To Become a Professional and Successful Cartoonist
The first of my ‘Top Ten Tips for Becoming a Professional Cartoonist’ took a few people by surprise. We naturally think of cartoonists as people who draw. Whether it be a single panel gag, a cartoon strip or full length comic book, a cartoonists is one who puts pencil to paper and creates a cartoon image.
Obviously this is true, but to be a successful cartoonist requires far more skill than being able to draw well. In fact, drawing ability comes second in my top ten - being able to tell good stories comes first.
You may have noticed that there are some cartoons that appear in the papers that are drawn really badly, but they are very popular with huge followings. It is the writing that makes them popular, for good writing will always carry bad artwork. Good drawing will never carry bad writing.
Thus, it is really important for cartoonists, of all disciplines, to put some thought into their storytelling, and some work into becoming better storytellers.
Stories are the stuff of life. They are passed down through generations. They are swapped between friends. They give us our identity by connecting us to something beyond ourselves. They entertain, encourage, enrage and excite. They cause us to think. They prompt us to action.
Those that we admire most are good storytellers. Writers, singers, actors, directors and the like, for they all force us out of our own reality into a place where dreams are given a voice. It might be on a different level and in a different way, but the cartoonist is just the same.
The elements of good storytelling are generally described as:
1. Setting
2. Characters
3. Plot
4. Backstory
5. Details
All of these are relevant, but there are some unique ways the cartoonist needs to apply them to his or her craft. It is the purpose of this series to explore in a bit more detail how the elements of good storytelling/writing can be incorporated into our craft.
Before we get in over our heads though, here’s a reminder of some of the Chewing Pencil’s tips for becoming a good storyteller.
Basic writing training.
I didn’t do a course as such, but read some books on how to write well. My favourite is John Marsden’s Everything I Know About Writing. I think it’s out of print now, but you may be able to pick up second hand copies around the place. Some of the exercises he suggests in terms of generating ideas are pure gold!
Many cities will have writing groups or centres that will offer short courses on writing skills/storytelling that might be worthwhile if time and money allow.
Use good writing tools.
By this I mean keeping a good dictionary, thesaurus and english grammar book by my desk at all times. While cartoonists will often break the rules of writing, it is important to know the rules so you can break them properly.
Write the story before drawing the pictures.
Whatever the message is that you’re trying to convey, write the dialogue you intend to use before drawing any pictures. Edit it down and use a minimum of words - less is always more in this game. And don’t forget that the pictures you use will (must) also contribute to the story.
You will find that producing your cartoons ‘words first’ will actually have a large impact on what it is you draw and contribute to a much better piece in the end.
Use a test audience.
When you’ve decided on the words you are going to use, and before you commit to drawing the images, test the dialogue on somebody. A husband, wife, partner, workmate or neighbour will work fine. Watch their facial expressions and see if the story/message generates the sort of response you’re after.
Read/watch good stories.
I just put this here so I have an excuse to watch tv and read books all day! But seriously, learn all you can from those that tell good stories.
Thanks to Matt Grove
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