A couple of thoughts here: Semiotician Marcel Danesi recently did a TEDxToronto talk on how language is continuing to evolve to include both writing and drawing. http://www.tedxtoronto.com/talks/cave-drawings-emojis-communication-comes-full-circle-marcel-danesi-tedxtoronto-2016/

Also, Ed Emberley’s work reminds me a lot of Tom Gauld, whom I adore, when I’m not just jealous of his jetpack.