Cartoonist

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: Graphic Designers (5241.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Graphic Designers and Illustrators (F141) 
• 2011 NOC: Graphic designers and illustrators (5241) 

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:

• film
• television
• websites
• newspapers
• books
• magazines
• advertisements
• promotional materials
• greeting cards
• packaging
• clothes.

Cartoons may tell a story, provide social commentary or reflect public opinion.

In general, cartoonists:

• get their inspiration from many places and keep a sketch-book or diary of ideas for future use
• make pencil sketches of their ideas or use computer software to draw cartoons
• create stories by following a reliable production process that includes developing storyboards, concept characters and environments
• collaborate with others to develop their ideas into publication-ready form
• shade and fill in their outlines using a variety of media, such as inks, water-colours, markers, transparent washes and computer programs.

Before finalizing their ideas and initial drawings, cartoonists may also discuss with an editor or publisher for their advice.

Many cartoonists specialize in a particular type of cartoon:

• Comic strip artists draw a series of pictures that tell a short story. Characters in the strips may or may not speak. Often the original drawings are quite large and are reduced for publication. Increasingly, popular comic strips are appearing as television specials and cartoon shows and on commercial products such as T-shirts and toys.
• Editorial cartoonists create single cartoons for newspapers or magazines. These cartoons are caricatures or comic figures of well-known people or events. Often, they are political satires commenting on the issues of the day.
• Storyboard artists at advertising agencies or art studios create animated commercials and animated films. They often prepare the initial drawings that other artists make into finished ads or films. For more information, see the Animator and Illustrator occupational profiles.

Cartoonists work at drawing boards and may sit for long periods of time. They must deal with the constant pressure of deadlines.

Cartoonists need to possess:

• creativity, imagination and artistic talent
• self-motivation
• a curiosity about politics, sports or life in general
• the ability to draw
• the ability to take criticism well
• time-management and project-management skills
• the ability to meet deadlines.

Editorial cartoonists also need a satirical sense of humour and to be keen, analytical observers of news events.

All cartoonists should enjoy synthesizing information, finding innovative approaches, consulting with clients and taking a methodical approach to tasks requiring precision, such as preparing specifications and estimating costs.

Most cartoonists work on a freelance basis. They may work for:

• advertising agencies
• newspapers
• magazines
• book publishing companies
• video and film production studios
• greeting card companies
• graphic design studios
• government communications or public relations departments.

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 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:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF) 
• Manufacturing (PDF) 
• Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF).

The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation.

Over 6,100 Albertans are employed in the Graphic designers and illustrators occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 98 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As cartoonists form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for cartoonists.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of Canadian Cartoonists website: acc.format.com

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.