Most cartoonist positions do not require a formal education. A rich portfolio of work can be just as important – if not more so – than a degree. But a college education can help you connect to other cartoonists in your field, give you valuable professional experience through internships, and an opportunity to learn the latest technologies used by cartoonists. [1] X Research source College or art school will also give you the opportunity to study valuable skills you might need in running your own business, how to write for a comic strip in creative writing courses, and how to develop additional skills in related fields like animation or multimedia design, and journalism. [2] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source
Keep your work in a binder with plastic sleeves protecting the work. The portfolio should be clean and easy to view.
Draw for your high school newspaper or magazine to get a sense of whether you like working for a publication. You will get into the practice of meeting deadlines and collaborating with an editor to create your cartoons. Contact your local city’s newspaper to see if they need any freelance cartoon or illustration work. Maintain good grades and test scores. While you might think that an excellent academic record is not necessary to become an artist, it can be a major asset in furthering your career goals. The best art colleges and programs are very competitive; good grades will show your committee that you have the dedication and work ethic required to complete a large-scale art project. It is also worth it to study for your SAT/ACT. While some art schools only require these scores on an optional basis, they can help you earn scholarships and fellowships to fund your education. You can find study resources through the College Board’s web site, including practice tests and sample questions. Do not study for the test overnight – give yourself months to prepare. You can practice using a study guide book (often available in your local public library), by attending a prep course offered by companies like Kaplan or Pearson, or working with a private tutor.
Prestigious programs include the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Yale University, the University of California – Los Angeles and the California Institute of the Arts. [4] X Research source Write an artist’s statement. Many art colleges require an artist’s statement in your application. This is similar to a personal statement, except you use it to clearly express your perspective on your art and creative process. Why do you create the art that you do? What are your objectives as an artist? Keep in mind that the artist’s statement shouldn’t explain to the reader how to interpret your work. Rather, use the statement to give your perspective on your art, why you believe it is important and valuable work, and how you go about creating your pieces. Prepare for an interview. Many art schools and programs admit students after interviewing them. Think of this as an opportunity to stand out to your committee and to give yourself a competitive edge over other candidates. Bring your artist’s statement and your portfolio with you to the interview. You will most likely be asked questions about your philosophy as an artist and what you hope to accomplish by studying in the program. Memorize responses to these questions so you can answer them very honestly and naturally in your interview.
Multimedia art will give you valuable skills in computer programming and how to create graphics using different design software. You will get to build your storyboarding skills as your learn to create visuals for video games, films and other media. [6] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source
Consider focusing on a specialization in cartoons. Do you want to write political cartoons, comic books or graphic novels? Do you want to draw animated cartoons for film and television? Try your hand at each of these categories to see which one you enjoy the most. Your college newspaper or art review will also be great sources to publish your work. Consider applying to join the editorial team on these publications. Apply for art prizes and competitions. These might be hosted by your school’s art department, your local arts alliance or by a larger institution, like the National Endowment for the Arts. Gaining accolades while you are in college will help strengthen the worth of your portfolio. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source
Pencil work Colorist Designing letter work for comic books Ink work
DC Comics Marvel Comics Dark Horse Comics Walt Disney Imagineering Fisher-Price Research these companies to find out if they offer any internship opportunities during the summer or school year for students. You should generally plan to apply in the semester before you want to take the internship.
The web site can also include your rates and reviews from previous clients and your contact information.
Make your own independent film or animated project as a sample of your storyboard work. You can upload this on a video streaming site like YouTube or Vimeo and link it to your on-line space.
In order to join, you must have made the majority of your income from professional cartooning for at least the past three years. You will need two letters of recommendations, a short biographical sketch, and samples of your work. The work you submit must also have your signature. [14] X Research source
