Cartoonists generally amuse, entertain, educate, and persuade people. They create images for comic books, graphic novels, greeting cards, video game packaging, newspapers, magazines, marketing, and more.

If you are an artist or interested in pursuing your career as a sketch artist or cartoonist, follow this article till the end.

What is Cartoonist?

A visual artist who focuses on creating cartoons is known as a cartoonist. The purpose of this work is frequently for amusement, political criticism, or advertising. Cartoonist creates animation, booklets, comic strips, comic books, editorial cartoons, graphic novels, manuals, gag cartoons, graphic design, illustrations, storyboards, posters, shirts, book advertisements, greeting cards, magazines, newspapers, and video game packaging formats, etc.

They are either self-employed or employed by publishing houses, newspapers, or both. Cartoonists create their works manually and digitally; some may even add animation.

What is the role and responsibilities of a Cartoonist?

• Create illustrations based on real-world prototypes and manufacturing reference materials
• Choose your color schemes and moods when creating artwork to achieve the perfect animation appearance for cartoon scenarios.
• Make 2D or 3D animated films for cartoons using computer animation tools.
• Create and design artistic images with the equipment they choose.
• To give the illusion of movement, change the color, texture, light, and other elements of static characters.
• Create storyboards using their story creation, cinematography, and editing expertise.
• Animated story sequences must be planned, scripted, and completed by the deadline.
• Tracking and coordinating the development of media campaigns can help in their conception and production.
• Scan hand-drawn graphics to create digital art primarily used for product labels or television commercials.
• Using computer technology gives hand-drawn images a more elegant appearance.
• With the use of physical models, simulate the behavior of animated objects.
• Make the necessary modifications to guarantee that the artwork and animation satisfy the client's needs.
• Keep track of model details to make quick references during work development.
• Before the project, ensure the photos are in the correct order.
• Keep your manual design and computer graphics knowledge current.

Also Read: How to Become an Animator

How to Become Cartoonist? Qualifications

Creativity

As a cartoonist, one must use creativity to develop unique, beautiful, and enjoyable animation and designs. A career as a cartoonist is dynamic and requires experts to produce original visual content regularly. Cartoonists are expected to find humor in the commonplace, everyday things surrounding them.

Patience

When sketching or drawing, patience is a critical component. Since the creative block is frequent, cartoonists must maintain patience and calm while coming up with fresh ideas for exciting material. The essential tools for an artist are patience and endurance.

Attention to detail

 Since the entire idea of animation revolves around images and displays, even the slightest error can cause significant problems. As a cartoonist, you must pay close attention to every project area and make the most of the information.

Technical skills

 To give the characters life, a cartoonist must combine technical talents with realistic qualities. Good drawing abilities are crucial since they simplify sketching ideas for animation on a tablet. A cartoonist must also know the character's movements, causes, and animation conventions. One should be well-versed in specialized computer-generating programs like Maya, Flash, and After Effects.

Drawing abilities

Creating a plot and a storyline is the first step in animation creation. The cartoonist must have extraordinary sketching abilities to convey an animation idea visually to a design team or client. In other circumstances, the cartoonist creates the tale or assists the client.

Color theory

 Since every animation needs colors, aspiring students need to learn color theories before they can become good cartoonists. They also need to understand how to portray different thoughts and feelings through color and what shade to utilize.

Other Skills

• Strong communication abilities.
• Strong writing abilities.
• Creative abilities.
• Technical expertise.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Excellent computer and animation software skills.

Steps to Becoming a Successful Cartoonist

Academic Requirements

• The completion of a 10+2 level of education.
• Subject or any stream such as science, commerce, arts, humanities, and social sciences.
• A cartoonist must know fine arts so that they will be able to produce, compose, and perform music, dance, etc.
• A cartoonist should know techniques and methods about media, which can be alternative methods to pass the information and entertain through written, oral, and visual media.

Acquire more knowledge after high school.

After high school, a cartoonist practices for long hours or years to master their art. They can do a four-year degree program leading to a bachelor of fine arts focusing on honing drawing abilities, 2D digital animation, and exchanging ideas through pictures. Due to the extensive studio work, the degree may take some time. 

Before admission, a bachelor's degree in any field is required for candidates for the Master of Fine Arts in Cartoonists. It takes two to three years to complete the program. A graduate with a master's in fine arts can learn about computer graphics, game design, and 3D digital animation.

Experience (work and related fields)

The field of animation has many internship opportunities. Various businesses and organizations hire interns with the proper abilities and interests. One should be able to find a lot of internship opportunities using online recruiting platforms. The people who participate in internships gain practical experience. Higher education cartoonist colleges pay for the preparation for most internships.

Training (job or related fields)

Cartoonists do not necessarily need a college degree if they are outstanding artists. High school students should take relevant political science, government, and literature courses. A bachelor's degree in visual arts, animation, cartooning, or some jobs may prefer. 

A degree in journalism or political science would probably be helpful for those who want to work as political cartoonists. It can be beneficial to have experience creating distinct cartoon styles utilizing a range of mediums and instruments. Cartoonists who want to work in movies, video games, or animated television programs should enroll in animation, video, and film courses.

Career

A cartoonist career is a job or position in the multimedia and animation industry that enables people to hone their art, design, and drawing abilities while producing comic strips, animated movies, and other works. Cartoonists often generate their work for movie studios, newspapers, magazines, and other media types. However, they can also self-publish their works or operate as a freelance artist, producing products on a commission basis for specific clients.

Employment areas

• Film & Television.
• Printing press.
• Online News Media
• Theater.
• Cartoon production.
• Video Gaming.
• Advertising.

Job titles

• Multimedia artists
• Animators
• Fashion designer
• Graphic designer
• Illustrator
• 2d animator
• Fashion stylist
• Art/Set director
• Design manager

Salary of Cartoonist

Let us see the average annual salary of Cartoonist in some popular countries.

Training Course for Cartoonist

Let us talk about some degrees to become a successful Cartoonist.

Pros and Cons of Becoming Cartoonist

There are numerous ways that cartoonists can work. While some cartoonists specialize in producing comic strips, others animate for both television and film. Political cartoons are also widely produced. Cartoonists' levels of schooling might differ significantly. There are possibilities for fine arts colleges and art schools. Political cartoonists may hold degrees in political science or journalism. A job as a cartoonist has benefits and drawbacks, just like any other profession.

100,000+ students achieved their study abroad dreams with us.  Start your journey today.   Talk to an Expert

Advantages of becoming a Cartoonist

• Flexibility.
• Ability to start your business from home.
• Little startup costs are required.
• Rewarding work.
• Scalable.
• Traffic to your website.
• No overhead costs.
• Meaningful business connections.
• High margins.
• Quick build time.
• Unlimited income potential.
• Minimal experience required.
• Various ways to make money.
• Make money while you sleep.

Disadvantages of becoming a Cartoonist

• Constant maintenance of publication.
• No safety net.
• Crowded Space.
• Work can be repetitive.
• Challenging to build trust with your customer.
• Be prepared to get out of your comfort zone.
• You might struggle financially as a junior cartoonist.
• Minimal physical activity.
• An easy target for criticism.

How to Become Cartoonist FAQs

Who are the cartoonists?

Cartoonists design or produce graphics for movies, television shows, commercials, online ads, video games, and more. They design and edit animations and visual effects per the director's or clients' specifications. 

Cartoonists create animations and images for various platforms, including television, video games, websites, and online marketing.

How long does it take to become a cartoonist?

Only the course and the college for cartoonists have any bearing on this. If a student chooses a degree program, their studies will typically last three years; however, if they choose a diploma program, their studies will last one to two years. Specific short certificate programs only take six months to finish.

What sort of training is necessary to become a cartoonist?

In the world of animation, a bachelor's degree is typically necessary. However, a lot of cartoonists only have a certificate or a degree.

Can a cartoonist be influential without having a solid grasp of color?

Even if your sense of color isn't particularly keen, you won't lose too much by knowing how to experiment with colors.

Do cartoonists need to have a background in science?

No, after class 10, you can enroll in any stream. Science is not required, but having a technical bent of mind and a talent for picking up new software would be beneficial.

What exactly does a cartoonist do all day long?

Cartoonists and multimedia designers regularly create easy sketches, paintings, and animations for product labels, cartons, advertisements, or television. They create intricate images and animation using computer gear, individual judgment, and ingenuity.