If you find yourself mindlessly drawing characters as the day passes by, then you may be the perfect fit for a career as a cartoonist. A cartoonist creates cartoons that are viewed by the public. A cartoonist can specialize and create a variety of cartoons. He or she may want to create cartoons that have a political message to convey to the public. The cartoonist may also want to create cartoons that simply bring some lighthearted joy to humans. The cartoonist is able to use his or her creativity to benefit others in a fun way. The cartoonist holds tremendous power in conveying positive messages to the public. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a cartoonist?” When you want to become a cartoonist, it is essential for you to refine and hone your drawing skills.
What’s it like to be a cartoonist?
When you are a cartoonist, you have the ability to create your own schedule. The majority of cartoonists work on an independent basis. They decide which projects they will complete in a given week. You will typically sit at your desk and ponder the message that you are trying to convey through your cartoon. Other times, you may not have a specific message in mind and may simply start drawing your cartoon. You may just want to express your creativity in a way that feels good to you. You may also want to inspire others through the cartoons that you create. You may have your own blog and decide to post all of your cartoons on the blog. This gives other people the opportunity to appreciate your cartoons. If you decide to be a freelance cartoonist, then you should create your own website and provide your contact information on the website. Your website will be the main way in which your clients get in touch with you.
Education Requirements
To become a cartoonist, there is no formal education requirement. You do not need a college degree in order to become a cartoonist. People who end up becoming cartoonists usually have a natural ability to make people laugh through their drawings. It is a talent that can’t really be learned in a classroom. If you do want to refine your drawing skills, then you may want to pursue a figurine drawing course at your local community college. You may just need to take one or two classes to refine your skills and become the best cartoonist that you can be. You may also want to take courses in website development. If you plan on operating your own website, it is important for you to know how to create a website that is attractive to your audience. You want your website to complement the cartoons that you create.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a cartoonist is about $43,000 a year. To get a job in this field, you can apply for open positions at major companies like Disney. This will give you the ability to create and design cartoons that are aired on national television. If you want to enter the entertainment industry, you should try to make as many connections as possible. It is important for you to network in order to make connections in this field. You can also get a job as a cartoonist by opening your own studio. Being a freelance cartoonist will give you the opportunity to earn as much money as you want in a given year. You can also specialize in a subject matter that interests you.
References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_16301_become-cartoonist.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm