Hiring a Cartoonist? Need to know how and where to find the best candidates? Here is a comprehensive guide to finding the best Cartoonists. Read on!
How to hire Cartoonists?
You must have heard the expression that says that the value of words that are changed to pictures is thousands of times more. Well, this expression is truly correct when it comes to cartoon designing. There are millions of people looking to hire cartoonists. The need for cartooning artists has increased over the past few years.
Hiring professional cartoonists enables you to create something unique. No matter if you own a personal blog, a publication house, or you need to use cartoon characters for your magazines or newsletters, you will need cartoonist artists who can help you in creating personalized cartoon characters as per your choice.
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Hiring market for Cartoonists
As per research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the market demand for cartoon artists for hire grew by 14% from 2010 t0 2020. The growth rate will remain at a level of 8% per annum for the next decade. In addition to high growth, the career as a freelance cartoonist is also expected to rise.
With the growth in the digital age and social media platforms, the need for a cartoonist profile will certainly grow. The median pay scale for an entry-level cartoonist is $30 per hour. At present, there are 64,000 job positions for hiring a cartoonist. These positions will rise by 4000 positions every year.
Thus, even though people believe that due to reduction in newspaper and magazine printing, the demand for cartoon designers will reduce. But, this is not the real truth. Many social media platforms and websites look out for best cartoon designers. People with the right skills and experience won’t have to face any dearth of opportunities when it comes to hiring a cartoonist for the job.
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Top 15 job titles that companies are hiring Cartoonists
The below are the top 15 job titles that are trending most recently,
1. Cartoonist
The main work of a cartoonist is to combine illustrations and films in a fun and exciting manner. Beginner level cartoonists may demand an average pay of $14-$30 per hour. Cartoonists mostly work for newspapers, magazines, and publishing houses. These days they also work for digital marketing agencies.
2. Craft Artists
The market for crafts and arts is always lit. If you know professional cartooning, you can also work as a craft artist in different companies. The average wage that may be demanded by a craft artist is $48,760 per annum. The main work of a craft artist is to create amazing pieces of art that can be displayed well.
3. Curator
Curator is anyone who creates a new art form. No matter if you like doodling or just drawing cartoon characters in general, you will get a payment of minimum $21 if you work as a curator with a company or publishing agency. You can even get the task of creating a cartoon character.
4. Animator
Just like a digital cartoonist, the main job of an animator is to combine illustrations with movements. To get a position as an animator in a company or a publishing house, you may have to get certain technical knowledge. The median salary for animators in the US is $71,800 per year.
5. Art Director
A professional cartoonist with years of experience can also become an art director in the later years of their career. The median salary demanded by an art director in the US is $94,200 per annum.
6. Art Teachers
These days students are interested in learning cartooning. Thus, there are multiple opportunities available for the best cartoonists. The main function of an art teacher is to teach cartoonist skills to students. The median salary demanded by an art teacher in the United States is $45,422 per annum.
7. Art Therapist
These days many psychiatrists are looking to find a cartoon artist. Freelance cartoon artist help people who are in need of a creative outlet so that they can get rid of pain, anxiety, and depression. This is a high paying as well as rewarding position.
8. Art Critic
Agencies also hire a cartoonist who can work as an art critic. People who want to work as an art critique must have an eye to know what makes great art. In addition to this, they should have good communication skills. Most art critics in the United States receive an average salary of $45,088 per annum.
9. Illustrator
Cartooning illustrators are also in great demand at present. Books, magazines, packaging, and invitation cards, so many things are brought to life with perfect illustrations. The average charge per hour for an illustrator in the United States is $57.06 per hour.
10. Billboard Designer
Companies also hire cartooning people who can work as billboard designers. Billboard designers are those people who design large billboards to catch the attention of passersby.
11. Colorist
A cartoonist artist can also work as a colorist. Colorists have great demand in industries like fashion, film, and advertising. The average salary demanded by colorists in the US is $22,930 per annum.
12. Character Artist
Character artists have a major role in drawing different visual elements for cartoon-based games. They create elements like characters, vehicles, and other props within a scene. They demand an average payment of $100-$1000 depending upon the type of project.
13. Storyboarding
Freelance cartoon illustrators are also required for storyboarding. For people who are interested in filmmaking, it is essential to hire cartoonists who have the best illustration skills and knowledge about 3D modeling software.
14. Fashion Illustrator
The fashion industry has cut-throat competition in terms of looking for cartoon illustrators for hire. Many fashion houses demand fabrics that have cartoon characters printed on them. A professional fashion illustrator demands an average pay of $50,000.
15. Fine Arts Illustrator
Fine arts illustration is said to be the most sought after career choice in the creative field. A skilled fine arts illustrator may demand at least $53,200 per annum.
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Qualifications to look for in Cartoonists
There is no specific education that is needed when people look out for cartoonists for hire. But, top cartoonists have specialization in arts. Some of the major degree internets include Bachelors in Fine arts, Bachelors in comic art, Bachelors in Illustration. And bachelors of Fine arts in the drawing.
In addition to this, cartoonist freelancer must have attended classes in basics of drawing, design, animations, illustrations, arts, history, and creative writing. To work in a digital marketing agency, cartoonists should also have technical knowledge about different tools and software uses.
If you are looking for a cartoonist near me, you should look out for students and local cartoonist who have degrees from any of these colleges or universities.
| Colleges | Locations |
| Yale University | New Haven |
| Rhode Island School of Design | Providence, RI |
| School of the art Institute of Chicago | Chicago |
| Columbia University | New York |
| Bard College | Hudson, New York |
| Boston University | Boston |
| Pratt Institute | Brooklyn |
| School of Visual Arts | New York |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond |
| Cranbrook Academy of Arts | Bloomfield |
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Skills to look for in Cartoonists
If you are thinking to hire freelance cartoonists, try to make sure that the candidate has the following skills.
1. Interest in learning
With a new trend available in the market every other day, try to look out to hire cartoon illustrators, who have an interest and passion for learning. They need to have an interest in refining their art. In addition to this, cartoonist agents should also have the skills and patience to listen to constructive criticism.
2. Interpersonal skills
Before hiring cartoonist freelance, make sure to check the interpersonal skills of the candidate. A sense of humor and imagination enables cartoon drawers to bring amazing ideas. This way, they can also share their ideas with their teammates.
3. Dedication
In all areas related to famous cartoonists and their works, dedication is the key to success. Thus, try to get cartoon drawers for hire, who are dedicated to their work. Dedication keeps the ideas flowing in their mind.
4. Storytelling ability
Try to check a cartoonist for hire who has the ability to tell stories through their art. Just looking at a simple cartoonist art won’t give much idea to the viewer. The cartoonist you are choosing should be capable of drawing not only professional cartoons, but they should also have storytelling capabilities.
5. Persuasive technique
It is essential to hire a cartoonist agent who can use symbolism and labeling as a method to enhance their drawing.
6. Technical skills
In addition to soft skills, the cartoonist you are hiring should also have knowledge about illustration, Canva, and other graphic designing tools.
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Certifications to look for in Cartoonists
If you want to hire top cartoonists, it is vital to know if they are well-equipped with the following certifications or not. Following are some of the significant courses for cartoonists
- Draw webtoon with clip studio paint – The certificate focuses on making web cartoons from start to final polish. The course will also enable students to add effects to cartoons and characters.
- MediBang Paint Pro – The MediBang Paint Pro is a FREE digital painting and comic creation software. The paint includes everything you need to illustrate and make comics.
- Digital Painting Masterclass By Udemy – Digital painting and drawing has never been this fun. The painting master class can be beneficial for beginners as well as experts alike. The masterclass will also enable students to understand the fundamentals of adobe photoshop and adobe illustrator.
- Cartoon drawing courses by Skillshare – This course focuses on an assortment of courses in cartoon drawing. You will learn cartoon drawing comprehensively from the basics.
- Narrative illustration and characters by CG Master – This is an 8-week course that creates strong images that tell stories in the form of visual design principles. The course focuses on skills essential for good image-making and cartoon illustration.
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Rate per hour of Cartoonists
Before you look out for cartoon artists for hire, it is essential to know about the rate per hour charged by cartoonists. The wages and the salary demanded by a cartoonist may depend upon several factors like the skills, hours, experience of the candidate, and the expertise of the candidate.
On average, the average wage demanded by a cartoonist at the USA is $14.33 per hour. When it comes to the average salary demanded by cartoonists in Europe, they demand an average salary of 15 €. The average yearly salary that you have to pay to a cartoonist in Europe is 30.690 € or equivalent.
The rate can vary depending upon the qualification as well as the skills of the candidate you are choosing. You can also outsource cartoonists from Asia as a freelancer. The average charges expected by cartoonists from Asian regions is $10-$25. The rate charged can depend upon the amount of work, the type of work you need, and the skills of the candidate.
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Top 10 job boards to find best Cartoonists
Following are the top 10 job boards that can help you in hiring best cartoonists as per your choice
- Remote – This is one of the best platforms that can help you in hiring freelance cartoon artist. All you need to do is know your requirements and post jobs.
- Jooble – This is the biggest online database that offers jobs to freelancers as well as people looking for regular jobs.
- Remotive – If you want to work for a company located in the United States, but you want to work remotely Remotive is the best job board. Employers and managers can find the best candidates for cartoonist jobs.
- unremot.com – This is another best platform that offers the best job searching opportunities to candidates, even employers can post their requirements for freelancers at this platform.
- RemoteOK – RemoteOk is another best platform to hire cartoonists who can work as freelancers.
- Behance jobs – Behance is one of the best platforms for creative people. Thus, if you are looking for the best cartoonists, you can check the Behance platform to choose candidates as per your choice.
- UpWork – If you are looking to hire cartoonists without spending a penny, Upwork can be one of the best platforms to look for.
- Mandy – Mandy also offers the best options to hire creative people.
- Dribble – Dribble is similar to Behance and it also has a diverse community of designers and artists. Thus, you will surely be able to choose cartoonists of your choice
- Linkedin – In this digital and socially connected world, Linkedin is another best platform that can help you choose candidates of your choice.
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Top 10 companies hiring Cartoonists and salaries offered
Following is the list of the 10 best companies that are hiring cartoonists. The job positions are shown along with the salaries offered for the convenience of candidates.
| Name of the company | Salary offered |
| 343 Industries | $300K |
| A-1 Pictures | $74K |
| Blue Sky Studios | $82K |
| Crystal Dynamics | $67K |
| Digital Domain | $84K |
| Encore Hollywood | $81K |
| Infinity Ward | $42K |
| Laika | $34K-$79K |
| Red Storm entertainment | $38K |
| Stereo D | $31K |
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Top 10 interview questions for Cartoonists
If you are hiring a cartoonist for your organization or agency, it is very essential to be prepared with few questions. Following is the list of best questions and the answers you can expect from the candidate.
1. Do you like drawing political cartoons? Do you get afraid of threats?
Rationale: The answer to this question by the candidate will enable you to get an idea if the candidate has the zeal and passion for work or not.
Sample Answer: Yes, I can draw political cartoons. In fact, I have drawn lots of political cartoons at my last company. I don’t get afraid of threats as there is nothing wrong with the work I am doing. Using a sense of humor is not a mistake and thus, I am not afraid.
2. Where do you see yourself in the upcoming 5 years?
Rationale: This question is targeted to understand if the candidate is serious about the job he/she is taking up.
Sample Answer: I see myself working at a senior position in this field. I want to learn lots of other skills related to cartoon creation.
3. Are you willing to work overtime in case the project needs you?
Rationale: This question will enable you to understand if the candidate can handle personal and professional life appropriately.
Sample Answer: Yes, I can work overtime in case the project needs me. Since I am a mother of two beautiful kids, It won’t be possible for me to work overtime on an everyday basis.
4. Why did you leave your last job as a political cartoonist?
Rationale: This question will enable you to understand if the candidate is reliable or not.
Sample Answer: I wanted to explore new opportunities, which was not possible at the last job. So, I left the last job. It was one of my best experiences working for my last company as a political cartoonist.
5. What is your greatest professional achievement?
Rationale: This question will help you know if the candidate can be an asset or a liability for your organization.
Sample Answer: The biggest professional achievement for me would be drawing a political cartoon for an ex-president and getting retweets for my work from the same person.
6. What do you mean by animation?
Rationale: This is a technical question that you can ask if you are hiring a cartoonist for your digital marketing agency.
Sample Answer: The animation basically refers to the rapid display of a sequence of images in 2D or 3D artwork.
7. Which country started animation first?
Rationale: This is a general knowledge-based question that you can ask to a beginner cartoonist.
Sample Answer: The USA started animation before any country.
8. Can you describe the miniature effect?
Rationale: This is another technical question based on testing the technical knowledge of the candidate.
Sample Answer: The miniature effect is the type of effect that is created by producing small scale models and using close shots to create special effects.
9. How do you get rid of work-related stress?
Rationale: The question will enable you to get an idea if the candidate can work under the pressure of a deadline.
Sample Answer: I meditate every day and it helps me to get rid of work-related stress.
10. Why cartooning a career?
Rationale: The answer to this question will enable you to get understanding if the candidate is passionate about the work he/she does?
Sample Answer: Even at this age, I am a kid at heart. My entire childhood was spent watching cartoons and I wanted to do something in this field. Thus, I choose to cartoon as my career.
11. Is a community of artists important for you?
Rationale: This question will enable you to know about team building as well as the team management capability of the candidate.
Sample Answer: Yes, I highly believe in the collaboration of artists. It helps us to refine our art form and we also get different new approaches and ideas to build different stories around a cartoon character.
12. Do you draw inspiration from your life while drawing cartoons?
Rationale: The answer to this question will enable you to know the working process of the candidate you are going to choose. It will also help you know about the observational skill of the candidate.
Sample Answer: Yes, Observation is one of the most important skills that every cartoonist must-have. Many of the cartoon characters that I have drawn are based on the physical attributes of people around me.
13. What is the most difficult part about being a cartoonist?
Rationale: This is a behavioral question that will enable you to judge the strengths as well as weaknesses of a cartoonist.
Sample Answer: The most difficult part about being a cartoonist is that you never know when you will hurt the feelings and sentiments of a person or a community. Thus, we have to be very careful about the characters we draw. In addition to this, the generation of ideas is another challenging part of being a cartoonist.
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