Cartoonists create original artwork, illustrations, comic strips, editorial cartoons, storyboards, and animated sequences, that convey ideas, humor, or narratives visually. Working in print media, digital platforms, advertising, publishing, and entertainment, they combine drawing skill, storytelling ability, and software proficiency to engage audiences. If you have a strong sense of humor or narrative, artistic talent, and self-discipline, cartooning offers a creative career path with diverse opportunities. Do you remember loving the cartoons you watched as a child? Are you intrigued by animated films today? If so, this could be a great career match for you.
1. Key Responsibilities
Cartoonists may specialize in editorial cartoons, comic books, webcomics, storyboarding for animation, or character design. Typical duties include:
- Concept & Script Development:
Brainstorm ideas, gags, or story arcs; outline panels or sequences to structure pacing and timing. - Sketching & Drafting:
Produce preliminary sketches to explore character expressions, composition, and visual flow. - Artwork & Inking:
Create final line art using pen-and-ink or digital tools; refine line weights, hatching, and stylistic details. - Coloring & Digital Rendering:
Apply color palettes, shading, and textures, traditionally with markers or watercolors, or digitally in Photoshop, Procreate, or Illustrator. - Lettering & Typography:
Design word balloons, captions, and sound effects; choose fonts and layout that integrate seamlessly with art. - Storyboarding & Animatics (for Animation):
Turn scripts into panel-by-panel storyboards; create rough animatics to convey motion and timing to animators and directors. - Client & Editorial Collaboration:
Work with editors, art directors, advertising clients, or producers to revise content, adjust tone, and meet brand or publication guidelines. - Self-Promotion & Distribution:
Maintain an online portfolio or webcomic site, engage audiences on social media, and seek publication through syndicates or direct client commissions.
2. Essential Skills & Qualities
Beyond raw drawing ability, successful cartoonists cultivate:
- Narrative & Humor Sense:
Ability to distill ideas into concise visual jokes or story beats. - Artistic Fundamentals:
Strong grasp of anatomy, perspective, composition, and color theory. - Digital Tools Proficiency:
Mastery of graphics tablets, illustration software (Adobe Creative Suite, Clip Studio Paint), and file-format workflows. - Time Management & Discipline:
Consistent output to meet deadlines, daily strips, weekly webtoon episodes, or storyboard milestones. - Adaptability & Iteration:
Openness to feedback and rapid revision cycles in editorial or studio contexts. - Self-Marketing & Networking:
Building relationships with editors, art directors, and fellow illustrators; cultivating a recognizable style or brand.
3. Work Environments & Industries
Cartoonists find roles in:
- Newspapers & Magazines: Political and editorial cartoons, humor strips, and feature illustrations.
- Comic-Book & Graphic-Novel Publishers: Character design, sequential art, and cover art for both print and digital comics.
- Advertising & Marketing Agencies: Storyboards for commercials, mascot design, and branded comics.
- Animation Studios & Game Developers: Pre-production storyboards, concept art, and storyboard animatics.
- Webcomics & Digital Platforms: Self-published comics on Patreon, Webtoon, or personal websites.
- Freelance & Self-Employed: Commissioned work for book illustrations, greeting cards, and merchandise designs.
Many cartoonists work freelance or contract-based, with flexible hours but irregular income streams.
4. Education & Training
Formal Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in fine arts, illustration, animation, or visual communication provides foundational skills, portfolio development, and professional networking gov.
Specialized Programs
- Art Schools & Conservatories: Intensive drawing, storytelling, and character-design courses.
- Workshops & Online Courses: Platforms like Schoolism or CGMA offer targeted training in comics, storyboarding, and digital painting.
Practical Experience
- Portfolio Projects: Create sample comic pages, editorial cartoons, or storyboard reels.
- Internships & Assistants: Assist established cartoonists, storyboard artists, or animation studios to learn industry workflows.
5. Professional Certifications & Associations
While no specific license is required, membership and visibility help:
- National Cartoonists Society (NCS): Offers networking, awards (Reuben Awards), and professional development.
- Association of Illustrators (AOI): UK-based group providing industry events and portfolio reviews.
- Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI): For illustrators in youth and graphic-novel markets.
6. Salary, Employment & Job Outlook
Because cartoonists are classified under fine artists, the BLS data for “Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators” (SOC 27-1013) serve as a proxy:
- Employment (May 2023): 10,910 gov
- Projected Growth (2023–2033): +3%, about as fast as average gov
- Annual Openings: ~4,900 per year (growth + replacement) gov
Wage Data:
- Mean Annual Wage: $71,420 (mean hourly $34.34) gov
- Median Annual Wage: $60,560 org
- 10th Percentile: $26,420; 90th Percentile: $140,660 org
Note: Top-tier cartoonists working in animation studios, major syndicates, or with bestseller graphic novels can exceed these ranges, while many freelance artists balance supplementary income streams.
7. Job Outlook & Demand Drivers
- Digital & Streaming Media: Growth in animated content for streaming services fuels demand for storyboard and concept artists.
- Social-Media Monetization: Platforms like Patreon and Webtoon enable independent cartoonists to earn directly from fans.
- Branded Content & Marketing: Increasing use of comics and cartoons in advertising and corporate storytelling.
- Mobile Gaming & Apps: Character and narrative design for interactive media and mobile games.
Sustained competition means a strong portfolio, unique style, and business acumen are critical for standing out.
8. Career Path & Advancement
- Junior Illustrator / Assistant Cartoonist: Supporting senior artists on large projects.
- Staff Cartoonist / In-House Illustrator: Regular assignments for publications or studios.
- Lead Storyboard Artist / Senior Cartoonist: Leading episodic or advertising projects.
- Art Director for Animation or Comics: Overseeing visual consistency across series or campaigns.
- Independent Creator / Studio Founder: Self-publishing graphic novels, founding an animation studio, or syndicating comic strips.
Many cartoonists diversify into teaching, illustration licensing, or content creation on digital platforms.
9. Is This Career Right for You?
Cartooning blends art, storytelling, and often humor or social commentary. Reflect on whether you:
- Thrive on visual storytelling and character creation.
- Enjoy building sequential narratives and experimenting with styles.
- Can self-manage projects, meet deadlines, and handle intermittent income.
- Are prepared to market your work and build professional relationships.
If so, focus on honing your craft, developing a distinctive style, and proactively pitching editors or clients.
10. Tips for Aspiring Cartoonists
- Build an Online Presence: Regularly post finished strips, sketches, and process videos on Instagram, TikTok, or a personal website.
- Join Critique Groups: Engage with peers in art communities (e.g., DeviantArt, Cartoonists League) to get constructive feedback.
- Study the Masters: Analyze classic and contemporary cartoonists, Peanuts, Calvin & Hobbes, manga artists, to refine storytelling techniques.
- Pitch Consistently: Send sample pages to webcomic platforms, magazine art directors, and animation studios.
- Network at Conventions: Attend comic-cons and animation festivals to meet editors, agents, and collaborators.
Is this career path right for you?
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