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Q: So what materials do you need get started as a cartoonist:

A: You can actually still break into this profession with a relatively minimal investment. Single panel gag cartoons such as those you see in many magazines and newspapers, can be drawn on cheap sheets of copier paper. All you really need to start is a few sharp pencils, paper, an eraser and pens with black ink. There are a wide variety of pens that are available in art supply stores, craft shops and on the Internet. Try some out until you find one you like.

The first cartoons I ever sold were drawn on cheap paper. I sketched them in pencil on a separate sheet, then traced the final version on another sheet using a felt tip pen! The only added expense will come from postage and envelopes to mail them out to publishers.

As you begin to sell your work, you can build up your supplies. Color markers, color pencils, possibly even paints. Eventually maybe a decent light table and a good computer with lots of art programs.

Q: What opportunities do you see for young people interested in being cartoonists?

There are plenty of possibilities for success and employment in the world of cartooning right now.

The field of animation has all kinds of possibilities for character designers, sketch artists, inkers, writers, and a variety of other jobs. Television and movie projects offer a realm of chances for success to beginners as well as veterans.

The greeting card field is huge and growing.

The comic book field utilizes a variety of talent as well. They use writers, inkers, letterers, pencillers, and painters for some covers. New independent comic book companies are starting up, and can be a great place for a beginner to break into the field.

Children's books are still selling well and provide lots of possibilities to freelancers. They need designers as well as illustrators, and cartoon art is always very popular with children.

Q: What final advice would you give to aspiring cartoonists?

A: Persist.over and over and over.never give up. Keep trying. Experiment with new techniques and equipment. Try different papers, markers, pens, rulers and anything else until you find the right stuff that works for you.

Cartooning can be just a fun hobby. You can derive great pleasure from doodling and sketching. Your friends and relatives will love getting hand-drawn original greeting cards on holidays and special occasions.

But if you decide to pursue it professionally, whether full-time or just in an attempt to supplement your income, throw your heart and soul into what you are doing. Derive great pleasure from your creations, cherish the moments you get to spend drawing. The love of what you are doing will show in your work, and hopefully someone else (like an editor) will realize how talented you are.

Don't be afraid when you are starting out to seize opportunities to get published. If you can have a few of your cartoons printed in a local paper and they can't afford to pay you, do it for free! It will give you experience dealing with editors and customers. You will also get to see your work in print, and can learn a lot about how to improve the next thing you have published.

Search for information. Read every book you can get on cartooning and learn as much as you can about the process of submitting your work. The Internet is full of information about cartooning, with lots of sites offering valuable tips and job possibilities. Take computer art classes if possible, or look for a job in the graphic arts field where they might be willing to train you on a computer as part of your employment.

And then, shoot for the stars! Submit your work to major publications all over the world. Do cartoon art for web sites that need a fresh look. Send sample comic strips to major syndicates. Even when you are still giving your work away just to get it printed.you might just land a big check from a major publisher.

Good Luck!!! I hope you have as much fun in the cartooning field as I have. It's a great way to earn a living!!!!!

Page 1 - Meet Steve
Page 2 - A Career in Cartooning
Page 3 - Technical Tips
Page 4 - Going Pro