Cartoonist Ao Yo-siang from Taiwan stands in front of one of his cartoon creations during his stay in Hangzhou in April. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In recent years, the cartoon industry has also been greatly shaped by the internet.

Cartoonists can now publish their works online instead of going through the traditional publication process while readers can directly read, engage with, and even influence the cartoonists.

"We should keep up with the pace of change brought about by technology," he says.

Ao says that creative ideas and appealing stories are crucial for cartoonists in this digital age.

"Cartoons must be surreal," he says. "The more unusual the story is, the happier readers are."

Ao encourages cartoonists to draw inspiration from voraciously reading other people's works, and isolating themselves occasionally to think about their work.

Over the years, Ao has devoted himself to nurturing talented young artists.

Each month, he and his team spend four days visiting two remote rural schools in Taiwan to teach students.

In October, Ao set up a 1 million yuan ($152,000) scholarship in Hangzhou to support China's young aspirants to pursue their cartoon dreams.

Students from both Taiwan and the Chinese mainland are eligible to apply, says Ao.

"The period prior to publication is usually the hardest for budding cartoonists," he says.

"I want to provide both financial and professional aid to help them make that transition."

Contact the writer at zhangzefeng@chinadaily.com.cn