Webcomic platforms give artists all over the world the ability to make careers out of their comedic illustrations and creative cartoons. While print Sunday cartoons rarely feature Black, female, or non-white male perspectives, the internet and the visual platform of Instagram has allowed artists of all identities to gain attention and small cult followings. Readers who crave witty social commentary and diverse perspectives now have access to thousands of artists at their fingertips and Instagram and personal websites. The following list provides a beginner's guide of six cartoonists to follow on Instagram to instantly improve your algorithm. Enjoy the benefits of seeing daily doses of social and political commentary from diverse and effective visual humorists. 

By Sara Swallow

Cancel it. 
Maybe cancel some of it? 
Well, I had to pay my student loans back and it taught me the importance of money, so no one should get out of their loans. 

There are a lot of opinions on how to handle the student debt crisis and the plans have changed numerous times depending on who you’re listening to. However, with a $1.68 trillion national debt something must be done. It takes about 20 years on average to pay off student loans and the average loan is about $32,731. 

By Audrey Garrett

By The Editors

The Quail Bell Crew wants you to meet Brian Parker, actor and CEO of NPower Network, a platform for films, TV shows, music videos, podcasts, and more. We're proud (and excited!) that NPower, which launched in 2020, has streamed multiple Quail Bell Press & Productions films and videos, in addition to content from a wide variety of other creative producers. Check out the NPower livestream or videos on demand for a good time, as well as thought-provoking programs. But before you do, find out what Mr. Parker has to say about running a media company—with, may we add, humor and poise:

How would you sum up NPower Network's identity and programming?

NPower is a platform for up-and-coming content providers to showcase their work, giving millions of people around the world the opportunity to view, share, and like. 

By The Art Deco Society of New York

Netflix’s Bridgerton has all the visual appeal with costuming and beautiful sets of any period drama, while also bringing in the sex and interpersonal drama of any modern soap opera. On December 25, 2020, Netflix released this short series divided into eight episodes, structured much like chapters in a book, as to fit the structure of the novel, written by Julia Quinn, from which it was adapted. The Restoration era drama centers on the children of two elite families, the Bridgertons and the Fetheringtons, as they navigate the courtship rituals of presenting young women to the Queen, as well as to eligible bachelors in hopes of finding love—or at least a suitable hand in marriage. ​

By Georgia Leipold-Vitiello

My date swears he tested negative just yesterday. I tell myself this in attempted reassurance. I take my temperature for the fourth time today (still 97.9) and check my bag for a third to ensure that I have the necessities (two cloth masks, two disposable in case my date forgot one, hand sanitizer, and pepper spray). ​
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By Audrey Garrett

​Weight loss centered New Year's resolution set us all up for year-long frustration, body comparison habits, and objectively gross tasting "low-carb" pasta and cookie recipes. 

Let's be honest: most people have already given up their resolutions anyhow, and they weren't even that good in the first place. This year, there should be a  “zero-guilt” attitude toward everything we eat and enjoy as we attempt to set ourselves up for greatness with courage facing 2021.

Below are three New Year's resolution tips to promote habits that make a happy mind and have nothing to do with weight loss, clothing measurements or egg whites but everything to do with pleasure and pampering. 
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By Sara Swallow

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VCU, my university, extended Spring Break a week when COVID cases first started rising. I remember my class group-chats going off about how COVID would be gone soon and we’d be back in Hibbs Hall listening to lectures in no time. My professors made jokes like Don’t get COVID while you’re gone!

 Looking back, everything seems like a joke. 

By Christine Sloan Stoddard

Here's a video I was recently asked to make for Authority Magazine—and my "things" don't just apply to mural-making!

By The Editors

​While the COVID-19 pandemic has hit artists, especially performing artists, hard, it hasn't stopped some people from finding creativity amidst the chaos. Meagan J. Meehan, a New York City-based writer, is one of those people. Meehan has written everything from journalistic columns to poetry, and has even started to work in toy and game design. Recently though, Meehan came out with a theatrical play, "Soul to Squeeze."

"Soul to Squeeze" sees a devil and an angel fighting over a soul in a ridiculous comedy that can help bring some much needed light-heartedness in these times. 

Quail Bell Magazine recently spoke with Meagan J. Meehan about "A Soul to Squeeze" and what creating has been like during the pandemic.

By The Editors

For the first time, we have a reading challenge and everyone is invited to participate! The topics chosen reflect a mixture of comfort zones as well as an exploration of new genres without being too intimidating to take on! Refer to the image above (which is shareable!) or the text below for the list. Remember to tag us on social media to share what you are reading and look out for recommendations from the crew!