How to Make a Career of Being a Cartoonist
Cartoon artists put their artistic skill to work, creating engaging drawings that convey meaning and entertain reading audiences. If you possess the ability to sketch engaging images and the creativity to craft an effective story line, this job may be a strong career choice. Unlike many other jobs, getting started in this field requires a bit of legwork along with dedication and luck.
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Instructions
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Develop your style. While there's no education required to be a cartoon artist, studying art and developing your artistic skills will make it easier for you to present your best work, likely improving your chances of successfully entering this field. Study art or cartooning in particular at a college or trade school in preparation for your job.
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Submit your work to print publications. Review a publication containing listings of markets that purchase freelance cartoons, such as the “Artist’s and Graphic Designer’s Market,” a manual that lists markets and provides contact information. Because this publication and many others like it release updates annually, take care to select the most up-to-date option. Submit your work to numerous buyers, as rejections will likely prove plentiful.
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Network with industry officials. As you become successful at selling your work, use these successes to network and get your name out there. If you can establish yourself as a competent and reliable cartoonist, you may be able to secure more work.
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Produce high quality work. Never submit work that is less than your best, as each piece you submit serves as a reflection of your skill. If you submit subpar work, you run the risk of showing potential buyers that you aren’t skillful enough for them to employ.
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Seek a syndicated column. Getting a syndicated column is the goal of any cartoonist. If you develop a cast of characters that proves popular, continue to develop the cartoon in question and create a body of work appropriate for syndication.
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