends far beyond their monthly meetings. Members are constantly working on new projects, sharing their talents at conventions, and finding new ways to keep cartooning alive in Memphis. Greg Cravens, creator of the syndicated comic The Buckets, has turned his sharp sense of humor toward the convention scene with Con Cards — a parody card game that pokes fun at life behind the artist table. A new MSCA-themed expansion is on the way, featuring illustrated versions of real members and their quirks, offering a playful tribute to the group’s community vibe.
Longtime member Lin Workman hosts the Drawing Funny podcast, where he interviews cartoonists, artists, and local creatives about their process and projects. It’s part spotlight, part storytelling, and a great way to learn more about the people behind the pens. Lee Raggs is another familiar face at local conventions, often representing MSCA while promoting her original comic book, The Upside Down Theory. Whether it’s a zine launch, a workshop, or a con table, MSCA members are always creating, collaborating, and showing up. Visit nearly any Mid-South convention and you’re likely to find MSCA members sketching, tabling, and welcoming new fans into the fold.
Looking Forward
As MSCA approaches its 40th year, members are thinking about what comes next. The group continues to prioritize mentorship, accessibility, and personal growth. Whether someone is starting their first comic or preparing for a major publication, the MSCA offers a space to learn, collaborate, and improve.
“If not for the MSCA, I would not be where I am,” Eric says. “I hope to do for others what this group has done for me.”
The MSCA remains a welcoming creative hub where every style has a place and every artist has a story to tell. Whether you are a professional cartoonist or just picking up a pencil, there is a seat for you at the table.
As Ron Hicks puts it, “It is not what you draw. It is what you don’t draw.”
Want to get involved?
The MSCA hosts regular dinner meetings that are open to artists, writers, and fans of comics. Join them on the first Tuesday of every month at Garibaldi’s Pizza near the University of Memphis.
Visit www.midsouthcartoonists.org or follow them on social media to stay up to date on upcoming gatherings, gallery shows, and zine submissions. Listen to the Drawing Funny podcast. Whether you are looking to break into the local art scene or just want to meet other artists, the MSCA is a place to call home.
Ryan Ladner is the CEO of Thrill Comics and creator of the comic book Memphis vs. Zombies. He lives in Memphis with his wife, Maya, and their family. Visit www.thrillcomics.com to learn more about Thrill Comics.
