How to Become a Cartoonist

Cartoonists are multitalented individuals who draw cartoons in addition to creating their story lines and captions. The top measure of a cartoonist's success is having cartoons syndicated in major newspapers throughout the country. However, not everyone can become a Charles M. Schulz.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Career Books
• Career Counseling
• Drawing Supplies
• Portfolios
• Online Career Search

1. Begin by taking drawing classes and creating cartoons for your high school or college newspaper.

2. Understand that even though higher education is not mandatory, appropriate college courses will polish your writing and artistic skills. Consult your high school guidance counselor for advice related to furthering your education.

3. Peruse the National Cartoonist Society (NCS) Web site (reuben.org) for professional advice about becoming a cartoonist.

4. Assemble copies of only your best work in a professional-looking portfolio. Bring it to interviews you set up with advertising agencies and local newspapers. Many of those organizations frequently use freelance cartoonists.

5. Keep abreast of current events, since popular cartoon storylines often evolve from the daily news.

6. Browse books related to cartoons at a reputable online bookseller. They will give you valuable information and may help keep you motivated.

7. Consult the Writer's Digest and Writer's Market guidebooks to find out about cartoon syndicates and their submission requirements. Realize that you will be competing with professionals if you send in submissions.

Tips & Warnings

• You must be able to communicate succinctly in only a few written words. If you cannot express yourself without writing long sentences, this may not be the career for you.
• A sense of humor is required for success in this field.
• Realize that no one starts out in syndication and that most cartoonists never achieve that distinction.

[designer150]

on 8/22/2008 This is a really pessimistic article. It's almost discouraging people from trying to become a cartoonist. And it says "a sense of humor is required" - really? Ya think? This person has a great grasp of the obvious.

on 8/8/2006 If you are ever stressed out by your art work, then stay calm and cool. Peace and tranquility will come to you.

on 11/22/2005 Have fun with your art work! Things will fly by as you have fun. I know work isn't usually fun, but work can be fun if you stay on the sunny side.

on 11/22/2005 If you are not satisfied with your work or do not find it funny, just start again. Find ways to improve your work.

on 11/22/2005 Tell/Show some of the strips to friends to test to see if they're funny. If it doesn't seem funny or doesn't have a visible punchline of some sort then, back to the drawing board ;-)