David Willis, a well-known web cartoonist, was born on March 4, 1979, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Growing up in Indianapolis, he developed a passion for comics at a young age. This passion would eventually lead him to pursue a career in cartooning.
Willis attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where he honed his skills as a cartoonist. During his time at the university, he published his first comic, "Roomies!" in 1997, in the student newspaper. This marked the beginning of his career as a comic artist.
After graduating from Indiana University, Willis delved into the world of webcomics. In 1999, he began designing and publishing web-based comics, starting with his series "Roomies!". This series would later evolve into a larger interconnected webcomics universe that includes "It's Walky!", "Shortpacked!", and "Dumbing of Age."
Willis's talent as a cartoonist quickly gained him recognition in the online comic community. His unique style and storytelling abilities set him apart from other webcomic creators of the time.
One of Willis's most well-known series, "It's Walky!", was created after he discontinued "Roomies!". Throughout his career, Willis has shown a knack for creating complex and engaging storylines that keep readers coming back for more.
In 2005, Willis founded the label Blank Label Comics, which served as a platform for independent comic creators to showcase their work. While the online label has since been discontinued, Willis continued to create new content, including the series "Shortpacked!", which ran from 2005 to 2015.
In 2010, Willis launched his latest series, "Dumbing of Age", which has garnered a large following and is updated daily as of 2015. His dedication to his craft and ability to connect with his audience has solidified his place as one of the most prominent web cartoonists in the industry.
Throughout his career, Willis has cited "Calvin & Hobbes" and its creator, Bill Watterson, as major influences on his work. The humor, storytelling, and artistry of Watterson's iconic comic strip have had a lasting impact on Willis's own creations.
Willis's dedication to his craft and his commitment to creating engaging and entertaining content have made him a beloved figure in the world of webcomics. His ability to connect with readers on a personal level and create compelling narratives has earned him a loyal fan base that continues to grow with each new series he creates.