Cartoonists create stylized illustrations and character-driven visuals that bring personality and clarity to projects where memorable communication matters more than photorealism. They specialize in work ranging from editorial cartoons and mascot designs to children's book illustrations, social media content, and branded marketing campaigns.
What does a cartoonist do?
A cartoonist transforms ideas, stories, and brand personality into stylized character illustrations tailored to specific audiences and formats. Their work goes beyond creating simple drawing and caricatures and often includes interpreting creative briefs, developing visual concepts, sketching multiple ideas for review, refining artwork based on feedback, and preparing final assets for print, web, publishing, or social media.
Cartoonists use a combination of traditional and digital tools including drawing software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, and Clip Studio Paint, along with drawing tablets from brands such as Wacom and Huion. Many cartoonists also use traditional materials like pencils, ink pens, markers, and sketchbooks for concept development and hand-drawn artwork.
Common responsibilities and deliverables for cartoonists include:
- Creating spot illustrations for articles, blogs, and marketing materials
- Designing character sheets with multiple poses, expressions, and visual variations
- Producing editorial cartoons, comic strips, and storyboards
- Illustrating pages for children’s books and educational materials
- Developing branded mascots and visual storytelling assets
- Refining artwork based on client or creative team feedback
- Preparing final illustration files for print, digital publishing, or social media use
- Collaborating with art directors, writers, marketers, and publishers throughout the creative process
Whether the project involves a single-panel illustration, branded character development, or narrative artwork for publishing, cartoonists help turn concepts into engaging visuals that align with brand guidelines and connect with audiences.
How to hire a cartoonist on Upwork
Hiring on Upwork involves four simple steps designed to help you quickly find and hire the right freelance cartoonist for your project.
Step 1: Post a job
A well-crafted job post attracts cartoonists whose style and experience align with your project. Reference this cartoonist job description template for ideas on content and format. In your job post, include these details:
- Type of cartoon work (character design, editorial cartoon, children's book, mascot)
- Preferred visual style or reference examples
- Asset dimensions, file formats, and usage context
- Number of concepts, revision rounds, and approval checkpoints
- Timeline and budget structure
For a fast start, use the Job Post Generator, powered by Uma™, Upwork’s Mindful AI. Share a few sentences about your needs and Uma will draft a cartoonist job post that you can review and customize.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Review proposals and shortlist candidates whose portfolios show relevant subject matter and compatible style.
- Use instant interviews with Uma providing side-by-side comparisons for a shortlist of top candidates
- Look for portfolio samples matching your industry and visual style
- Review project examples showing consistent quality
- Assess client reviews for mention of responsiveness and communication
- Check for a strong Job Success Score and talent badges
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Interviews reveal how a cartoonist thinks through creative challenges. Schedule and conduct interviews in Upwork Messages for transcripts and summaries after the call. For effective interviews:
- Develop a list of standard questions, getting ideas from these art director and 2D and 3D interview questions
- Share visual references and describe the mood and audience for your cartoon project
- Ask how they approach initial concept sketches
- Discuss their revision process
- Confirm timeline and file delivery expectations
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Before work begins, finalize the contract with documented deliverables, milestones, and payment terms:
- Choose a fixed-price contract for a project with finite deliverables or hourly for ongoing or exploratory needs
- List all final deliverables with file formats and specifications
- Set milestone stages using Upwork milestones
- Document the revision process and included rounds
- Confirm communication cadence and payment terms
- Agree on IP ownership of concept and illustrations
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.
The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.