Cartoonists draw images to express ideas.

Cartoonists create images to convey an idea. Some cartoonists use original ideas and others use current news events to inspire their drawings.

Cartoonists prepare images for various formats, including:

• Movies
• Newspaper editorials
• Magazines
• Comic strips
• Social media

Cartoonists use pens, crayons, paints, and other materials to create designs. They work on paper, acetate, or Bristol board. Animators also use computer programs to color images. Cartoonists use color and shape patterns to create mood and dramatic effects.

Many cartoonists are self-employed. Others work for a newspaper or on a specific project such as a movie.

Movie cartoonists discuss their ideas with editors or producers. They make sketches and models to submit for approval. They make changes to drawings as necessary.

Comic strip cartoonists tell short stories or jokes with a series of cartoons. Using frames, or individual pictures, they produce comic strips for newspapers and comic books. Some comic strips are in black and white and others are in color.

Editorial cartoonists draw pictures based on daily news events. They often draw pictures of politicians and use satire to make a point. Newspapers and magazines usually print these cartoons in the editorial section.

Some cartoonists work for advertising agencies. They draw cartoons that show how a scene or commercial will look. If the client or creative director likes the idea, it is produced using real actors.