Disclaimer: The information on our website is provided for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on our website for any purpose. Any reliance on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk and we are not liable for any damages or losses arising out of or resulting from your reliance on any information contained on our website.
A cartoonist creates cartoons for various media, such as comic strips, magazines, movie studios, game design, or animated films. They work for publishing companies, newspapers, or are self-employed. The cartoonist draws both manually and on the computer and some may also animate their cartoons.
How to Become a Cartoonist
A cartoonist may have a bachelor’s degree in animation, fine arts, graphic design, computer animation, or a related field. Colleges have illustration, anatomy, drawing, computer graphics, painting, and photography courses. Taking business and marketing courses is also helpful. The Center for Cartoon Studies offers one and two-year certificate programs and has a two-year master of fine arts degree and offers summer workshops. Cartoonists also often market themselves through social media and this can also help them build a portfolio.
A cartoonist has master drawing skills and has storytelling abilities and can draw both large scale and small scale. They are creative and use their imagination and originality. Having a good sense of humor and the ability to accept criticism gracefully is also important. Cartoonists need excellent communication skills and must remain current on trends. Next, let’s look at what they do.
Internships and Experience
Interning is also helpful to gain experience and get a foot in the door. A cartoonist typically needs a broad range of experience. They can also find it helpful to study other cartoonists, their styles, and what makes them popular. Some become experienced in computer animation also. One popular program for 3D animation is Autodesk Maya. If you are still in middle school or high school student, taking art classes as well as any marketing, business, computer graphic, and photography classes are beneficial.
Job Description of a Cartoonist
We are all familiar with cartoonists like Charles Schultz who made Charlie Brown and Walt Disney. Many more cartoonists arrive on the scene every day with their unique talents to express ideas, such as political, sports, or characters endearing to us and make us laugh. There are also different types of cartoonists such as comic book illustrators, comic strip cartoons, and cartoon illustration for videos. Cartoonists that animate may be skilled on one or all types of animation: 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, and stop motion.
A cartoon for television or movies typically has a story plot they want to create. The cartoonist listens to recordings of the characters, imagines what they will look like, and the story behind the characters. The cartoonist will then make several model drawings of the character’s movement and poses. They put the poses on a board to present to the storyboard staff. When the sketches are approved, they polish up the illustrations in black and white. A cartoonist may also draw in special effects for animated projects, like game design. These artists can dramatize action where needed and create emotion in characters.
A cartoonist who creates comic strips, comic books, or other illustrations draws and develops a story but they do not need to animate their characters. Some cartoonists may also draw a comic strip that focuses on political or sports cartoons and write captions to express the idea behind the illustrations. All cartoonists must meet deadlines and promote themselves to keep consistent work. Cartoonists have a unique and creative talent seen in all societies throughout history. Continue your research if this sounds like a career you would enjoy!
Benefits of being a Cartoonist
Cartoonists highly value the creative freedom they enjoy in their profession, allowing them to express opinions and reach a wider audience. They relish the flexibility of choosing their specialization, whether in political cartoons, comic strips, or animation for TV and movies. The option to freelance or work for newspapers or companies adds to their career versatility. The ability to work from home or in an office caters to individual preferences, with some cartoonists appreciating collaboration and script input. In conclusion, most importantly, cartoonists find their careers deeply fulfilling and genuinely love what they do, which is a remarkable aspect of their job satisfaction.