How to Make Money as a Cartoonist

Syndication can be profitable for cartoonists.

You can make money as a cartoonist in any venue that accepts your work, from magazines to newspapers to websites. All that is required is a creative way with a pen and some original and entertaining ideas. To make a living, you will need to be patient and work hard to develop a public profile and a loyal following of readers.

Instructions

1. Get training in drawing and caricature, either by teaching yourself using books and Internet resources, or by attending art school and getting a degree in fine arts. Focus on developing a unique and consistent style that makes your work stand out from the rest.

2. Develop a website where you can showcase your work. Whenever you have your work published in print publications or elsewhere on the Internet, include your website address so fans can see your work. Monetize your website by including advertisements that will pay you a percentage whenever someone views them. The more traffic you can direct to your website, the easier it will be to make a significant amount of money from it.

3. Send your work out consistently to newspapers and magazines. Cartooning is a competitive business, and it may take you a while to have your work accepted. Set a goal for yourself of a certain number of cartoons to send out every week, and don't be discouraged by rejections. If your work is good, it will eventually catch on.

4. Seek out opportunities for syndication. If your work is picked up by a syndicate and published in multiple magazines and newspapers, this is where you can start to make serious money. Getting paid more than once for a single piece of work gives you financial breathing room to create new work.

5. Make extra money by drawing caricatures on the street. If you live in a city with a busy tourist section, set yourself up in a busy location with examples of your work prominently displayed. An outgoing personality and a flair for being an entertainer will help you in this venue.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep updated on the work of other cartoonists to expand your network and get new ideas.

References

• Calico Monkey; Twenty-Eight Ways to Make Money Creating Cartoons; October 2007
• Introduction to Magazine Cartooning