How to Be Cartoonist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 22, 2023 / 4 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The art of cartooning has been around for centuries and has evolved over time. It is an art form that uses humor to express ideas, often by creating caricatures of people and animals. Cartoonists use a variety of techniques to create their work, including drawing, painting, and computer animation.

The result is often humorous and entertaining, but it can also be used to convey serious social and political messages. The impact of this art form extends far beyond entertainment, as it can be used to educate, inform, and influence people about a range of issues. For instance, cartoons have been used to bring attention to climate change, poverty, and other social issues.

Furthermore, cartoons have been used to spark political and social debate, boost morale in times of crisis, and even to warn of looming dangers. In short, cartooning is a powerful form of expression that can have significant effects on the lives of individuals and society as a whole.

Steps How to Become

Learn the basics of drawing. Start by learning the basics of drawing, including shapes, perspective, and color theory. Developing basic drawing skills will help you create more dynamic and creative cartoon characters.
Study cartoons. Watch cartoons and take notes on what makes them successful. Pay attention to the use of line, shape, and color. Analyze the visual storytelling techniques used in cartoons and how they create dynamic characters and stories.
Experiment with different styles. Once you have a good foundation in cartooning basics, experiment with different styles and techniques. Try using different media such as charcoal, pens, and markers to create your images.
Develop your characters. Develop a few characters that will be used in your cartoon series. Consider the character's backstory, motivations, and relationships with other characters.
Create a story. Develop a story that will feature your characters. Consider the plot, conflicts, and resolution of the story.
Draw the cartoon. Using your developed characters and story, draw the cartoon. Pay attention to the details such as facial expressions and body language.
Publish your work. Once you have created your cartoon, you can publish it either online or in print form. Consider submitting it to a magazine or newspaper that publishes cartoons or entering it in an art contest.

Cartooning is an art form that requires reliable and capable tools. To be successful, cartoonists need the right combination of materials and techniques to create their work. These tools include a variety of pens, pencils, and markers that allow for a wide range of line widths, shading, and textures.

cartoonists require a reliable tablet or computer to draw digitally. With digital tools, cartoonists can easily make changes and corrections to their work without having to start over from scratch. Furthermore, the use of digital tools allows cartoonists to share their work with others quickly and easily.

When all of these elements come together, cartoonists have the ability to create effective and captivating cartoons.

You may want to check Art Installer, Mural Artist, and Face Painter for alternative.

Job Description

Storyboard Artist
Comic Book Artist
Animation Artist
Visual Development Artist
Character Designer
Layout Artist
Background Artist
Comic Strip Artist
Art Director
Colorist

Skills and Competencies to Have

Drawing and sketching skills
Knowledge of visual storytelling
Creative and imaginative thinking
Ability to work with various mediums and tools
Excellent artistic and design skills
Knowledge of graphic design principles
Knowledge of color theory
Understanding of comic book conventions and formats
Ability to work within tight deadlines
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in digital art programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

Creativity is the most important skill to have for a cartoonist. It is the foundation of any successful cartoon, as it allows the cartoonist to come up with unique and captivating ideas. Without creativity, a cartoonist would be limited to using existing characters, plotlines, and jokes, which would lead to a lack of originality and engagement from their audience.

a strong understanding of the elements of visual storytelling is also essential for a successful cartoonist. This includes an understanding of visual composition, color theory, body language, and facial expressions. This knowledge allows the cartoonist to create vivid and dynamic scenes that inspire emotion from viewers.

Lastly, a cartoonist must have an excellent command of their chosen medium. This can range from traditional tools like pencils and paper to digital tools like Photoshop and Illustrator. By mastering their chosen medium, a cartoonist will be able to craft professional-looking cartoons that truly stand out.

Special Effects Artist, Interior Designer, and Silk Screen Printer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a Cartoonist?
What techniques do you use to develop your ideas into cartoons?
How do you decide which topics to focus on for your cartoons?
Describe the process of creating a cartoon from concept to final product.
What tools do you use when creating your cartoons?
How do you keep up with current trends and topics in the cartoon industry?
Do you have any experience with digital animation or video editing?
What do you find most challenging about cartooning?
Have you ever had to work with tight deadlines while cartooning?
Describe a creative project that youre proud of and explain why.

Common Tools in Industry

Pencils. Used to create and sketch out ideas (eg. creating a cartoon character).
Erasers. Used to make corrections or changes to artwork (eg. erasing a line).
Brushes. Used to create textures and shading (eg. adding fur to a character).
Computer Software. Used to digitally create artwork (eg. Adobe Photoshop).
Markers. Used to add vibrant color and details (eg. adding color to a cartoon background).
Ink. Used to add finishing touches to artwork (eg. outlining the cartoon character).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Cartoonists Society
Association of American Editorial Cartoonists
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
International Comic Arts Forum
National Association of Comic Art Educators
The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences
European Cartoon Centre
Society of Illustrators
Canadian Cartoonists' Association
The Inkwell Awards

We also have Mime Artist, Animator, and Painter jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pen and Ink Drawing. A term used to describe the art of creating a drawing using a pen and ink.
Comic Strips. A series of drawings or cartoons, usually with text, arranged in a row to tell a story or make a joke.
Graphic Novel. A book-length comic that tells a story over multiple chapters.
Manga. A style of Japanese comic book and graphic novel art.
Caricature. An exaggerated portrait or drawing of a person, typically for satirical effect.
Animation. The process of creating moving images from static artwork, often through the use of computers.
Storyboarding. The process of creating a visual outline of a story for animation or film production.
Graphic Design. The process of creating visual elements for a variety of purposes, such as advertising, logos, or illustrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is widely considered to be the first cartoonist?

Rodolphe Töpffer is widely considered to be the first cartoonist, who published his first book of cartoons in 1827.

How many Pulitzer Prizes have been awarded to editorial cartoonists?

Since the Pulitzer Prize was first awarded in 1917, a total of 75 Pulitzer Prizes have been awarded to editorial cartoonists.

What is the primary medium used by cartoonists?

The primary medium used by cartoonists is drawing, usually done as a combination of traditional pencil and ink with digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

What is the annual award given by the National Cartoonists Society?

The National Cartoonists Society awards an annual Reuben Award to honor the outstanding cartoonist of the year.

What is the name of the largest professional organization for cartoonists?

The National Cartoonists Society is the largest professional organization for cartoonists, and includes members from print, online, animation, and gaming fields.