What Every New Cartoonist Needs to Know in 2025

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“When I first started cartooning, I didn’t have fancy tools, followers, or even a proper desk. All I had was a cheap pen, a borrowed scanner, and something to say. Everything else, I learned along the way.”
— Arifur Rahman, cartoonist, writer, and founder of Toons Mag

Introduction: You Chose the Right Time

If you're starting your cartooning journey in 2025, you're in luck—and also in uncharted waters. On one hand, there are more tools, platforms, and global audiences than ever. On the other hand, attention is scarce, algorithms are unpredictable, and AI is reshaping visual storytelling.

It can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve created this guide—not to sell you a dream, but to share what every new cartoonist truly needs to know to grow, thrive, and stay grounded in this fast-changing world.

This is not theory. It’s the hard-earned wisdom I’ve learned from publishing cartoons for over two decades, surviving censorship, and mentoring artists through Toons Mag and Cartoonist Network.

1. You Don’t Need Fancy Tools to Start 

In 2025, there are endless apps, devices, and subscriptions marketed to new artists. But you can start with what you already have.

Essentials to Begin:

  • A sketchbook or blank paper

  • Pencil or ballpoint pen

  • Free software like MediBang, Krita, or even MS Paint

  • A phone camera to digitize your drawings

When I began cartooning, I drew on reused paper with a pen, scanned it at an internet café, and emailed it to editors. I didn’t wait for the “perfect setup”—I made do with what I had.

🎨 Pro Tip: Focus on ideas, not hardware. Tools evolve. Your creative eye is what lasts.

2. Your Voice Matters More Than Your Style 

Many beginners obsess over finding a “style.” But style is something you develop over time. What matters more is your voice:

  • What are you trying to say?

  • What do you believe in?

  • Who do you want to speak to?

A wobbly line with a strong message is more powerful than a polished panel with nothing to say.

📢 Real Example: One of my most viral cartoons was drawn quickly and roughly—but it resonated deeply because it tackled hate and division in a way that felt raw and real.

3. Consistency Beats Perfection 

Waiting for your cartoon to be “perfect” is a trap. Instead, aim for progress and presence.

  • Draw every day, even if it’s a doodle.

  • Publish regularly—even once a week is enough.

  • Don’t delete old work. It shows your growth.

🎯 Success in cartooning is not one viral moment—it’s showing up again and again, sharpening your skills in public.

4. Social Media Is a Tool, Not a Goal 

Likes, followers, and shares can be motivating—but they’re not the only measure of success.

Use social media wisely:

  • Post regularly, but don’t let it steal your creative time.

  • Don’t chase trends—stay true to your voice.

  • Use stories or behind-the-scenes to connect with your audience.

⚠️ Algorithms change. Your mailing list, blog, or portfolio website is far more valuable long-term than a viral post.

5. Learn the Business of Cartooning Early 

Cartooning is an art. But if you want to make a living, it's also a business.

Understand These Basics:

  • How to price your work (start with your time + skill level)

  • How to write an invoice and use a contract

  • How to license your work (editorials, merchandise, etc.)

  • How to say “no” to exploitative deals

🧠 Join CartoonistNetwork.com to connect with other artists who’ve learned these lessons the hard way.

6. Copyright, Credit, and Protecting Your Work 

In 2025, image theft is rampant, and AI tools are often trained on artists’ work without consent.

Protect yourself:

  • Always sign your work

  • Use watermarks when appropriate

  • Register your major works for copyright (optional but helpful)

  • Read platform terms carefully

💡 Tip: You can license your work under Creative Commons or use a “Do Not Train” tag for AI tools.

📎 Also: Keep backups. Always.

7. AI, Inspiration, and Staying Human 

Many new cartoonists worry about AI. Will it replace artists? Should I use it?

Here’s my view:
AI can assist, but it can’t replace authentic experience, emotion, and satire.

What AI can’t do:

  • Feel anger at injustice

  • Draw from personal history

  • Create humor rooted in cultural nuance

  • Form human connection with readers

👨‍🎨 Use AI ethically if it helps (e.g., for color palettes or layout suggestions), but don’t let it steal your spark.

8. Cartoons Can Change Minds—But Also Get You in Trouble 

Cartooning is powerful. That’s why it’s feared by the powerful.

In 2007, I was arrested in Bangladesh for a cartoon. It taught me that freedom of expression is never guaranteed—but always worth defending.

If your cartoons address politics, religion, or power, know your legal rights and personal limits. Join networks like Toons Mag, Cartoonist Network, or advocacy groups like CRNI (Cartoonists Rights Network International).

✊ Speak your truth—but stay informed and supported.

9. Community Is the Secret Ingredient 

Being a cartoonist can feel lonely. But you’re not alone.

  • Join online communities (e.g., CartoonistNetwork.com, Discord groups, Reddit's r/Cartoonists)

  • Ask for critique

  • Collaborate on comics

  • Celebrate each other’s work

Some of my best growth came from publishing in Toons Mag alongside artists from over 80 countries. We didn’t always speak the same language—but our cartoons did.

🌍 Your art has a place in the world. Don’t hide it.

10. FAQs for New Cartoonists in 2025 

Q1: Do I need to go to art school to be a cartoonist?
No. Many of the best cartoonists are self-taught. What you need is practice, curiosity, and persistence.

Q2: How often should I post cartoons online?
Start with once a week. Focus on consistency. Over time, build a routine that works for your life.

Q3: How do I get my first cartoon published?
Submit to open calls (like at ToonsMag.com), share on Instagram, or start a blog. Don’t wait—publish now.

Q4: Should I worry if my work is not getting attention?
In the beginning, yes, that’s normal. Focus on improving. Treat feedback (and silence) as part of the journey.

Q5: Can I make money from cartoons?
Yes—through commissions, merch, Patreon, books, freelancing, and syndication. It takes time, but it’s possible.

11. Final Thoughts and Next Steps 

To every new cartoonist reading this:
You belong here.
Your voice matters.
You don’t need permission to create. Just begin.

Draw what you believe. Share what you feel. Learn every day. Fail sometimes. Laugh at your own jokes. And above all—keep going.

🎨 Here’s your next move:

Let 2025 be the year you stop waiting and start drawing.

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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