Career as a Cartoonist

A Cartoonist is a visual artist who is specialized in drawing cartoons or comics. They are also known as comic strip creators, comic book artists, graphic novel artists, or comic book illustrators. Whenever we talk of Cartoonists in India, our eyes are drawn towards Rasipuram Krishnaswami Laxman (R K Laxman). R K Laxman was best known for 'The Common Man', a comic character and his daily cartoon strips for The Times of India. Cartoon Journalism in the past few years has emerged as a platform to voice out social and public related messages. Cartoonists like Laxman, Manjul, Shankar Pillai, and many more emerged as professionals who drew political, social and advertising cartoons. Most cartoon professionals ensure to draw a message that is powerful and understandable for a common individual. Cartoonists generally work for newspapers, magazines, television, film industry or other print publications. Dive into this blog to find the answer to the question - How to Become a Cartoon Artist?

How to Become a Cartoonist?

Cartoonists are gifted artists. There are no technical education requirements though they have to take a few courses in illustrations and practice drawing to enhance their skill sets and increase their knowledge in the domain. In order to become a Cartoonist in India, aspirants can pursue the below mentioned UG and PG courses by meeting the respective eligibility criteria:

Undergraduate Level:

Eligibility: 

Candidates applying for the program must pass in 10+2 or equivalent examinations in any stream from a recognized institute or board. They must have obtained an aggregate of 50% marks in the qualifying examination. 

UG Courses Offered in India:

Candidates must appear and qualify the following entrance exams to pursue UG Cartoonist courses in India:

• Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED)

• All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED) 

• NID Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT)

• Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)

• National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

Postgraduate Level:

Eligibility:

Candidates applying must have passed a Bachelor's Degree with relevant specialization from a recognized university. They must have obtained 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination.  

PG Courses Offered in India:

Candidates applying for the Postgraduate program must appear and qualify the following entrance exams:

• Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED)

• National Institute of Design Entrance Exam (NID)

• MIT Institute of Design Design Aptitude Test (MITID DAT)

• All India Entrance Examination for Design (AIEED)

• National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

• IIAD Design Aptitude Test (IDAT)

Best 5 Cartoonist Colleges in Karnataka:

There are many design colleges in Karnataka that offer multiple courses for eligible and deserving candidates. Following mentioned are some of the best 5 Cartoonist colleges in Karnataka that offers courses in the field of Design and Animation:

• National Institute of Design (NID)

• LISAA School of Design

• Pearl Academy

• Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath

• Bangalore Animation College 

Until now, we got all the answers to the question- How to become a Cartoonist? Let's take a look at how an exciting career can unfold in this field.

Scope of Cartoonist:

A Cartoonist profession involves practising and developing technical skills in designing and drawing. These professionals must be well-versed in print (pen and paper drawing) and digital media (using computer software). Cartoonists may work in multiple formats that include booklets, comic strips, comic books, editorial cartoons, graphic novels, manuals, gag cartoons, illustrations, storyboards, and the list goes on. However, they can also create a publication that involves personal projects or freelance works for individual consumers. It could be an add-on for the scope of Cartoonists if they improve their writing and communication skills as they shall be creating dialogues, characters, and narratives in some art projects. It is also helpful when writing query letters to publishers or discussing projects with the clients or the customers. Cartoonist as a profession brings multiple domains of art together as it offers enormous scope in the commercial entertainment industry. It also offers varied avenues for earning online as a freelance Cartoonist working for an individual client or a customer. 

Types of Job Roles to Become a Cartoonist:

Cartoonists in India are self-employed professionals or work with big publishing or media houses. Initially, they start as a freelancer and give their career a significant time to become a full-fledged Cartoonist.  Cartoonists in India are employed in multiple domains such as:  

• Print media (Newspapers and Magazines)

• Publishing Houses

• Film Industry

• Television Industry

• Advertising Agencies and Companies

Cartoonist Salary in India:

The Cartoonist salary in India varies based on the candidate's experiences and expertise in the field. The average salary of a Cartoonist in India ranges from Rs. 3,22,150 to Rs. 4,00,000 per annum depending on the job role and experience. Now that you know how to become a Cartoon Artist and have the list of Cartoonist courses in India, make sure you know your interests and join the best college of your choice. Choose your career wisely to become the next R K Laxman in the country and to cement your legacy in the field of Animation and Cartooning.