September 26, 2018 HOW DO I BECOME A CARTOONIST? Hi Nikki! I’m a high school student who absolutely LOVES drawing, and I dream of becoming a cartoonist or an animator! But I have a problem: I don’t know where to start! Can you please give me some suggestions on how to be prepared? Thanks! 🙂 The Doodling Daydreamer Hi Doodling Daydreamer, Hey! Thanks for writing in! I think it’s SO awesome that you want to be a cartoonist or an animator! If you love drawing, you’re on your way! Like I tell the people who ask me how to become an author, it mostly takes practice! I mean, there’s a whole business side, but the first step is becoming an artist (or writer) with the skills to make a career of it. So LOTS of drawing practice – take a sketchpad everywhere you go, learn from other artists’ styles, take classes where you can find them, and if you can’t, check out YouTube art tutorials! But let’s say you’re already doing the work of becoming the best artist you can be. How do you become a cartoonist or an animator, specifically? Do you need to go to a fancy art school? Well, they’re separate jobs. So to become a cartoonist, you definitely DON’T need to go to a fancy art school. You don’t even HAVE to go to college, though there’s lots you can learn in college. And I think the best cartoonists don’t only know how to draw, but they also understand what’s happening in the world around them, which is how they can create comics that people think are funny and relate to. And college is a great place to get that kind of broad understanding of the world. (At least that’s what my parents keep telling me. 🙂 ) I don’t know as much about being an animator, but I looked it up on Google. What I found said that a college degree is not required, but that most people hiring animators will be looking for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Computer Graphics or something related. And if you want to create animation for video games, you should earn a degree in video game design or interactive media. So if you’re college-bound, you might want to consider looking for schools that have programs in those fields. Another thing I think is important for people who want to be any kind of creative person—an artist, author, animator, filmmaker, etc—is to stay really current with what is successful in that field. So for a budding cartoonist, spend a ton of time reading all the latest cartoons, comics and graphic novels. Animators? See all the animated movies you can—and not just the big cinema releases, but smaller stuff too. There are all kinds of amazing short animated films most people never see. I think it’s important to read/watch/listen to what professional artists are making today because you’ll learn from them, and you’ll also learn more about what appeals to audiences. The movies getting produced and books getting published have film production companies and book publishers supporting them for a reason. So check them out for enjoyment, but also try to analyze what makes certain pieces of art successful. And finally, remember that there’s no rush. The main thing right now is to keep building your skills as an artist. If you’re in high school, you might start thinking about what you want to study in college. But don’t get too far ahead of yourself. Develop your artistry so when it’s time for the business side of things, you’ll have the talent and skills to compete! I hope that helps! And I hope you keep drawing! What are your dreams? Are you taking any steps NOW to make them happen LATER? Tell us in the comments!
DORKTHATREADS says October 10, 2018 at 6:00 pm Dont worry same over here , I LOVE DRAWING SOOO MUCH, right now im in the art space . I get in trouble for drawing on my tests i even drew on my fsa : (
Propimol says October 9, 2018 at 8:17 am Hey! Your in hisg school! Your art is probably better then mine! I have the same dream as you. Did you read my advice? You can follow Nikki’s if you want. No pressure! Just saying, I will be rooting for you! Kids at my school would qualify me as one of the “artists” but I don’t think thats true! My anatomy is so bad! I think your ar would be amazing! Maybe I could even give you tips! -Propimol
the one who wants to be dancer says October 9, 2018 at 6:48 am my dream is to be a dancer and go to Russia to learn.actually i started to learn ballet when i was 3 and stopped at 8y/old,for my cca is international dance it is combine jazz and ballet.i am trainig hard for it and i am stretching to improve
Anonymous says October 8, 2018 at 8:24 pm THAT IS SOOOO COOL!!!!!!!! I have seen at our library that kids make their own books! so they basically make a story and draw it and sent it to a publisher or another thing and then you can choose To put it in a library or you can donate it or something else. And maybe a famous publisher REALLY likes your book and wants more and you keep on practicing and you get better and better! Wishing you the bestes luck The big good wolf
drawislife25 says October 8, 2018 at 3:05 pm Oh same i love cartooning to dream on because your wish will come true soon
thedrawingstoryteller says October 8, 2018 at 2:23 pm I love writing stories and drawing, so i kinda wanna write books when I’m old enough.
Always Trying to Organize says October 8, 2018 at 11:12 am Feedback For Doodling Daydreamer: I think(depending on how old and how much you love it)You should ask for permission to email disney.But you need to pratice and understand it a lot so make sure you do that! My Comment: I would love to be a singer,I’m starting singing lessons to actually make some stuff out of it. I have the voice though! Thanks Nikki, for answering this person’s question! (your so smart!)
Beautydork616 says October 8, 2018 at 4:03 am I really wish to be one cartoonist too and Doodling Dreamer believe in your dreams girlfriend!
AuthorGal says October 7, 2018 at 12:45 pm OMG, I love writing!!!! Maybe you can illustrate my books ;-P
Daydream's Girlfriend says October 6, 2018 at 7:31 am Hey, Girlfriend! I say you start where you think is right.. Nikki’s advice was GOOD advice, and I say.. you follow it. Don’t let the fear of ‘not knowing where to start’ stop you.. :3 Try it, TDD! Nikki definitely makes a good advice columnist, so follow it. I hope you pursue your dreams, Daydream’s Girlfriend (PS: I’m on your side! Hope 2 see you on design crew on a film or something!)
Puddin says October 5, 2018 at 9:52 pm I am also a very good drawer but when I show them to my parents ther don’t even look at it! Should I still keep drawing
Propimol says October 10, 2018 at 7:55 am Of course! I think you should stick to your dreams! I’m a good artist too (I don’t to brag ppl i’m sorry XD)
DianaGamingLOL says October 5, 2018 at 7:21 pm Don’t be sad TDD, all you have to do is take you’re time to imagine want you want to draw and write. Its simple, trust me, but you need to know what you want to do. Good luck!!
nina says October 5, 2018 at 3:52 pm Dear Nikki, My friend are NOT being nice and I have about 80 more friends but I personilly love playing soccer with them but last Friday the made me sobb and they did NOT care and I was behind them in line that made me sad and feel like the hate me what should I do?
BTS ARMY says October 4, 2018 at 10:02 pm Same…except im horrible at drawing, but i want to draw, isnt that ironic. LOL I should just quit, I dont know how to stop wanting to draw. IM so crazy LMAO.
Xx_NicoandtheNiners_xX says October 7, 2018 at 4:14 am i know that this is a bit late and ya probably wont see it but just keep trying. i believe in you!!! <3 you're probably way better at art than you think.
SGirl says October 4, 2018 at 9:36 pm That is great advice, Nikki! I’ve always wanted to draw cartoons, so now I can get started!
Jessica says October 4, 2018 at 5:56 pm I’m having this book fair and I see your book and I can’t wait to buy it because I love books and I hope I get your book that’s coming up
Advice Column Girl says October 4, 2018 at 4:07 pm If you wanna be an artist, then a good place to start are virtual drawing apps on a tablet or phone where people can rate and grade your photos and drawings! A suggestion is Pop Jam, a child-friendly app based on drawing, if you’re an AMAZING artist on there, you could even get a Neon Star!. Also, if you can afford it, an art college is definitely a great thought! If you’re a bit younger than that, then work even harder in Art and IT at school! Fill up as many sketchbooks, notepads and journals or even diarys with all your art! A good place to start when drawing people is the eye!