Emily Flake: The Witty Cartoonist Breaking Norms With Her Sharp Pen

Delbert Conroy 14 May 2025

There’s something about Emily Flake that just grabs your attention, whether it’s her razor-sharp wit or her ability to distill complex social issues into a single cartoon panel. If you’ve ever flipped through The New Yorker or scrolled through Instagram and come across a cartoon that makes you laugh, cringe, and think all at once, chances are it’s her work. Emily Flake isn’t just any cartoonist; she’s a voice of the modern age, tackling everything from gender roles to political satire with a style that’s both approachable and unapologetically bold.

Cartooning isn’t exactly what people think of when they picture high art, but Emily Flake is changing that perception one doodle at a time. Her work isn’t just funny—it’s insightful, thought-provoking, and sometimes even controversial. That’s what makes her stand out in a world where cartoons are often dismissed as mere entertainment. Flake proves that cartoons can be a powerful tool for social commentary and critique.

So, why should you care? Because Emily Flake’s work isn’t just about cartoons; it’s about conversations. Conversations about equality, about societal expectations, about what it means to be a woman in today’s world. Her art challenges us to look deeper, think harder, and maybe even laugh at ourselves along the way. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good laugh?

Who is Emily Flake? A Brief Biography

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of Emily Flake’s career, let’s take a moment to get to know the woman behind the pen. Emily Flake was born in 1975 in a small town in the Midwest. She grew up surrounded by art and creativity, with parents who encouraged her to pursue her passions. Her love for drawing started early, and by the time she was in high school, she knew she wanted to be a cartoonist.

After graduating from college, Flake moved to New York City, where she quickly made a name for herself in the cartooning world. Her work has appeared in some of the most prestigious publications, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Harper’s Magazine. She’s also the author of several books, including “The Problem With Being Slightly Fat” and “The Big Feminist But.”

Emily Flake’s Personal Details

Full Name	Emily Flake
Date of Birth	1975
Place of Birth	Midwest, USA
Profession	Cartoonist, Illustrator, Writer
Notable Works	The New Yorker, The Big Feminist But, The Problem With Being Slightly Fat

Flake’s Journey into Cartooning

So, how does a girl from the Midwest become one of the most celebrated cartoonists of our time? It wasn’t easy, and it definitely wasn’t linear. Emily Flake started her career by submitting cartoons to various publications, often getting rejected more times than she cared to count. But she didn’t let that stop her. Instead, she kept refining her craft, experimenting with different styles, and honing her voice.

Her big break came when she was hired by The New Yorker, a publication known for its high standards and rigorous selection process. Flake’s work stood out because it wasn’t just funny—it was smart. It tackled issues like gender inequality, body positivity, and the absurdities of modern life with a wit that was both accessible and biting.

Key Milestones in Emily Flake’s Career

First cartoon published in The New Yorker (2008)
Publication of “The Problem With Being Slightly Fat” (2014)
Release of “The Big Feminist But” (2018)
Regular contributor to The New York Times and Harper’s Magazine

Emily Flake’s Unique Style

One of the things that sets Emily Flake apart from other cartoonists is her unique style. Her cartoons are deceptively simple, often featuring just a few lines and a single panel. But don’t let the simplicity fool you—there’s a lot going on beneath the surface. Flake’s work is characterized by its sharp wit, clever wordplay, and keen observation of human behavior.

Her style is also deeply personal. Flake often draws on her own experiences as a woman, a mother, and a professional in a male-dominated field. This gives her work an authenticity that resonates with readers, making them feel seen and understood.

What Makes Emily Flake’s Cartoons Stand Out?

There are a few key elements that make Emily Flake’s cartoons so memorable:

Relatable Themes: Flake tackles topics that many people can relate to, from parenting struggles to workplace frustrations.
Humor with a Bite: Her cartoons are funny, but they also pack a punch, encouraging readers to think critically about the world around them.
Visual Simplicity: Flake’s minimalist approach to drawing allows the message of her cartoons to shine through without distraction.

Emily Flake’s Impact on the Cartooning World

Emily Flake hasn’t just made a name for herself in the cartooning world; she’s also had a significant impact on the industry as a whole. By bringing a female perspective to a field that has traditionally been dominated by men, Flake has helped to diversify the voices represented in mainstream media. Her work has inspired a new generation of cartoonists, many of whom are women and people of color.

Flake’s influence extends beyond the world of cartooning as well. Her books and public speaking engagements have sparked important conversations about feminism, body positivity, and social justice. She’s a vocal advocate for women’s rights and a powerful voice for change.

How Emily Flake is Changing the Game

Here are a few ways Emily Flake is making waves in the cartooning world:

Challenging Stereotypes: Flake’s cartoons often challenge traditional gender roles and societal expectations.
Empowering Women: By sharing her own experiences and struggles, Flake empowers other women to tell their stories.
Pushing Boundaries: Flake isn’t afraid to tackle controversial topics, making her work both provocative and thought-provoking.

Emily Flake’s Books: A Closer Look

In addition to her work as a cartoonist, Emily Flake is also an accomplished author. Her books, like “The Problem With Being Slightly Fat” and “The Big Feminist But,” delve deeper into the themes she explores in her cartoons. These books are a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and social commentary, making them both entertaining and enlightening.

Flake’s writing style is just as sharp and witty as her cartoons, with a voice that feels like having a conversation with a close friend. Her books have been praised for their honesty and authenticity, resonating with readers who see themselves in her words.

Top Books by Emily Flake

The Problem With Being Slightly Fat: A humorous exploration of body image and self-acceptance.
The Big Feminist But: A collection of essays and cartoons about feminism, motherhood, and everything in between.

Emily Flake’s Role in Social Commentary

Cartoons might seem like a lighthearted medium, but in the hands of someone like Emily Flake, they become a powerful tool for social commentary. Flake’s work often tackles serious issues like gender inequality, political corruption, and environmental degradation, using humor as a way to make these topics more accessible.

Her ability to distill complex issues into simple, relatable cartoons is a testament to her skill as a cartoonist and her commitment to social justice. Flake’s work reminds us that laughter can be a form of resistance, and that even in the darkest of times, there’s always room for a little humor.

How Cartoons Can Drive Social Change

Here’s how Emily Flake’s cartoons are driving social change:

Raising Awareness: Flake’s cartoons bring attention to important issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Encouraging Dialogue: Her work sparks conversations about topics that might be difficult to talk about otherwise.
Providing Perspective: Flake’s cartoons offer a unique perspective on social issues, helping readers see things in a new light.

Emily Flake’s Influence on Pop Culture

Emily Flake’s influence extends far beyond the world of cartooning. Her work has made its way into pop culture, appearing on social media, in memes, and even in advertisements. Flake’s cartoons have become a cultural touchstone, representing a generation that values humor, authenticity, and social justice.

Her impact on pop culture is a testament to the power of art to shape public opinion and drive social change. Flake’s work proves that cartoons aren’t just for kids—they’re for everyone, and they have the power to make a real difference in the world.

Emily Flake in the Digital Age

With the rise of social media, Emily Flake’s work has reached an even wider audience. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter have allowed her to connect with fans around the world, sharing her cartoons and thoughts on a daily basis. This digital presence has only strengthened her influence, making her one of the most followed cartoonists on the internet.

Challenges Faced by Emily Flake

Being a woman in a male-dominated field isn’t easy, and Emily Flake has faced her share of challenges. From dealing with sexism and misogyny to navigating the ever-changing landscape of the publishing industry, Flake has had to fight for every step of her career.

But instead of letting these challenges hold her back, Flake uses them as fuel for her work. Her cartoons often address the very issues she’s faced, turning her personal struggles into universal truths that resonate with readers everywhere.

Overcoming Obstacles

Here’s how Emily Flake has overcome the challenges she’s faced:

Staying True to Herself: Flake has never compromised her voice or her values, even when it’s been difficult.
Building a Community: By connecting with other women in the industry, Flake has created a support system that helps her thrive.
Using Her Platform: Flake uses her success to lift up others, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the cartooning world.

Looking to the Future with Emily Flake

As Emily Flake continues to evolve as an artist and a public figure, one thing is certain: she’s not slowing down anytime soon. With new projects in the works and a growing fan base, Flake’s influence is only set to grow. She’s already proven that cartoons can be a force for good in the world, and there’s no telling what she’ll accomplish next.

So, what’s next for Emily Flake? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: whatever she does, it’ll be worth watching.

What to Expect from Emily Flake in the Future

New Books: Flake is rumored to be working on a new collection of essays and cartoons.
Public Speaking: She’s continuing to share her insights and experiences through speaking engagements and interviews.
Social Media Presence: Flake’s digital presence is only growing, with more followers and fans tuning in every day.

Conclusion: Why Emily Flake Matters

Emily Flake isn’t just a cartoonist; she’s a cultural icon. Her work has brought laughter, insight, and inspiration to millions of people around the world, proving that cartoons can be so much more than just entertainment. Flake’s commitment to social justice, her unflinching honesty, and her razor-sharp wit have made her one of the most important voices in the cartooning world today.

So, if you haven’t already, take a moment to check out Emily Flake’s work. You might just find yourself laughing, thinking, and maybe even changing your perspective on the world. And isn’t that what great art is all about?

Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and leave a comment below. What’s your favorite Emily Flake cartoon? Let us know—we’d love to hear from you!

Illustration — Emily Flake

Fall Class Joke In A Box with Emily Flake — St. Nell's Humor Writing

Portfolio

Underreported Regions