Cartoonists

Employment for craft and fine artists is expected to grow by 4 percent, as fast as the average, through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The decline of traditional print publications will have a negative impact on illustrators and cartoonists in publishing, specifically. However, electronic magazines and Internet-based publications are expected to create new opportunities. Because so many creative and talented people are drawn to this field, competition for jobs will be strong.

Cartoons are not just for children. Much of the cartoons, comic books, and graphic novels produced today are aimed at an adult audience. This broader audience may help generate additional employment opportunities. More than half of all visual artists are self-employed, but freelance work can be hard to come by, and many freelancers earn little until they acquire experience and establish a good reputation. Competition for work will be keen; those with an undergraduate or advanced degree in art will have the most favorable prospects for cartoonist jobs.