EDITORIAL CARTOONI

NG

LEANORA M. AMBAT

Teacher I

BELVEDERE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

An editorial cartoon, also known as a political cartoon, is an illustration containing a commentary that usually relates to current events or personalities.they typically combine artistic skill, hyperbole and biting humour in order to question authority and draw attention to corruption and other social ills.

WHAT IS AN EDITORIAL CARTOON?

Newspaper editorial cartoons are graphic expressions of their creator’s ideas and opinions. In addition, the editorial cartoon usually, but not always, reflects the publication’s viewpoint.

• Editorial cartoons are based on current events.

· Editorial cartoons, like written editorials, have an educational purpose. They are intended to make readers think about current political issues

· Editorial cartoons must use a visual and verbal vocabulary that is familiar to readers.

• Editorial cartoons differ from comic strips. Editorial cartoons appear on the newspaper’s editorial or front page, not on the comics page. They usually employ a single-panel format and do not feature continuing characters in the way that comic strips do.

· Editorial cartoons are sometimes referred to as political cartoons, because they often deal with political issues.

WHAT TOOLS DOES THE EDITORIAL CARTOONIST USE TO COMMUNICATE IDEAS AND OPINIONS WITH READERS?

CARICATURE

Caricatures are drawings of public figures in which certain physical features are exaggerated.

STEREOTYPES

Stereotypes are formulaic images used to represent particular groups. A stereotypical cartoon mother might have messy hair, wear an apron, and hold a screaming baby in her arms.

SYMBOLSSymbols are

pictures that represent something else by tradition. A dove is a symbol for peace.

ANALOGIESAnalogies are comparisons that suggest that one thing is similar to something else. The title of a popular song or film might be used by a cartoonist to comment on a current political event.

HUMORHumor is the

power to evoke laughter or to express what is amusing, comical or absurd.

HOW CAN AN EDITORIAL

CARTOON BE EVALUATED?

A good editorial cartoon combines a clear drawing and good writing.

A good editorial cartoon expresses a recognizable point-of-view or opinion.

In the best instances, the cartoon cannot be read or understood by only looking at the words or only looking at the picture. Both the words and the pictures must be read together in order to understand the cartoonist’s message.

Not all editorial cartoons are meant to be funny. Some of the most effective editorial cartoons are not humorous at all. Humor is only one tool available to editorial cartoonists.

TIPS FOR EDITORIAL CARTOONING:

1. Be most concerned with the originality and clarity of your cartoon's ideas. The artistic merit of the cartoon will be considered secondarily and only after the judges have had a nice meal.

2. Select news stories of major continuing interest -- what's news in December may not be news in March, when the contest closes. And few people outside of your family are going to be interested in a caricature of your uncle Ernie.

3. Study some professionally drawn editorial cartoons closely before trying to create one of your own. Remember, study them, but don't copy them.

4. Don't clutter your cartoon with too many different ideas. Decide on a single point you want to make.5. Use black ink on white paper. Draw in bold lines. Keep lettering large and legible.

6. Draw your cartoons in a horizontal, not vertical, format. We're not sure why, but vertical just isn't as good.

7. Don't create a cartoon that is just a slogan ("Don't Smoke", "Watch Less TV", etc.). Be funny or thought provoking. Or both.

8. Again, and we cannot stress this enough, be original. Your cartoon may express a widely held view of a leader or issue, but it cannot reflect another cartoonist's way of expressing that idea.

An editorial cartoon should be simple but also cause a reaction from the reader.

Complexity into SimplicityAn editorial cartoon typically only

has one frame in which to get its message across, so you'll need to turn something that could be quite complicated into a simple drawing that is understandable to most readers. It helps if you've got a clear idea of the point you're trying to make -- and make sure it is just one point -- otherwise your cartoon could become cluttered and too complex by trying to say many things at once.

Aesthetic ElementsYou don't have to create a

masterpiece every time you draw an editorial cartoon, but your illustration does need to be accessible and aesthetically pleasing to some extent. As suggested by the Union of Concerned Scientists, consider the lines and shapes you use, which should reflect a reasonable standard of drawing and be easy to follow to avoid readers being put off by the cartoon.

Go for EmotionHowever you choose to draw the

image and whatever your message, you've got to aim to trigger an emotional response of some kind in the reader. An editorial cartoon that causes no reaction doesn't say much about your abilities in the field. Typically, a cartoonist will aim to make readers laugh through her creation, so it's worth injecting humor into your work; but editorial cartoons also can be designed to cause controversy, if the issue involved is polarizing.

Target Local NewsMany editorial cartoonists

draw inspiration for their work from national news, but since these are events that affect the whole country, it means you'll be up against plenty of stiff competition if you're also trying to base cartoons on these subjects If you're looking to get your work noticed, try instead to draw cartoons based around the news in your area. You might draw about local politicians or scandals, for example.

OriginalityAny cartoon must be

original, and this is especially the case if you're commenting on a statewide or national issue that's likely to be addressed by multiple other cartoonists. Even if your view is similar to many other people's, you need to find your own take on any news.

THANK

YOU!