Evolution of Garfield's Design: Eyes, Simplicity, and Relatability

Since its first appearance in 1978, Garfield, the beloved comic strip creation by Jim Davis, has undergone significant changes in its design. One notable alteration was the evolution of his eyes from small, large, to the bigger, more expressive ones we see today. This transformation wasn't merely artistic whimsy; it served specific purposes like enhancing expression and simplifying the drawing process. Let's explore these changes in depth.

Character Appeal

One of the primary reasons for the increase in Garfield's eyes was to enhance his expressiveness and relatability. Larger eyes on a character can significantly amplify emotions and reactions, making the character more engaging and relatable to the audience. This is crucial in maintaining reader interest, especially in a long-running series where consistency and engagement are key.

Simplicity in Drawing

The evolution of comic strip design often includes a trend towards simplifying elements for ease of drawing and consistency. As comic strips are drawn frequently, every stroke of the pen can matter. Larger, simpler eyes can be more manageable and easier to illustrate repeatedly. This aspect is particularly important for mass production and maintaining a cohesive visual style over extended periods.

Cultural Trends

Cartoon characters, especially those in widely popular series, often reflect broader trends in animation and comic art. Bigger eyes have become a stylistic choice in many cartoons, as they tend to evoke a cuter or more appealing look, which can attract a broader audience. This trend likely influenced Jim Davis's decision to enlarge Garfield's eyes.

Artistic Evolution and Artist Influence

Artists, even those working on long-running series, do not always set out to change the design of their characters. The evolution of an artist's style over time can naturally lead to changes in character appearance. This is true for any artist who draws the same characters year in and year out. However, in the case of Garfield, there was an additional influence from another renowned cartoonist, Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts.

Charles Schulz advised Jim Davis on how to make Garfield bipedal, a technique he employed for Snoopy. This cross-collaboration between two influential cartoonists contributed to the final alteration in Garfield's design. Schulz's influence, combined with Davis's evolution as an artist, likely played a significant role in shaping the modern Garfield we know today.

Conclusion

The changes in Garfield's design may have made him easier to draw, but this did not come at the expense of his character's appeal. By enhancing his expressiveness and engaging with broader cultural trends, Garfield has remained a timeless favorite in the world of comics. As artists, these lessons about character evolution and the importance of relatability and simplicity can be valuable in creating enduring characters that resonate with audiences worldwide.