Arttoons and Afterthoughts

Neil G Smith
Jun 19
2 min read

Introducing Arttoons and Afterthoughts – Where Art Meets Imagination, Humour and Heart

After months (or more accurately, years) of creating, collecting ideas, painting, drawing, and letting my imagination run wild, I’m incredibly excited to officially launch my brand-new book…

Arttoons and Afterthoughts Vol.2

This book is something very personal to me because it brings together a side of my artwork that has always been about one thing above all else — making art fun, accessible and full of personality.

For those who know my work, you’ll know I’ve always believed that art should be for everyone. It doesn’t have to sit quietly on a gallery wall looking serious. Art can make you smile. It can make you laugh. It can spark memories. It can tell stories. And sometimes… it can simply be wonderfully ridiculous.

That philosophy is exactly where Arttoons was born.

Inside this book, you’ll find a collection of my quirky, colourful, character-driven creations — from playful illustrations and humorous concepts to paintings filled with bold colours, imagination, and a little bit of mischief. Many of these pieces have become favourites with people who follow my work, and now they finally have a home together.

But Arttoons and Afterthoughts is more than just a collection of images.

The “Afterthoughts” part gives readers a glimpse behind the artwork — the ideas, inspirations, random thoughts, creative sparks, and occasional madness that helped bring each piece to life. It’s a look into the creative process in the form of Poetry, but without taking ourselves too seriously.

As an artist, I’ve always enjoyed exploring different styles, from fine art and murals to caricatures, pop culture pieces, immersive workshops and community projects. But these works represent something I truly love — freedom to create without rules, simply letting ideas evolve and seeing where imagination takes me.

This launch feels like an exciting new chapter.

I hope this book gives people a chance not only to enjoy the artwork, but to connect with the stories and humour behind it. Whether you’re an art lover, collector, fellow creative, or simply someone who appreciates colourful chaos, I think you’ll find something here to enjoy.

Creating Arttoons and Afterthoughts has reminded me why I started making art in the first place.

To create joy.

To connect with people.

And to remind ourselves that creativity should never lose its sense of play.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my journey so far — through exhibitions, commissions, workshops, comic cons, murals, and every kind word along the way.

This is just the beginning.

Welcome to the world of Arttoons.