Raymond Zamorano, known to friends and fans as Ray, has nurtured a lifelong love for cartooning that began in his teenage years. Ray, who grew up in Colton, CA, credits his brother Ralph “Randy” Zamorano, a talented cartoonist in his own right, as the person who first sparked his interest in the art form.
“My brother was a cartoonist,” Ray explained. “He went to art school, and one of his instructors was Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts. He was the one who introduced me to it, and it gave me the idea that I wanted to be a cartoonist too. It looked like fun, and I always loved comic strips.”
Ray started creating his own comic art while in high school in the early 1960s, with some of his work displayed publicly during that time. While his brother pursued formal training and eventually sold work to prominent publications like The New Yorker and The Post, Ray continued to develop his craft in his own way, even creating original gags for his brother.
One early example of Ray’s creativity involved a playful Martian character with two thumbs instead of one—a small but imaginative twist that was reproduced and sold by his brother. Ray’s connections in the cartooning world grew, including correspondence with famous artists like Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, who encouraged Ray to keep practicing and honing his skills.
Over the years, Ray has continued to create unique artwork and comic strips, sending pieces to other established artists and maintaining a dream of syndication. His dedication extends beyond professional aspirations; he has created personal works of art, including a meaningful portrait for a family member’s 100th birthday, demonstrating that his art is as much about connection and joy as it is about technique.
Ray Zamorano’s journey into cartooning is a story of inspiration, mentorship, and perseverance. From a young boy inspired by his brother and Charles Schulz to a devoted artist with years of experience and personal achievements, Ray’s passion for cartoons remains undimmed. He continues to create, hoping one day to see his comic strips syndicated and widely shared, carrying forward the playful, imaginative spirit that first drew him to the art decades ago.