A guide to the creation of a proper editorial cartoon.

1. What Is An Editorial
Cartoon?
A brief guide to the “what, why, and how” of
editorial cartooning.

2. So, What Is It?

3. They’re graphic
interpretations of opinion &
thoughts on a topic
Created for newspapers &
affiliated websites
Not always politically
oriented
What Is It?

4. Editorial Cartoons reflect
current events
Often created under strict
deadlines to remain relevant
Not the typical multi-panel
set up
What Is It?

5. What Makes An Editorial
Cartoon Great?

6. Line Work and Smart
Writing
Originality: Have your own
style & voice
Have an angle & opinion
Don’t let the picture or the
text stand alone. Make sure
they need each other
What Makes It Great?

7. What Should You Use
When Creating One?

8. Symbols - Use widely
recognized symbols to make
a point.
Caricatures – Exaggerated
features on prominent figures
is a classic editorial move
Humor – Remember that
the whole objective is to
make a point humor or
satire.
What Should You Use?

9. Visit marklitzler.org for more info.