Editorial Cartooning
EDITORIAL CARTOONING
is an editorial page illustration expressing opinion and interpretation (a column or opinion in cartoon form). The
word cartoon is derived from two words: caricature and lampoon.
A caricature is an exaggerated description, generally by sketching. It is a pictorial representation of a person or
thing in which a defect or peculiarity is exaggerated so as to produce a ludicrous effect.
A lampoon, on the other hand, is a piece of malicious writing, a personal-written satire that attacks and
ridicules.
A good cartoon appeals to the reader’s sense of humor in order to persuade him/her to accept an opinion.
How to conceptualize
1. Read/listen—research your facts well.
2. Decide on your point of view or angle of your chosen issue.
3. Make your comment on the issue.
4. Translate your comment into coordinating, representative graphic symbols (e.g. crocodile for corrupt officials
and typewriter for press)
5. Take into consideration the paper’s target readers.
6. Sketch/make doodles.
7. Draw your final cartoon.
Ways to present your view
1. Take the issue to a ridiculous situation.
2. Exaggerate the effect of an issue.
3. Use cliché or something contemporary or “in.”
4. Juxtapose or put together two events, even unrelated ones.
5. Take quotes literally. Play with words.
6. Consider the occasion.
7. Make an interesting artwork.
8. Caricature a political figure and add a punch line
10 drawing techniques
1. Use the acronym “see” for the basic ingredients for an effective cartoon drawing.
a. SIMPLE
Even basic shapes positioned properly in relation to each other would be enough.
b. EXPRESSION
Eyes are the most expressive part of our anatomy. Next, comes the mouth. Third, are the hands.
c. EXAGGERATE
Overemphasize a feature or several features to make your cartoon funny.
2. In drawing caricatures, exaggerate the prominent features of the subject.
3. Take advantage of your medium.
a. Pen and ink, brush and ink, charcoal or dark pencil.
b. Contrast the black and white.
c. Dark areas tend to catch the focus of the eyes.
4. Properly place your shadows. Simplify your light source. Have only one light source.
5. Read and draw left to right.
6. Use less words. Less is more difficult, but the better. Instead, use symbols a lot, especially familiar ones
(e.g. crocodile for corruption).
7. Don’t overwork your drawing (using too much props, background, details, etc.)
8. Keep your message clear to the intended reader, not only to yourself. Ask the opinion of others.
9. If you can, apply Balance and Composition; Depth and Perspective.
10. Be funny, except in tragic situations.
Steps in Editorial Cartooning
1. List down the subjects to choose from.
2. Once the subject is chosen, ask what is the issue? What is the paper’s opinion about the issue?
Example:
Issue—Press freedom
Opinion—The government is going back to the martial law days as far as press freedom is concerned.
3. Decide the symbols to be used
Example:
Government—GMA
Press freedom—bird (dove) flying, typewriter, school paper
Repression—chain, scissors, slingshot, bar
4. Draw the cartoon.
Tips for Editorial Cartooning
Use black ink pen on white paper.
Employ single stroke or line.
Focus on one topic.
Limit the use of words and labels.
Avoid using talk balloons that describes or state what are obvious.
Use universal or common symbols, those which can be understood at once by your intended reader.
Details in the drawing are not necessary.
Have your own style. Do not copy or plagiarize.
Simplicity of the drawing is encouraged; simple but the message is clear and intact.
Manifestation of facial expression and prominent identity, especially when drawing persons.
Present the issue accurately. If your cartoon is about the editorial for the day, it must reinforce the stand
stated in the piece.
Choose a most interesting issue and express your comment in an arresting way.
Limit the things to be drawn from three to five only to illustrate the idea.
Do not clutter your cartoon with unnecessary details or complicate your drawing with artistic touches.
These will just distract from the impact of the cartoon. Minimal is better.
Present accurately the issue, example, survey data, statistics and others.
Emphasize face, dynamism or motion in your subject.
Inject humor, but be careful not to poke fun of tragic incidents.
Cover your cartoon with a frame or border.
Use shading to make your article more convincing.
Most Commonly used SYMBOLISM in Editorial Cartooning
1. Pencil, pen and newspaper- journalism, freedom, of the press.
2. Dove- freedom, peace, democracy.
3. Salakot- Juan dela Cruz representing the ordinary Filipino citizen.
4. Chain- Suppression of freedom, maltreatment, and slavery.
5. Kamatayan- danger, bad omen.
6. Syringe- cure, death sentence, drug addiction.
7. Crocodile- abusive person of authority.
8. Beggar- poverty.
9. Mallet- justice.
10. Blindfolded woman carrying a weighing scale- justice.
11. Big Waves- Hindrances, adversities.
12. Mask- deceiver.
13. Eagle- bravery, strength, United States of America.
14. Bar of Gold- wealth
15. High rising building- development, progress.
16. Key- towards success and development.
17. Huge rock- tough situation, hindrance, obstacle.
18. Rising sun- hope.
19. Multi-tattooed man- criminal, ex-convict, bad man.
20. A skull with crossed bones- death, danger.
