Cartoonist Cartoonists are artists who create cartoon-style illustrations for newspapers, advertisements, magazines, films, television, books, newsletters and greeting cards. Educational Requirements: Vary Occupational Growth Rate: Above average growth Duties Cartoonists are probably best known for creating comic strips and children's animated television shows. However, cartoons appear in and on all types of media, including film, television, advertising, promotional material, newspapers, magazines, packaging and clothing. They may tell a story, provide social commentary or reflect public opinion. In general, cartoonists get their inspiration from many places, and often keep a sketch book or diary of ideas for future use, make pencil sketches of their ideas, use a variety of colour or pencil mediums to shade and fill in their outlines (e.g. ink, water colours, markers, transparent washes), and may discuss their ideas and initial drawings with the editor and publisher before finalizing them. Many cartoonists specialize in a particular type of cartoon. Comic strip artists draw a series of pictures that tell a short story. Characters in the strips may or may not speak. Often the original drawings are quite large and are reduced for publication. Increasingly, popular comic strips are appearing as television specials, cartoon shows and on commercial products such as T-shirts and toys. Comic books are collections of stories. Editorial cartoonists create single cartoons in newspapers or magazines. These cartoons are caricatures or comic figures of well-known people or events, often political satires commenting on issues of the day. Some cartoonists are storyboard artists at advertising agencies or art studios who create animated commercials and animated films. They often prepare drawings that other artists (e.g. illustrators, animators) make into finished ads or films. For more information, see the Animator and Illustrator occupational profiles. Working Conditions Cartoonists work at drawing boards in comfortable, well-lit rooms and may sit for long periods of time. They have to deal with the constant pressure of deadlines. Skills, Interests, Values Drawing cartoons requires creativity, imagination and artistic talent, a satirical sense of humour and keen, analytical observation of news events, the ability to take criticism well, motivation (a self-starter), a sense of curiosity, and the ability to meet deadlines. Successful cartoonists enjoy synthesizing information, finding innovative approaches, taking a methodical approach to tasks requiring precision (e.g. preparing specifications, estimating costs), and consulting with clients. Educational Requirements Many successful cartoonists are self-taught. However, formal art training and computer skills are helpful. A strong writing background is also an asset, particularly for strip cartoons. Editorial cartoonists need some knowledge of political history. Using cartoons in advertising for products, events, projects, public education or services is very popular. To be able to suggest cartoon ideas that will help sell a client's product or service, cartoonists must keep up to date with publicity and marketing trends. After completing some basic art training, many cartoonists start by apprenticing with a well-known cartoonist at an advertising agency, design studio or newspaper. Practice is essential in developing a portfolio of work to show potential employers. Cartoonists are advised to get constructive criticism from someone in the business who can assess their talent and provide suggestions. It is particularly important to develop an individual style that is recognizable in all cartoons. This helps to build a cartoonist's reputation. Employment and Advancement Some editorial cartoonists are employed by major newspapers and magazines. Their work may be transmitted electronically to several newspapers at one time. Most other cartoonists work on a freelance basis. Cartoonists may work for -advertising agencies -newspapers -magazines -book publishing companies -video and film production studios -greeting card companies -graphic design studios, or government communications or public relations departments Freelance cartoonists must spend a lot of time marketing their drawings and ideas to potential employers. They often need to develop a working relationship with ten or more clients on a regular basis to make a modest income. Cartooning is a difficult field to enter and is becoming very competitive as the demand decreases. Some cartoonists also work as illustrators or graphic designers. Salary Cartoonists may earn very little money, or a lot of money if they become well-known. An individual cartoon may pay $35 to $500, depending on the reputation and experience of the cartoonist. Staff editorial cartoonists' salaries range from $25,000 to $70,000 per year with medium-size to large-circulation newspapers (1999 estimates). Some very successful cartoonists syndicate their work in several newspapers. The syndicate field is very competitive and therefore not easy to enter. Related Occupational Profiles Animator Graphic Designer Illustrator