There are two basic types of cartoonists. It’s not based on which subjects they draw. Or how successful they are. Or whether one cartoonist’s dad can beat up the other cartoonist’s dad. (Unless you happen to have the stronger dad.) It has to do with the originality of the work. But I mean something very specific by that.
Most cartoonists enjoy drawing existing characters, like Spiderman, Naruto, Finn from “Adventure Time,” and others. Recreating an established character, in different poses and in different scenes, is a very important skill for a cartoonist. In fact, most professional artists primarily draw other people’s characters. For example, the artists who draw Spiderman and Batman in today’s comics are not the people who invented those characters. And the people who draw the storyboards for the animated shows you love probably didn’t invent those characters, either. Although someone had to invent the characters in a video game, it takes many more people to complete the project.
Some artists have gotten famous drawing characters that were not created by them. One of the most recognized comics talents is Alex Ross, who does fantastic images of Superman in his own, unique style.
For cartoonists, there is a personality type that enjoys drawing existing characters. These cartoonists like the challenge of coming up with new and interesting ways to portray the same characters. They also like getting to know a character from an insider’s point of view.
Then we have another type of cartoonist. This cartoonist gets bored drawing the same character over and over. His, or her, idea of hell is being locked into doing a comic strip with the same cast of characters. This type of cartoonist prefers to jump from one idea to another, like a fountain of creativity. He or she may work in a number of different styles, for the freshness variety it brings to new projects. This second type of cartoonist is well suited for character design. But you need the first type of cartoonist to turn it into a long-running success.
So, have you figured out which you are? I’m curious to know.
Your Cartooning Sherpa,
Chris Hart
I’ve been trying to get all of your books, cause they really help me draw cuter, cooler and crazier cartoons, and manga. Keep it up ;D
CHRIS HART IS AMAZING! Your books are so inspiring and helpful to me! You helped be become a much better artist. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! I think i am a “fountain of creativity” i never draw the same character more than once.PLEASE KEEP CREATING BOOKS! I love them!
i think that i know what kind of cartoonist that i’am . i’am the kind of cartoonist that like doing my own characters. once i a while i will do someone else cartoon or comic book character. that why i want to get in the bussiness .to care the many styles that i do . sincerely , jeff.g illroyal
I am both I guess… I have my own cartoon but I also draw anything that comes to mind. I already have 3 of your books and have help me make my cartoons cutter. I am sooooooo glad I found you!
*Depressed sigh*
I actually happen to be the second type of artist. Character design is my forte. It’s practically all I do.
Does that mean that I could never get my work published or successful, because I’m the second type?
I’m not sure what kind I am. I almost always copy other anime pics when I practice, but I also create my own. I’m both an aspiring artist & writer. They’re both my passion which made the careers as a Mangaka or Graphic Novelist feel more open to me. I always loved looking almost every detail of art in a graphic novel & manga. When I seen the opportunity to become one, I quickly felt passionate about it & it became all I wanted to do in life. I feel more passionate about making manga than I ever have just drawing and writing separate. I’m totally self-taught. I love reading things about art & looking at art instruction books. I absorb all the important tips & tricks like a sponge (now if only it were that easy for normal schooling xD) & I like reading your posts because they contain various, useful tips (no matter how small in my eyes). I like posting my art online for others to see & I have intentions to do the same with my manga pages. I still have a long ways to go, but I’ll continue collecting all sorts of drawing tips & practicing often until I can live my dreams. Right now, I guess one could say that I’m “awakening” the artist’s eye. I’m beginning to see the basic shapes & patterns in art & everyday objects. As well as thinking of ways to sketch the same thing with ease. Even though it is just beginning, I think the title of an “artist” is almost within my reach. If you want you can find me in several different locations online: instagram, twitter, paigeeworld, pinterest, flickr, devianart… a lot of places haha. Most of my usernames are artistmel or artistmelrachelle, except on Twitter: intermediateart & then there’s my website, AnimeGeek’s Networld on weebly. I hope to become a mangaka soon! Wish me luck. ^_^
I think I’m mostly the second type c: I have more characters than I know what to do with! But I also do animation, which literally is drawing the same character over and over, so it’s a tough call!
It’s true! When I first started free-hand drawing, I drew Turtwig (a Pokemon). I completely shocked myself because I didn’t know that I could draw so well! Later on in the years, I drew my original characters you saw in my DeviantArt gallery.