Henry James Garrett
Henry James Garrett is an illustrator, writer, and self-described 'social justice cartoonist' whose work has quietly reshaped how we think about empathy, activism, and the power of a well-drawn animal.
Whether you’ve seen his heartfelt illustrations in The New York Times, stumbled across one of his wholesomely political memes on Instagram, or read his beautifully illustrated debut This Book Will Make You Kinder: An Empathy Handbook, you’ll recognise Garrett’s distinct tone instantly. Equal parts sincere, humorous, and razor-sharp, Henry’s work offers an antidote to apathy and a rallying cry for kinder, more conscious living.
At the core of his practice is a bold yet gentle mission: to encourage kindness in an unkind world. Garrett uses disarming humour, anthropomorphic animals, and approachable language to tackle some of the most complex and pressing issues of our time, systemic inequality, power imbalances, racism, gender injustice, ableism, and climate collapse. But rather than lecture or shame, his work invites. It softens. It gives permission to care deeply and think critically, often at the same time.
With a background in philosophy and metaethics, Garrett’s work is underpinned by rigorous thinking but you’d never know it from the friendly tone and snappy captions. This is philosophy with a smile, protest with a pun, and theory dressed in the comforting tones of talking penguins, tender badgers, and softly outraged sloths. It’s visual activism for the scroll generation: bite-sized truths that stick with you long after the double-tap.
Garrett’s impact extends far beyond the screen. He’s created content for BuzzFeed, The i Newspaper, the BBC, London Pride, and The Fawcett Society. He’s been commissioned by a wide range of organisations from major publications to grassroots charities because his work does more than make people feel good; it helps them understand why things aren’t good for everyone. At a time when the world feels divided and compassion fatigue is real, Garrett’s art reminds us that change begins with how we see each other.
In This Book Will Make You Kinder, Garrett takes readers on a journey through ethics, emotional intelligence, and everyday interactions. It’s a guide not just to being a good person, but to actively unlearning the harmful systems we’ve been raised within. It’s about recognising where empathy fails us and how we can build it back up. The book has been celebrated for its accessibility and emotional resonance, making philosophy feel less like a lecture and more like a heart-to-heart with a wise and funny friend.
Whether he’s publishing thoughtful cartoons on social media, lending his visuals to progressive campaigns, or speaking about empathy and justice, Henry James Garrett continues to make work that matters art that doesn’t just speak to the world, but speaks up for it.
Because kindness isn’t weakness. It’s a form of resistance. And Henry’s here to remind us that the revolution can, and should, include cartoons.
Creative Debuts hosted Henry’s solo show with adidas
