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

The rise of web cartoonists has had a profound effect on the animation industry. As the internet has become more accessible, more and more people are able to create and share their art with the world. This has lead to an explosion of creativity and innovative storytelling, with web cartoonists pushing the boundaries of traditional animation.

Web cartoonists have also driven up competition in the industry, putting pressure on studios to produce higher quality work or risk losing their audience to independent creators. web cartoonists have helped to diversify the animation landscape, bringing unique voices and perspectives to the world of animation. As a result, web cartoonists have become a major force in the industry, opening up new opportunities for aspiring animators and inspiring a new generation of creators.

Steps How to Become

  1. Develop Your Artistic Skills. Becoming a web cartoonist requires a strong background in the visual arts. Practice your drawing skills, and consider taking classes to develop your artistic abilities.
  2. Develop Your Writing Skills. As with any artistic endeavor, a good web cartoonist must know how to craft a story. You'll need to be able to tell a compelling story in a limited amount of space and time. Take classes and read books on creative writing to develop your writing skills.
  3. Craft Your Cartoons. Once you've developed your artistic and writing skills, you can begin crafting the actual cartoons. Start by sketching out ideas for storylines, characters and settings. You can then use a computer program like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to create the artwork for your cartoons.
  4. Find a Platform. Once you have your cartoons finished, you'll need to find a platform to host them. There are several popular websites and applications that allow you to upload and share your cartoons with the world.
  5. Promote Your Cartoons. Finally, you'll need to promote your cartoons in order to get them seen. You can do this through social media, word-of-mouth, or by contacting popular webcomic websites. With enough promotion, you can build a large following for your cartoons.

Creating a successful web cartoonist requires a combination of skill and efficiency. One must have the ability to draw, use animation software, and develop storylines that engage an audience. they must be able to produce content quickly and efficiently, while staying within the budget.

By having a clear understanding of their target audience and the necessary technical skills, a web cartoonist can create high-quality content that resonates with viewers. Furthermore, they should stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments to remain competitive. Taking the time to practice and refine techniques, as well as collaborate with others, can all help a web cartoonist to become more skilled and efficient in their craft.

You may want to check Character Technical Director/Lead, Visual Development Supervisor/Director, and Background Artist for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Script Writer: Writes the scripts for the cartoon, including dialogue, plot points, and character development.
  2. Storyboard Artist: Creates images of each scene in the cartoon based on the script to provide a visual representation of the story.
  3. Animator: Produces the cartoon by creating the characters, backgrounds, and other animation elements in a digital format.
  4. Voice Actor: Provides the voices for the characters in the cartoon.
  5. Editor: Reviews the cartoon to ensure that it is consistent with the script and meets quality standards.
  6. Sound Designer: Creates the sound effects and music for the cartoon.
  7. Producer: Oversees all aspects of the production process for the cartoon, from scripting to final delivery.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Creative Writing: Ability to create engaging and relatable stories, characters, and settings.
  2. Artistic Talent: Knowledge of different art styles and techniques, as well as the ability to create dynamic visual elements.
  3. Computer Skills: Proficiency in graphic design software, as well as the ability to adapt to new technologies.
  4. Technical Knowledge: Understanding of web design principles and their application to web cartoons.
  5. Editing: An eye for detail and the ability to make changes that improve upon the original work.
  6. Promotion: Knowledge of effective ways to promote web cartoons, such as through social media, blogging, and other online marketing strategies.
  7. Time Management: Ability to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks in order to meet them.
  8. Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with other cartoonists, editors, and publishers.
  9. Business Acumen: Knowledge of the business side of web cartooning, including copyright laws, contracts, and licensing agreements.
  10. Self-motivation: Ability to motivate oneself and stay productive despite setbacks.

The ability to create a successful web cartoon requires a great deal of skill and expertise. The ability to write compelling stories, create engaging characters, and develop a distinct art style are all essential for any web cartoonist. having a strong understanding of the latest web technologies and trends will help ensure that the cartoon is well received by its audience.

A web cartoonist must also be able to effectively promote their work, as well as interact with fans on social media platforms. The success of a web cartoon ultimately depends on the artist's ability to understand the needs of their audience and create content that resonates with them. With the right combination of technical and creative skills, a web cartoonist can create a beloved and successful cartoon that will have fans coming back for more.

Layout Artist, Animation Technical Director/Lead, and Digital Effects Supervisor/Director are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

  • What inspired you to become a web cartoonist?
  • What have been some of your most successful online cartoons?
  • How do you come up with ideas for your cartoons?
  • How do you use your web cartooning to promote a message or raise awareness?
  • How do you handle criticism of your work?
  • What do you think makes a successful web cartoon?
  • How do you stay motivated when creating web cartoons?
  • What tools and techniques do you use to create your cartoons?
  • What platforms do you use to share your cartoons?
  • How do you balance your web cartooning with other commitments?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Drawing Tablet. A tablet device that registers the pressure and movement of a user's hand and can be used to draw digitally. (eg: Wacom Intuos Pro)
  2. Graphics Software. A program used to create digital art and designs. (eg: Adobe Photoshop)
  3. Animation Software. Software used to create digital animations. (eg: Adobe After Effects)
  4. Color Palette Generator. A tool used to generate a range of colors that work together. (eg: Adobe Color CC)
  5. Web Publishing Software. Software used to publish web pages. (eg: Adobe Dreamweaver)
  6. Storyboarding Software. Software used to create storyboards for comics or animation. (eg: Boords)
  7. Image Editing Software. Software used to edit digital images. (eg: Gimp)
  8. Image Resizer Tool. A tool used to quickly resize images for web publishing. (eg: PicResize)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. National Cartoonists Society
  2. Association of American Editorial Cartoonists
  3. Society of Illustrators
  4. American Society of Media Photographers
  5. Graphic Artists Guild
  6. Professional Cartoonists Organization
  7. Webcomic Alliance
  8. Canadian Cartoonists Network
  9. European Comics Network
  10. International Manga and Anime Society

We also have Flash Programmer/Developer, Storyboard Revisionist, and Pre-Press Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Webcomic. A comic strip or comic book published online, usually in a weekly or daily format.
  2. Graphic Novel. A long form comic book story, usually presented in a single volume.
  3. Manga. A style of Japanese comics and graphic novels.
  4. Webtoon. A digital comic strip presented in a vertical scroll format.
  5. Digital Art. A style of artwork that is created and presented electronically, such as on a computer or tablet device.
  6. Traditional Art. Artwork created using traditional tools and techniques such as paint, pencils, or clay.
  7. Layout. The arrangement of panels on a page to create a narrative.
  8. Storyboarding. The process of creating a visual story through the use of sketches, drawings, or images.
  9. Character Design. The process of creating the look and feel of a character from an existing concept or idea.
  10. Inking. The process of laying down black lines over the penciled lines to create the finished look of a comic panel or page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of a Web Cartoonist?

A Web Cartoonist is an artist who creates comics and cartoons for online publication.

How many years has the profession of Web Cartoonist been around?

The profession of Web Cartoonist has been around for about two decades, since the internet became widely used in the early 2000s.

What technology does a Web Cartoonist need to know?

A Web Cartoonist needs to be proficient in a variety of digital art software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as have a good understanding of web design principles.

How can a Web Cartoonist monetize their work?

Web Cartoonists can monetize their work by selling merchandise, offering online tutorials, or using crowdfunding platforms to generate donations.

What are some of the most popular Web Cartoons?

Some of the most popular Web Cartoons include Cyanide & Happiness, xkcd, Oglaf, and The Perry Bible Fellowship.

Web Resources

Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Albert
Submitted by our contributor
Cartoonist Category