Being a cartoonist means you have a lot of power. If you draw political cartoons, you can influence voters’ thoughts and sway the outcome of an important election. Some funny-page cartoonists go to great lengths to get the reliable laugh, while others use the medium to tell stories or prompt philosophical thought. As is the case with any creative art, becoming a cartoon artist is not easy. With the right combination of hard work and determination, however, you can tip the odds in your favor.
Instructions
Become a Cartoon Artist
1. Take art classes to learn the technique and habits of an artist. You will learn perspective and color theory and all of the other skills that will help you understand how visual arts can affect an audience. Carry a sketchbook and draw all kinds of different objects.
2. Learn about the history of art and the great cartoonists who have come before. While you shouldn’t copy the artists who have worked in the field, use their cartoons as inspiration. Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes, told funny stories about a boy and his tiger, but also gave the characters a lot of philosophical depth. Some of the cartoons in the strip were even very sad. Gary Larson, creator of The Far Side, was able to use a one-panel cartoon to establish a quirky world and get a laugh. All the way back to The Yellow Kid, small innovations have changed what cartoons can be, and you can be the next to innovate.
3. Start thinking about what kind of cartoonist you want to be. Political cartoonists generally work in one panel, skewering politicians and the public reactions to issues. Comic-page cartoonists have a little bit more flexibility. Their strips usually focus on a set of characters, following them through their lives. This kind of cartoon can also allow the cartoonist to depict a zany world with a different cast each day.
4. Decide which kind of jokes you want to tell. This usually relates to the audience you want to reach. If you’re writing for kids, you’ll have to feature characters and humor that is family friendly. Aiming your cartoons at adults allows you to focus on adult characters and PG-13 situations.
5. Remember that your characters must have faces that can show emotion, even if they are not human. A good tip is to give your characters expressive eyes. Once your characters have taken shape, draw lots of practice cartoons to build up a body of work.
6. Share your cartoon with the world. Many cartoonists put their work online for all to see. You can go the classic route and contact syndicators, trying to convince them that your cartoon is good enough to be published in newspapers all over the world. You might start by sharing your cartoon with smaller audiences, then moving up as you get better with your craft. Remember, it’s not easy to be a cartoonist, and you will probably face lots of rejection. If you keep with it, you’ll be fulfilled and will probably experience some level of success.
