This year, every blue issue of The Oracle has included cartoons on the ETC page drawn by freshman Niko Porter. The cartoons are usually comedic and offer a lighthearted addition to The Oracle.

“I’ve been into drawing for about five years now. I’ve always had a connection with art,” said Porter.
He uses The Oracle not only for showing off his art to the school but to bring people enjoyment. Creating cartoons for The Oracle is not an easy process; it requires not only artistic skills but the ability to come up with witty commentary that will land a laugh.
“I start with the basic position of the character, add detail and emotion to [the drawing]. For the writing I look at themes from other comics. I look at Garfield a lot,” said Porter.
Once he sends in one cartoon, he starts the process over again right away for the next issue of The Oracle. The process never stops, but neither does Porter’s dedication for creating original artwork. Porter hopes to become an animator for Pixar or Dreamworks when he is an adult, so he is taking time now to broaden his skill set in order to succeed the cut-throat business of animation.
“The Oracle helps build my confidence and helps me go through the process of cartoons for the future. It also gives people a laugh. It helps prepare me,” said Porter.
One important aspect of making cartoons is using imagination to create innovative ideas.
“It is important to broaden my imagination because cartoons are unlimited; there are no bounds to it. Inspirations can be anything really. It’s as boundless as a fit guy on drugs,” said Porter.
Drawing has helped Porter even when he is not creating. Since he was homeschooled in middle school, Porter did not have a group of friends he was familiar with when starting high school. Drawing gave him a social clique at WS. It also gave him confidence in himself that he previously had not possessed.
“He has been able to make new friends who have similar interests as him,” said junior Ari Porter.
He has even created his own club here at WS, a Comic Creator club that meets every Monday after school in room 279. In the club he continues his hobbies by coming up with ideas for comic strips.
No matter where he is, sitting in class or at home, you will most likely find Porter drawing. Whether doodling in class or creating a full-fledged cartoon in his house, Porter has found his passion. A passion that will stick with him throughout high school and beyond.
“He is able to express what he’s thinking through his art,” said A. Porter.