TrumPennywise- Editorial Cartoon

by Natalia Bermudez

I created this cartoon to depict the complete lack of empathy President Donald Trump seems to have towards even towards the most innocent of children, particularly Mexican migrant children. Through inhumane detention centers and spreading the idea that immigrants are lesser, he acts like a monstrous bully that gets satisfaction from their fear, and the strongest visual representation that came to mind was Pennywise from It, who quite literally feeds on fear. While it may have little impact on him, these are traumatic experiences some of the kids may carry their entire lives.

I exaggerated Trump’s hair, small hands, and orange complexion to make him more clown-like, as well as to make it clear who I was referring to. The letters and symbols on the red balloons are a form of labelling to reinforce this as well. Pennywise the clown is used as an analogy for Trump, and two are depicted as one and the same. I also wanted to use bold colors to capture attention.

Through this project, I’ve learned how to make commentary with visuals, something I didn't previously know a lot about, as someone who is by no means a visual artist. I’ve also learned that I have more to say than I think. I was really struggling to come up with ideas, but once I stopped trying to think of something perfect and gave into what peeked my interest, it came a lot easier. I also know more about the process professional editorial cartoonists go through.