Create a joke organizer for refer to when drawing cartoons.
Drawing cartoons professionally can be a tough field to break into. Syndicates are inundated with submissions from cartoonists. Also, the syndicates are looking for the ability to deliver, with a deep fear of an artist running dry. One possible way to build up a professional reputation involves self-syndication and trying to get published in local newspapers. A new professional who succeeds in getting local papers to run the cartoons can build a record of being able to deliver high quality cartoons on regular basis.
Instructions
1. Use a non-photo blue pencil to make the initial sketch. Once the lines are established, go back over with a black ink pen to reinforce. Any non-photo blue pencil will not reproduce when making copies.
2. Create a character sheet that includes a brief and witty description of the characters. A character sheet shows the editor all the characters in the comic strip.
3. Name the characters to build recognition. You want your readers to be able recognize your characters and point them out by name. Choose unusual last names to avoid issues with real people.
4. Create your comics in professional panel strips. Panel frame measurement should be 3 7/8 by 13 inches. The individual panels within the frame may be any size.
5. Use balloon connectors to show back and forth conversation within a sequence. Always place balloon connectors and characters' action to read from left-top- line to right and then the next line, left-to-right.
6. Keep a joke organizer. Organized jokes into categories such as "OK," "maybe" and "keepers." It also helps to file your jokes under themes, such as work, chores and neighbor.
7. Write extra comics each week. Meeting deadlines is important, and extra comics will come in handy for when experiencing writer's block.
8. Always remember the details such as signing your comics, adding email and a copyright notice in between the gutters of the panels. For a single strip add the information in the upper left corner.
