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Artist, Caricaturist, Comic Strip Artist, Editorial Cartoonist, Storyboard Artist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
Cartoonists are probably best known for creating comic strips, comic books and children's animated television shows. However, cartoons appear in and on all types of media including:
Cartoons may tell a story, provide social commentary or reflect public opinion.
In general, cartoonists:
Many cartoonists specialize in a particular type of cartoon:
Cartoonists work most often in well-lit offices or studios. Self-employed cartoonists often work from home. They work at drawing boards or computers and may sit for long periods of time. They must deal with the constant pressure of deadlines and continually coming up with fresh ideas.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered using traditional tools, multimedia software and image processing, layout and design software; and in determining the medium best suited to produce desired visual effects and most appropriate vehicle for communication
Interest in precision working to co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual and electronic materials such as Web sites, CD-ROMs and interactive terminals; and in estimating costs of materials and time to complete designs
Interest in consulting with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communication materials in order to meet their needs; in supervising other graphic designers or graphic arts technicians, in co-ordinating the work of sub-contractors, and in working in a multidisciplinary environment
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Cartoonists need:
Editorial cartoonists also need a satirical sense of humour and to be keen, analytical observers of news events.
All cartoonists should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 14, 2023 and Dec 10, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements | 88 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials | 86 |
| Tasks: Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients' objectives | 81 |
| Tasks: Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials | 78 |
| Tasks: Estimate costs of materials and time to complete graphic designs and illustrations | 75 |
| Tasks: Determine the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication | 65 |
| Tasks: Consult with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communications needs | 63 |
| Tasks: Use existing photo and illustration banks and typography guides | 62 |
| Attention to detail | 60 |
| Tasks: Establish guidelines for illustrators or photographers | 58 |
Many successful cartoonists are self-taught. However, formal art training and computer skills are helpful. A strong writing background is also an asset, particularly for strip cartoons. Editorial cartoonists need some knowledge of political history.
To be able to suggest cartoon ideas for advertising that will help promote a client's product or service, cartoonists must keep up to date with publicity and marketing trends.
Post-secondary schools throughout the province offer fine art and visual communications programs that can provide a good foundation for cartooning.
After completing basic art training, many cartoonists start by apprenticing with a well-known cartoonist at an advertising agency, design studio or newspaper. Practice is essential to develop a portfolio of work to show potential employers. Cartoonists are advised to ask for constructive criticism from people in the business.
Developing an individual style that is recognizable helps to build a cartoonist's reputation.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most cartoonists work on a freelance basis. They may work for:
Some editorial cartoonists are employed full-time by major newspapers and magazines. Often their work is transmitted electronically to several newspapers at one time.
Cartooning is a very competitive field that is difficult to enter. Freelance cartoonists must spend a lot of time marketing their drawings and ideas to potential employers. They often need to develop a working relationship with 10 or more clients who provide regular work in order to make a modest income. Some cartoonists also work as illustrators or graphic designers. For more information, see the Illustrator and Graphic Designer profiles.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5241: Graphic designers and illustrators occupational group, 79.6% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5241: Graphic designers and illustrators occupational group is expected to have an average annual growth of 1.9% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 116 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Cartoonists may earn very little money. But if they become well known, they may earn a great deal. A few very successful cartoonists syndicate their work.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $50.00 | $25.08 | $20.19 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $53.48 | $29.09 | $25.00 |
| Top | $16.00 | $56.01 | $33.13 | $29.40 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $53,832 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $43,638 |
| Wholesale Trade | $50,830 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $42,636 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $53,805 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $57,218 |
| Educational Services | $62,902 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $65,375 |
| Public Administration | $75,372 |
Association of Canadian Cartoonists website: acc.format.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
