We surveyed 939 cartoonists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical cartoonist. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a cartoonist?

Low

High

Working as a cartoonist typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a cartoonist?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a cartoonist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a cartoonist?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as a cartoonist.

Info

Do cartoonists work full-time or part-time?

28% of cartoonists work in full-time roles while 72% work part-time.

Is being a cartoonist stressful?

Low

High

Cartoonists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a cartoonist?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a cartoonist.

How competitive is the workplace for cartoonists?

Low

High

Cartoonists see mild competition in their workplace.

Does being a cartoonist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for cartoonists.

Are cartoonists allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Creativity is intrinsic to being a cartoonist, and a highly valuable part of the career.

Do cartoonists have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally cartoonists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.

Is being a cartoonist physically demanding?

Low

High

Being a cartoonist may occasionally require demanding physical activity, which may make it not a suitable career choice for everyone.

Are cartoonists exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Cartoonists tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a cartoonist require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a cartoonist.

Does being a good cartoonist require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a cartoonist.