A Cartoonist’s Guide to Getting Published Online
“When I first started drawing cartoons, I sent them to newspapers by post. Many came back unopened. Today, I can publish a cartoon and reach thousands instantly. But the question remains: how do you stand out in the vast online sea?”
— Arifur Rahman, cartoonist, writer, and founder of Toons Mag
Introduction: The Digital Canvas Awaits
In the past, getting published as a cartoonist meant knocking on editors’ doors or mailing printed portfolios. Today, the gatekeepers have changed—and in many cases, disappeared. The digital world offers a vast, borderless stage for your art, opinions, and characters. But with opportunity comes competition.
This guide will walk you through the practical steps, platforms, and principles needed to publish your cartoons online effectively, build an audience, and grow your creative voice—without compromising your values.
Whether you're just starting out or trying to transition from print to digital, this is your roadmap.
1. Why Publish Cartoons Online?
Benefits of Publishing Cartoons Digitally:
Instant visibility to global audiences
No need for traditional gatekeepers
Freedom of expression (especially on your own platform)
Feedback and fan interaction in real time
Multiple monetization paths (Patreon, merch, commissions)
For example, when I launched ToonsMag.com, I saw how cartoons from artists in Syria, India, Germany, and Palestine reached readers worldwide—something unimaginable in the print-only days.
2. Find Your Style and Purpose
Before publishing, ask yourself:
What kind of cartoonist are you? Satirical, humorous, editorial, webcomic, educational?
What do you want your audience to feel or think?
What topics do you care about? Politics? Social justice? Slice of life? Science fiction?
🔍 Pro Tip: Your niche doesn’t have to be narrow, but clarity helps readers know what to expect—and editors know where to place you.
🎨 Real example: My series on the Rohingya crisis mixed visual storytelling with investigative reporting. It found a home not just on Toons Mag, but was also used in advocacy toolkits by human rights groups.
3. Choose the Right Publishing Platforms
Here’s a breakdown of popular platforms for cartoonists and their strengths:
| Platform | Best For | Monetization | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ToonsMag.com | Editorial, political, human rights cartoons | Exposure, contests, reprints | Curated, high-quality, freedom-focused |
| Webtoon / Tapas | Serialized webcomics | Ad revenue, donations | Best for mobile-first stories |
| Instagram / X (Twitter) | Quick gags, short strips, viral cartoons | Fan support, commissions | Good engagement; short shelf life |
| Medium / Substack | Illustrated essays or editorial comics | Subscription model | Combine writing and art |
| DeviantArt / ArtStation | Digital art portfolios | Prints, commissions | More gallery-style, less narrative focus |
💡 Don’t limit yourself. Cross-publish strategically—but always link back to your main hub (website or blog).
4. Prepare Your Work for the Web
Optimize Your Cartoons for Online Publishing:
Use high-resolution images: 300dpi for print, 72dpi for web.
Export in web-friendly formats: JPEG, PNG (with transparent background if needed).
Keep file size under 2MB for fast loading.
Use proper dimensions: e.g., Instagram (1080x1080 or vertical 1080x1350), Webtoon (long-scroll).
💬 Always include your signature and, if possible, a URL or watermark.
📎 Tool Recommendation:
Clip Studio Paint (best for comics layout)
Procreate (ideal for quick cartooning on iPad)
Photoshop (for fine-tuning colors and text)
5. Build a Portfolio That Speaks for You
What to include:
5–10 of your best cartoons
A short artist bio (focus on themes, style, and mission)
Contact info or commission availability
Links to your social profiles and shop (if any)
🔗 Host it on your personal website, Behance, or a PDF for submissions.
Cartoonist Network Portfolio of Ahmad Qaddura
6. Submit to Online Magazines and Web Portals
Getting featured on established platforms boosts your credibility.
Where to Submit:
ToonsMag.com – Advocates freedom of expression; open to new talent.
The Nib (now archived but influential)
The American Bystander (humor and satire)
Medium publications with political or art focus
CartoonistNetwork.com – Showcase, critique, and collaborate with peers
📩 Submission Tips:
Read submission guidelines carefully
Don’t send attachments without permission
Include a short intro and link to your portfolio
Be patient—and always follow up professionally
7. Grow Your Personal Website or Blog
Your website is your digital home base. It’s the one place algorithms can’t take away.
Must-Haves:
Your cartoon archive
An “About Me” and “Contact” page
Blog for updates, sketches, or process posts
Newsletter signup (e.g., Substack, Mailchimp)
🎯 SEO Tip: Use natural keywords like
“political cartoonist portfolio,”
“funny webcomics about daily life,”
“freelance editorial cartoon submissions.”
🔗 Check out CartoonistBlog.com for inspiration and collaboration.
8. Use Social Media Strategically
Don’t just post—engage.
Best Practices:
Use consistent branding across platforms
Post at optimal times (e.g., 11am–1pm or 7–9pm)
Include 3–5 relevant hashtags
Tell mini-stories or behind-the-scenes in captions
Pin your best work on top of your profile
📈 Bonus: Use analytics to track what resonates—and do more of that.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid burnout by batching your posts in advance or using scheduling tools like Later, Buffer, or Hootsuite.
9. Protect Your Rights and Attribution
Legal and Ethical Safeguards:
Always sign your work
Include a copyright notice on your website
Consider licensing through Creative Commons or a licensing agency
Register key works with your country’s copyright office (optional but helpful)
🛡️ If your work is stolen:
Contact the platform to report copyright infringement
Use takedown forms (DMCA requests)
Reach out to the person privately—often, they’re unaware
💬 Join forums like Cartoonist Network to discuss best practices with fellow professionals.
10. FAQs
Q1: Do I need to be famous to get published online?
No. Consistency, originality, and professionalism will get you further than followers alone.
Q2: Can I submit the same cartoon to multiple places?
Yes—unless exclusive rights are requested. Always check the terms.
Q3: Should I publish in color or black & white?
It depends on your style and audience. Online platforms generally favor color, but powerful black & white art still resonates.
Q4: What if I don’t have money for a website?
Start with free platforms like Blogger, WordPress.com, or even a LinkedIn portfolio. Upgrade later.
11. Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Publishing cartoons online is not just about exposure—it’s about expression. You can share ideas, challenge injustice, make people laugh, and build community. But it takes effort, strategy, and persistence.
I’ve helped hundreds of cartoonists publish their first work through Toons Mag. You can do it too.
🎨 Take the first step today:
✅ Upload your best cartoon.
✅ Submit to an open call (like at ToonsMag.com).
✅ Or start your own blog with one simple post.
Your audience is out there. You just have to publish.
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