Cartoonist

Bring your characters to life with an education about cartoonists.

About

A cartoonist is an artist who creates cartoons, typically humorous or satirical illustrations that depict people, animals or objects in a simplified or exaggerated way. Cartoonists may work in various media, including print and digital animation, and their work can be found in newspapers, magazines, comic books, television shows and movies. These artists often use caricature, a technique in which they exaggerate certain features or traits of a subject to create a more recognizable and humorous image. They may also use wordplay, puns and other forms of humor to enhance the comedic effect of their work.

To become a cartoonist, one must have strong artistic skills and a keen sense of humor. Many cartoonists pursue formal education in art or illustration, although some may be self-taught. A strong portfolio of work is also essential for attracting clients and building a career as a cartoonist. Some well-known cartoonists include Charles Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip; Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons; Jim Davis, creator of Garfield and Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes.

Eligibility

For Bachelor’s

  • The aspirants are suggested to enrol in a Bachelor's degree including subjects of Digital Gaming Design, NID in film Design, Animation, Visual Design, Fine Arts and Graphic Design to become a cartoonist. 
  • To enrol in a bachelor’s degree such as B.A., BFA or B.Sc. Animation, the students must pass the secondary board examination with a minimum of 60% marks.

For Master’s

  • Successful graduates can pursue master’s degrees in the field of cartooning, animation, illustration, sequential arts, drawing and in such a manner. 
  • Along with the studies, the aspirants must prepare by attending the training sessions. 

Job Roles

The job roles of a cartoonist can vary depending on the industry in which they work. Here are some of the most common job roles for a cartoonist:

  • Comic book artist
  • Animator
  • Editorial cartoonist
  • Advertising artist
  • Character designer
  • Storyboard artist
  • Concept artist

Employment Sector Jobs

Cartoonists can work in various employment sectors depending on their interests and skills. Here are some of the employment sectors where cartoonists may find job opportunities:

  • Publishing
  • Animation
  • Advertising and Marketing
  • Education
  • Graphic Design
  • Fine Arts
  • Freelance

Top Recruiters

As cartoonists can work in various industries, the top recruiters of cartoonists may vary based on their specialisation and industry. Here are some of the top recruiters for different fields of cartooning:

  • Marvel Comics
  • DC Comics
  • Image Comics
  • Penguin Random House
  • Scholastic.
  • Walt Disney Animation Studios
  • Pixar Animation Studios
  • DreamWorks Animation
  • Cartoon Network Studios
  • Nickelodeon Animation Studio
  • Ogilvy & Mather
  • Leo Burnett
  • McCann
  • Art Institutes
  • University of the Arts London
  • Academy of Art University.

Salary

A cartoonist's salary can vary greatly depending on their experience, skill level, location and the industry in which they work. Here is a general overview of the salary range for different types of cartoonists:

 

Entry-level Cartoonist 

1 lakhs -  2 lakhs per annum

Senior Cartoonist 

3 lakhs -  5 lakhs per annum

Top-level Cartoonist

6 lakhs -  7 lakhs per annum

Skills

  • Drawing skills
  • Creativity
  • Humor
  • Storytelling
  • Digital skills
  • Communication skills
  • Time management

Scope

The scope of cartooning as a profession is vast and varied. Here are some of the areas where cartoonists can find opportunities to work:
  • Comics
  • Animation
  • Advertising
  • Publishing
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Freelance

Benefits

  • Creativity
  • Flexibility
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Potential for Success
  • Impact

Drawbacks

  • Unpredictable Income
  • Competitive Market
  • Rejection
  • Long Hours
  • Isolation
  • Risk of Plagiarism