The Difference Between Cartoonists and Comic Book Artists

Are you confused about the differences between cartoonists and comic book artists? After all, they both draw images for a living, right? The reality is the two professions are vastly different, even if they seem somewhat similar.

The career path for cartoonists and comic book artists is very different. Cartoonists and comic book artists are nothing alike in their work and careers, from the genres and storylines they produce to their employers.

If you have a talent for illustration and an interest in becoming a cartoonist or comic book artist, you need to learn the differences between the two. With the right information, you can start on the right foot to land a job with the right employer.

This post unpacks the basics of a career as a cartoonist or comic book artist. We’ll look at the differences between the professions and the responsibilities entailed in the job. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

What is a Comic Book Artist?

So, what is a comic book artist? These professionals design visual aspects of comic books. They also work on projects like graphic novels, and some may also be involved in illustrating TV shows relating to comic book characters. For example, the X-Men comic book series and animated shows.

The comic book artist’s primary duties involve producing the visual elements found in comic books. They work on the panels, settings, layout, and speech bubbles. A comic book artist is not involved in creating copy or text or coloring the panels. These tasks are handled by other professionals within the organization.

The comic book artist collaborates with the writers on the storyline, bringing the writer’s vision to life on paper or the screen. They have a limited role in the creative process, only to suggest the visual elements and how they will present on the page.

While rare, some comic book artists may be involved in the entire production process. A good example is Todd McFarlane. On leaving Marvel to start his publishing house, Image Comics, McFarlane covered all the bases in producing his flagship work, “Spawn.” He worked on the art and the storyline and even handled the coloring.

However, that’s not the case for the average comic book artist that wants to find a job at a comic production company. In most cases, the comic book artist is limited to the following artistic responsibilities with their workload.

• Developing a style of art relevant to the production value of the specific comic title.
• Creating visual illustrations to forward a narrative over the panel progression through the book.
• The development of effective collaboration skills with the rest of the production team.
• Understanding how to use storyboards to plan the comic book’s story in each issue. They must progress from one to the next with a seamless flow for the reader.
• Creating placement for text (speech or thought bubbles) allows for sufficient space for these text elements.
• Meeting publication deadlines.

What is a Cartoonist?

A cartoonist creates illustrations that process ideas or messages. Typically, they are in “strip” format, with much fewer panels than what you find in a comic book or graphic novel. A comic book may have several pages, while a cartoonist will work over three to 12-panels on average.

Think about the cartoons you see in magazines and newspapers. These examples are shorter than comic books and usually less in-depth in the visual elements required. Cartoons have little continuity, creating a standalone strip with a defined beginning and end.

Examples of great cartoonists include Jim Davis, creator of the “Garfield” series, and Bill Watterson, creator of “Calvin & Hobbes.” Cartoonists are often responsible for all production phases, from writing to illustration, text, and coloring.

Here are the common tasks cartoonists need to complete in their work.

• Discussing illustration requirements set by clients.
• Creating single-panel to multi-panel cartoons.
• Sketching out ideas for clients before final approval.
• Cartoon development for magazines and newspapers.
• Creating strips for brands for use in advertising and marketing campaigns.
• Writing captions and storylines for cartoons.

Cartoonist Vs. Comic Book Artist – What’s the Difference?

The genre of work is usually the core difference between a cartoonist and a comic book artist. The genre refers to the theme of the work. For instance, going back to our previous examples, “Spawn” is a comic book focusing on dark themes, with the lead character experiencing a crisis of self. Garfield and Calvin & Hobbes are comical, entertaining, and amusing cartoons with a light-hearted feel.

The genre also includes the final use of the work. For instance, cartoonists may draw standalone images highlighting specific ideas or feelings, such as political satire. They include book illustrations, single-panel cartoons for newspapers, and greeting card illustrations.

Comic book artists may produce work feeding a narrative, using a combination of artwork and writing in a panel format. The genre of comics offers more flexibility for creative storytelling, with artists using narrative symbols and elements to connect their ideas across panels and pages.

Here are the different types of comic formats.

Comic Strips

A strip is a line of single or multiple panels telling a story in a short format. You’ll see strips in magazines, newspapers, and websites.

Comic Books

Comic books utilize a sequence of strips (panels) to convey a narrative, using the full page or pages to provide a reading experience. Comic books are standalone publications, typically sold at independent comic book stores, newsagents, or specialist online retailers.

Graphic Novels

These works are long-form comic books unfolding a complex storyline. They can also be a collection of comic books presented in singular graphic novel format, such as the first ten issues of a specific comic book title.

Where Can I Find a Job as a Comic Book Artist or Cartoonist?

If you’re looking to start a career as a comic book artist or cartoonist, look through posts on sites like LinkedIn looking for comic book artists for hire. Your best bet is to start networking with people in the industry to find opportunities.

Create a LinkedIn profile and use it to promote your skills and services. If you network with the right people, you could find yourself being asked to complete a trial as a cartoonist or comic book artist., If the client likes your work, they may offer you a staff position at their firm.