The Fundamentals of Cartooning for Profit

Summary

Cartooning for profit involves more than just drawing; it requires a blend of humor, originality, and keen observation. This article delves into the essentials of commercial cartooning, offering practical advice on how to succeed. From rehashing old jokes with a fresh twist to understanding the importance of character and action, we cover it all. Learn why studying successful cartoonists and adopting a unique signature can make a significant difference in your career.

The Art of Rehashing Old Jokes

Most successful cartoons are built on the foundation of old jokes, reimagined with a fresh perspective. Whether you hear a joke at a theater, during a casual conversation, or even on the street, the key is to add your unique twist and embellish it with absurd details.

The Element of Truth

For a cartoon to resonate, it should contain an element of truth. This authenticity, combined with humor, makes the content relatable and engaging. Many cartoonists use animals as their subjects, attributing human-like behaviors and dialogues to them, which often results in hilarious and thought-provoking content.

The Importance of Detail

Every detail in your cartoon should contribute to its humor. Study renowned cartoonists in newspapers and observe the subtle humorous touches in their drawings. A natural sense of humor is crucial, but these tips can help you refine your craft.

Learning from the Best

A budding cartoonist might be tempted to imitate popular characters like Mutt and Jeff. However, mere replication won't make you successful. It's the originality of your ideas that sells your work, not just your drawing skills. Interestingly, many successful comic strips are not exceptionally well-drawn, but their unique ideas make them stand out.

The Challenge of Originality

Creating original cartoons on different subjects daily is more challenging than using the same characters in a comic strip. Not every idea will be a hit; you'll be fortunate if half of your ideas get published. Editors often change captions or headings, which can improve the original concept.

Action and Character

Next to the idea, action and character are vital in cartooning. Study actors in movie comedies for character inspiration and strive to capture dynamic action in your figures and animals.

Establishing Your Signature

Once you can create saleable cartoons, adopt a signature for your work. This could be your real name or a pen name, but ensure it's legible. A recognizable signature can serve as valuable advertising for your work.

Studying the Best

Focus on studying the best work you can find. Analyze what makes it good rather than finding faults in poor work. This positive approach will help you improve and find success in the world of cartooning.

Interesting Stats

• The global animation market size was valued at $354.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2021 to 2028 (source).
• According to a survey by the National Cartoonists Society, 60% of professional cartoonists have a background in fine arts or graphic design (source).

Conclusion

Commercial cartooning is a blend of creativity, humor, and keen observation. By rehashing old jokes with a fresh twist, focusing on detail, and studying successful cartoonists, you can carve out a niche in this competitive field. Remember, originality and a recognizable signature are key to making your mark.

For more insights on the animation industry, check out Grand View Research and the National Cartoonists Society.