Cartoonist - How to become a Cartoonist

Cartoons are something that everyone enjoys, regardless of age. We all have our favorite animated figures, whether it's Tom & Jerry or Chota Bheem. But have you ever pondered about who created these animated faces? A cartoonist not only assigns a visage to a character but also determines the persona. When we think of famous cartoonists, we immediately think of RK Laxman or Matt Groening. If you enjoy sketching and have an abundance of inventive ideas, becoming a cartoonist is the job for you!

Cartoonists are professionals who use cartoons, drawings, and sketches to communicate their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Their work combines writing and art to communicate a sense of levity about current events, current trends, and even daily life circumstances.

Cartoonists may also be referred to as Cartoon Artists, Cartoon Animators, or Professional Cartoonists.

Who is exactly a Cartoonist?

A cartoonist is a professional who gives cartoon figures features. Depending on one's interests, one can work as a cartoonist in newspapers, comic books, or television channels. Some individuals create cartoons about social, religious, political, and environmental problems.

Others create commercial cartoons or characters to amuse people. The majority of professionals in this industry create cartoons to showcase and communicate powerful societal messages. Characters in a comic strip series, for example, have their own lives; as a result, the artist will provide a story and distinct characters to which readers can connect.

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Cartoonist

• Cartoonists typically have a bachelor's degree in animation, graphic design, drawing, or fine arts with a cartooning focus. These degrees teach students how to sketch in three dimensions, as well as ideas and theories.
• Applicants to an arts program or school are usually required to present a portfolio of their finest work.
• While art school teaches students about drawing theory, another essential element of being a cartoonist is writing.

How to Become a Cartoonist?

Step 1

After finishing 10+2 in one of the fine arts topics, the prospective cartoonist can pursue a Bachelor's degree in fine art, illustration, painting, or animation. Drawing, painting, illustration, anatomy, computer graphics, and photography, to mention a few courses, should be included in the degree program.

Step 2

After earning a Bachelor's degree, one can work for a reputable organization or get a Master's degree in a similar profession to advance one's career. For intermediate roles, most companies prefer individuals with at least two years of industry experience in addition to a degree. Upper-level roles demand an advanced degree or at least 5-7 years of professional experience in the business.

• In India, pursuing a career as a cartoonist is fascinating and full of many chances.
• It entails improving your sketching talents as well as working on illustration, conceptualization, narrative, political satire, as well as digitization, graphic design, and animation.
• Budding cartoonists must be well-versed in current events, and political and cultural life, and current events in order to create relevant and appealing pieces that will appeal to a global audience.
• Working on building your own distinct style is an excellent method to begin your career as an Indian cartoonist.
• Animation and digital illustration have supplanted conventional methods of drawing as a result of technological breakthroughs.
• Top institutions, colleges, and even online platforms like Coursera and Udemy provide a wealth of illustration and graphic design courses; students pick the perfect course for themselves depending on personal interest and convenience.

Popular Courses for Cartoonists

Although very few universities around the world offer courses in cartooning, you can pursue a career in cartooning by pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in animation or other related fields that emphasize drawing, illustration, anatomy, computer graphics, painting, and so on.

Some of the academic disciplines in which aspiring cartoonists typically opt to obtain a degree include:

• Animation
• Cartooning
• Drawing
• Fine Arts
• Graphic Designing
• Illustration
• Sequential Arts
• Visual Arts

Here is a list of courses for individuals who want to be cartoonists:

Certificate Courses

• Certificate in VFX
• Certificate in 2D Animation
• Certificate in 3D Animation
• Certificate in Graphic Design
• Certificate in Computer Graphics

Diploma Programs

• Diploma in 3D Animation
• Diploma in 3D Modeling & Animation
• Diploma in Character Animation
• Diploma in Cartooning and Animation
• Diploma in Animation & Visual Effects
• Diploma in Animation (2D & Stop Motion)
• Diploma of Screen and Media - Animation

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

• BSc in Animation
• BSc in Animation and VFX
• BSc in Visual Communication
• BSc in Gaming and Animation
• BDes in Animation
• BA Hons in Digital Animation
• BA in Animation and Graphic Design
• BA in Digital Filmmaking and Animation
• Bachelors in Illustration
• Bachelor’s in Cartoon and Comic Arts
• BFA in Animation, Graphic, and Web Design
• Bachelor’s in Digital Painting and Expanded Animation

Master’s Degree Programs

• MSc in Animation
• MSc in Animation and VFX
• MSc in Gaming and Animation
• MDes in Animation
• MA in Animation
• MA in 3D Computer Animation
• MA in Animation and Graphic Design
• MA in Digital Filmmaking and Animation
• Master’s in 3D Animation and VFX
• MFA in Animation, Graphics, and Web Design

Skills Required to Become a Cartoonist

• A career as a cartoonist is for people who are really passionate about their work.
• A cartoonist must have an excellent sense of humor, which is one of his most crucial characteristics.
• If you enjoy writing and drawing cartoons on diverse issues using your hands, computers, or both, this is the profession for you.
• However, a cartoonist must be able to work under duress and achieve the organization's stringent deadlines.
• A professional cartoonist is one who can think beyond the box and consistently develop characters that are one-of-a-kind.
• They should also be able to discuss ideas with the editor or publisher's representative; draw preliminary drafts and submit them to the editor for approval; and assist in the animation storyboarding, typesetting, and editing process.
• Cartoonists should be able to help with plot creation, directing, cinematography, and editing, as well as making modifications to drawings as needed.
• They should also be able to draw comic strips for national or local magazines on a regular basis using computer software or by hand, depending on preference.

Career as a Cartoonist: Job Areas

Because of the rise in the media and animation industries, there are several chances in this subject. Today, cartoons, according to numerous academics throughout the world, serve as a potent communication tool to deliver diverse ideas and social themes to people via television, newspaper, magazines, and so on. When they are not working for the welfare of society, cartoonists can transmit events and circumstances to the government.

The work of a cartoonist is not restricted to newspapers, magazines, or other print periodicals. They also work in the cinema and television industries. They create animated cartoons, model drawings, character sketches, and special effects for animation projects. Because they solely work with animated characters, subject matter, and special effects, cartoonists are more specialized than illustrators. Illustrators can specialize in a variety of areas.

In view of the high need for cartoonists in the sector, there are several job prospects. Here is a list of occupations in which you may work as a cartoonist:

• Advertising Companies / Advertising Agencies
• Film Industry
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Publishing Houses
• Television Industry

Salary Prospects of a Cartoonist

A cartoonist's income is heavily influenced by a variety of factors, including the purpose of the cartoon. And if it is likely to be replicated in a significant number of regions, the earnings might be substantial.

A cartoonist's pay, however, is determined by the organization for which they work. A cartoonist might begin their profession with a monthly income of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000. Higher compensation packages might be expected with experience and skill. For senior-level roles, a cartoonist's salary might range between 5,00,000 and 7,00,000 INR per year.

Top Companies Boosting Careers of Cartoonists in India

A big number of aspiring cartoonists and illustrators work as freelancers and interns in various businesses in order to establish a good portfolio and improve their creative talents.

• Cartoon Network
• Times of India
• The Indian Express
• The Guardian
• Doordarshan
• Raj Comics
• The Quint
• Buzzfeed
• Amar Chitra Katha
• Penguin Random House
• HarperCollins
• Om Books Store
• UDON Entertainment