Publishing comic strips on the Web is fun, but if you want to make a living at cartooning you will probably need a distributor (called a "syndicate"). Below are some resources you might find helpful in developing your work and submitting it for review. This week's material showcases the on-line resources. Next week will be the print stuff.
And I wish you the best of luck; it's a tough business to crack.
- Your Career In The Comics by Lee Nordling.
- Anyone seriously interested in being a cartoonist MUST buy the book Your Career in the Comics by Lee Nordling. It's about $8, and contains a wealth of information about the business issues cartoonists face when playing the syndicating game. You can get it at some bookstores, or from Amazon.com through the above link.
- Duane Barnhart's Cartooning Basics: Creating the Characters by Duane Barnhart and Angie Barnhart.
- This useful guide with over 500 illustrations is an entertaining and humorous book filled with easy to follow suggestions that ensure that even beginners — young and old — can produce successful cartoons. Duane is a professional cartoonist who has been published in Saturday Evening Post, his own syndicated comic strip, and many children's books. This book is based on Duane's teaching cartooning in schools and art centers as an artist in residence. Charles M.Schulz, creator of Peanuts, wrote the foreword, and initial response indicates the book will become a standard reference in cartooning and teaching. Phone orders: 1-888-771-DRAW (3729). E-mail.
Best on-line resources
- Wisenheimer Web Bulletin Board
- A meeting place for cartoonists around the world. Much is discussed! This is a fabulous and very active bulletin board. E-mail.
- Cartoonist's Fountain of Knowledge by Pat.
- This site links to pages that promote the art of cartooning, such as syndicate homepages, technique or tips pages, online distribution services etc. A fabulous resource for cartoonists trying to learn the trade or participate on the Internet. Strong on non-U.S. resources. E-mail.
- Dilbert Zone by Scott Adams.
- This page is Scott Adams' fun and informative story about how he became a syndicated cartoonist. Cartoonists can learn a lot about how far perseverance and professionalism will take them.
- How to Cartoon by Ampersand.
- An excellent "How-to" guide for aspiring cartoonists, plus a comprehensive set of links to related cartooning resources. E-mail.
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