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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:
| Starting | $23.28 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $29.13 |
| Top | $33.99 |
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
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 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.
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.
Cartoonists need:
Editorial cartoonists also need a satirical sense of humour and to be keen, analytical observers of news events.
All cartoonists should enjoy:
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 54 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 19, 2020 and Jul 29, 2021.
Review these skills to learn:
| Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients' objectives | 37 |
|---|---|
| Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements | 35 |
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 34 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: Adobe Illustrator | 33 |
| Determine the medium best suited to produce the desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication | 32 |
| Business Equipment and Computer Applications: Adobe Suite | 31 |
| Personal Suitability: Client focus | 30 |
| Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials | 30 |
| Personal Suitability: Initiative | 29 |
| Co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials | 29 |
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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
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.
Cartoonists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5241: Graphic designers and illustrators. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be 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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $37.96 | $23.28 | $21.58 |
| Overall | $18.00 | $53.13 | $29.13 | $26.93 |
| Top | $18.10 | $58.85 | $33.99 | $31.10 |
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.
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.
| Public Administration | $72,042 |
|---|---|
| Educational Services | $65,961 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $64,320 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing | $57,933 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $56,601 |
| Manufacturing | $49,804 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $46,965 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $43,910 |
Association of Canadian Cartoonists website: acc.format.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated May 17, 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.