Cartoonists

Employers

Employers of cartoonists include advertising agencies, comic syndicates, Hallmark Cards, American Greetings, newspapers, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and magazines. In addition, a number of these artists are self-employed, working on a freelance basis.

Starting Out

A few places, such as the Walt Disney studios, offer apprenticeships or internships. To enter these programs, applicants must have attended an accredited art school for two or three years.

Formal entry-level positions for cartoonists are rare, but there are several ways for artists to enter the cartooning field. Most cartoonists begin by working piecemeal, selling cartoons to small publications, such as community newspapers, that buy freelance cartoons. Others assemble a portfolio of their best work and apply to publishers or the art departments of advertising agencies. A freelance cartoonist might hold a day job while their business grows.