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THE MIKE KUNKEL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PROGRAM 2026
Description of the Program
The Mike Kunkel Cartooning Scholarship Award is an initiative designed to support and recognize the creative endeavors of aspiring cartoonists. Rooted in the legacy of Mike Kunkel, this scholarship aims to nurture talent in the art of cartooning, including single-panel, three-panel, and full-length cartoons. The award celebrates humor, storytelling, and the artistry behind cartoons that capture the imagination and heart of audiences.
The award includes resources for educational purposes, as well as mentoring time with Mike Kunkel, offering valuable guidance in the craft of cartooning. Sessions will be conducted in one-on-one or group settings, each lasting one hour from May to October, based on Mike Kunkel's schedule. Sessions are organized through the CTN Foundation and will be awarded at the CTNX25 event, held November 20-23, 2025.
This scholarship is geared toward up-and-coming cartoonists 16+ who are dedicated to developing their skills in cartooning and visual storytelling. (Note: This is not for working or professional artists.) Submissions will be reviewed by Mike Kunkel, who will assess each applicant based on their creativity, artistic merit, and potential for growth in the cartooning field.
We look forward to receiving your submission and learning about your cartooning journey. The Mike Kunkel Cartooning Scholarship Award is an opportunity to support your passion and artistic development. We encourage all eligible artists to apply and wish you the best of luck in your application.
Roxy BLAZEY SUMMERS
Full Scholarship Awardee 2025
"Mike Kunkel has a mastery in his spidey senses for cartooning. When the man shows me how to exaggerate a drawing, I don’t see it, I FEEL the stretch, the push, the emotion. Kunkel has given me the gift of giving myself the permission to do revisions, to explore an idea and really make a connection with it. Earlier in my art journey I felt this pressure to be done the first time, to have that perfect first drawing as that captured my immediate energy and be done with it. Turns out I was missing a crucial, meditative step where I analyze my own creation and seek to understand the depth of what every line is saying. Before him my sketchbook pages felt lacking in visual process but now you see the working out. It’s almost like showing mathematical equations and I finally feel like I’m sinking my teeth into my cartoons." ~Roxy Blazey Summers, Storyboard Artist Full Scholarship Awardee 2025
PATRONS
Full Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
- 5-10 Personal Critiques
- Complimentary 4-day Premiere ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
Partial Scholarship Awards
- One virtual group meeting
- Complimentary 4-day Basic ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
- Award is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Honorable Mentions
Partial Scholarship Awards
Honorable Mentions
- Complimentary 1-day Walk Around ticket to CTNX26
- Exclusive Group In-Person Meetup at CTNX26
- Award Ceremony at CTNX26
MEET YOUR MENTOR Mike Kunkel
"Remember your Childhood ... and pass it on." Mike Kunkel is an American Cartoonist with over 20 years experience in the Animation Industry. Mike has worked on many Television and Film projects as a Director, Story and Development Artist, Character Designer, Screenwriter and Animator. Mike has worked for such studios as Warner Bros, Nickolodeon, Cartoon Network, Sony Entertainment, Universal Pictures and Walt Disney Studios.
Mike is the creator of the two-time EISNER Award-winning comic book series "Herobear and the kid."