Editorial Cartooning

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. That means that they are produced under
restricted time conditions in order to meet publication deadlines (often 5 or 6 per week).
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 are part of a business, which means that editors and/or managers may have an
impact on what is published.
Editorial cartoons are published in a mass medium, such as a newspaper, news magazine, or
the Web.
Editorial cartoons are tied to the technology that produces them, whether it is a printing press
or the Internet. For printed cartoons, their size at the time of publication and their placement (on
the front page, editorial page, or as the centerfold) affects their impact on readers. The addition of
color may also change how readers respond to them.
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?
Caricatures are drawings of public figures in which certain physical features are exaggerated.
Caricatures of Richard M. Nixon often show him as needing to shave.
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.
Symbols are pictures that represent something else by tradition. A dove is a symbol for peace.
Analogies 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.
Humor 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.
Editorial cartoons provide a window into history by showing us what people were thinking and
talking about at a given time and place. Today’s editorial cartoons will provide the same record of
our own time.
An Editorial Cartoon, also known as a political cartoon, is an illustration containing a commentary
that usually relates to current events or personalities. An artist who draws such images is known
as an editorial cartoonist. –
The first editorial cartoon was drawn by Benjamin Franklin, and appeared in the Pennsylvania
Gazette on May 9, 1754 entitled "Join, or Die." Franklin saw the colonies as dangerously
fragmented, and hoped, with the cartoon and an article, to convince colonists they would have
great power if they united. Franklin used symbolism and labeling to present an opinion based on
current events and politics. Cartoons throughout history have made use of similar techniques of
caricature, analogy, irony, juxtaposition and exaggeration to educate and influence their audience.
Editorial cartoons provide a rich landscape for educators to teach any number of subjects
(English, History, Social Studies, Art, ect..) while engaging students to use critical thinking in any
number of learning styles (cooperative, inquiry-based, individualized, ect..). We provide our own
lesson plans and links to others, for teachers and students to teach and learn from the art of
editorial cartooning.
Editorial Cartooning
Editorial cartoons are comics with a purpose.

-Also called political cartoons, they make a comment about issues in the news
-Editorial cartoons are opinion- based.
-They have a point of view.
-Not objective.
Effective Editorial Cartoon

1. It deals with a single idea.
2. It is humorous.
3. It exerts influence on the reader.
4. It is realistic.
5. It entertains the reader.
Steps in Editorial Cartooning
1. Know the main issue that you wish to draw a cartoon.

2. Illustrate through the aid of effective symbols that fit the general opinion of the editorial staff on
the issue.
3. Use black ink pen or pencil on white paper.
Tips for Editorial Cartooning

1. Employ single stroke or line.
2. Shading can be employed for emphasis.
3. Focus on one topic only.
4. Limit the use of words and labels.
5. Use Universal or common symbols.
6. Details in the drawing are not necessary.
7. Simplicity of the drawing is encouraged; simple but the message is clear and intact.
8. Draw clearly facial expression and prominent identity, especially when drawing persons. Tips
for Editorial Cartooning
9. You may apply allusion as background scene such as superhero, gladiator, event in in
Calvary and other common settings. Tips for Editorial Cartooning
10. Present accurately the issue. Tips for Editorial Cartooning
11. Limit the things to be drawn from three five only to illustrate the idea. Tips for Editorial
Cartooning
12. Examples of General Symbols Pencil, Pen and news paper. Journalism, freedom of the press.
13. Dove Examples of General Symbols Freedom, peace, democracy
14. Salakot Examples of General Symbols Juan Dela Cruz representing the ordinary Filipino.
15. Chain Suppression of freedom, m altreatment and slavery. Examples of General Symbols
16. Kamatayan Death or Bad omen Examples of General Symbols
17. Syringe Cure, death sentence, drug addiction Examples of General Symbols
18. Crococodile Abusive person of authority Examples of General Symbols
19. Mallet- Justice Examples of General Symbols
20. Beggar Examples of General Symbols
21. blindfolded Examples of General Symbols
22. Big waves Examples of General Symbols
23. Mask Examples of General Symbols
24. Eagle Examples of General Symbols
25. 37. Bar of gold Examples of General Symbols
26. 38. High rising building Examples of General Symbols
27. 39. key Examples of General Symbols
28. 40. Huge rock Examples of General Symbols
29. 41. Rising sun Examples of General Symbols
30. 42. Skull with crossed bones Examples of General Symbols
31. 43. Multi-tattooed man Examples of General Symbols

Editorial Cartooning

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What is an editorial cartoon?

How can an editorial cartoon be evaluated?

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

Editorial cartoons are comics with a purpose.

Effective Editorial Cartoon

Steps in Editorial Cartooning

1. Know the main issue that you wish to draw a cartoon.

Tips for Editorial Cartooning

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