How Do I Find a Cartoonist? A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses, Publishers, and Creators

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 Whether you’re launching a comic strip, publishing a children’s book, developing a brand mascot, or seeking editorial cartoons for a newspaper or magazine, finding the right cartoonist is a vital step in making your creative vision a reality. Cartoonists blend artistry with storytelling, humor, and commentary—making them valuable contributors in industries ranging from publishing and advertising to digital media and education.

But with so many styles and niches in the world of cartooning, how do you find the right one for your needs? This guide will walk you through the entire process—from identifying your project goals to commissioning and collaborating with a professional cartoonist.

Step 1: Define Your Project Goals

Before you begin searching, clarify the specifics of your project:

  • What kind of cartoon work do you need?
    Are you looking for single-panel cartoons, comic strips, comic books, editorial cartoons, character design, or animation storyboards?

  • What is your style preference?
    Do you want something humorous, political, realistic, whimsical, abstract, or educational?

  • Who is your audience?
    Is the cartoon aimed at kids, general readers, corporate clients, or academic communities?

  • What is your timeline and budget?
    Setting a clear timeline and knowing your budget range will help you approach the right professionals.

Step 2: Explore Online Platforms

There are several trusted platforms where you can browse portfolios and connect directly with cartoonists:

🖼️ Freelance Marketplaces

  • Upwork – Offers access to experienced cartoonists with ratings, reviews, and work samples.

  • Fiverr – A budget-friendly option where many artists offer fixed-price packages for cartoons.

  • Guru and PeoplePerHour – Ideal for custom jobs and longer-term collaborations.

🎨 Artist Portfolio Sites

  • Toons Mag – Showcases high-quality portfolios of illustrators and cartoonists.

  • DeviantArt – A diverse community where you can view original work and commission artists directly.

  • Dribbble – Good for browsing stylized cartoon and illustration work, especially character design.

💬 Social Media & Communities

  • Instagram – Many cartoonists promote their work on Instagram using hashtags like #cartoonistforhire, #freelancecartoonist, or #comicartist.

  • Twitter/X – A great place to interact directly with cartoonists and follow leads through retweets and recommendations.

  • LinkedIn – Use professional filters to search for cartoonists with specific industry experience (e.g., editorial or animation).

Step 3: Reach Out to Professional Associations

Several professional organizations can help connect you with vetted cartoonists:

  • National Cartoonists Society (NCS) – A premier network of professional cartoonists in the U.S. Many have experience in newspapers, publishing, and entertainment.

  • Australian Cartoonists’ Association (ACA) – If you're in Australia, this is a go-to for local talent.

  • Society of Illustrators – Often includes cartoonists in its membership base.

  • Cartoonist Network – A hub for international editorial cartoonists and comic journalists (especially for political content).

These associations often have member directories or will respond to direct inquiries with referrals.

Step 4: Attend Industry Events or Conventions

Comic conventions and illustration festivals are excellent places to meet cartoonists face-to-face, view portfolios, and discuss collaboration ideas.

Some major events include:

  • San Diego Comic-Con (USA)

  • Small Press Expo (USA)

  • Thought Bubble (UK)

  • Angoulême International Comics Festival (France)

  • Toronto Comic Arts Festival (Canada)

Even regional expos and zine fairs often feature emerging cartoonists and indie creators open for commission or collaboration.

Step 5: Post a Job Ad

If you're looking for multiple applicants or a broad search:

  • Post a job on freelance job boards like ProBlogger Jobs, DesignCrowd, or ArtStation Jobs.

  • Share your call for submissions on Reddit (e.g., r/ComicBookCollabs, r/freelance).

  • Submit a job request to illustration agencies (e.g., IllustrationX, Shannon Associates, Lemonade Illustration Agency).

Make sure to include:

  • A brief about the project

  • Style or genre requirements (attach references if possible)

  • Expected timeline

  • Budget range

  • Your preferred format (digital, print-ready, storyboard, etc.)

Step 6: Evaluate Portfolios Carefully

When reviewing cartoonists’ work, consider:

  • Style consistency – Do they have a signature voice or a flexible range?

  • Storytelling ability – Can they convey narrative or emotion in a few panels or images?

  • Humor or tone – Does it align with your brand or content vision?

  • Technical skill – Especially if you need print-quality resolution, vector files, or animation storyboards.

  • Professionalism – Check client feedback, turnaround time, and how they communicate.

Step 7: Start with a Test Piece or Short Project

Before committing to a long-term engagement:

  • Commission a small test project or sample sketch.

  • Discuss timelines, revisions, and payment structure.

  • Sign a freelance contract that covers ownership rights, licensing terms, and usage.

Most cartoonists are happy to clarify:

  • Whether the work is exclusive or may be reused by the artist

  • What rights (commercial, editorial, etc.) you will have after payment

  • How many rounds of revisions are included

Bonus Tips: Working Successfully With a Cartoonist

  • Be specific but collaborative: Let them know your vision, but trust their expertise in visual storytelling.

  • Give constructive feedback: Frame critique in terms of clarity, tone, or audience rather than personal preference.

  • Respect deadlines and payments: Professional cartoonists value timely communication and fair compensation.

Finding a cartoonist isn't just about hiring an artist—it’s about forming a creative partnership. Whether you're producing a comic series, launching a campaign, or adding visual flair to your publishing project, the right cartoonist will bring humor, clarity, and personality to your message.

With today’s digital tools and global networks, it’s easier than ever to discover cartoonists whose style and storytelling align with your goals. Take your time, do your research, and don’t hesitate to reach out and start a conversation—you might just spark a lasting creative collaboration.

Arifur Rahman er en bangladeshi-norsk illustratør, tegneserieskaper og avistegner. Han er utgiver av det nettbasert tegnemagasinet Toons Mag, og organiserer internasjonale tegnekonkurranser og utstillinger i Norge og utlandet.

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