Persuading with a Cartoon

What are some issues that you feel strongly about? How could a cartoon help you persuade others to think or feel as you do?

Cartooning is about persuasion, using "argument, reasoning, or entreaty" to get others to adopt your point of view. Of course, in a cartoon you will use visual images as well as words to create a satirical statement.

Your first step will be to choose an issue that you feel strongly about. Then choose the audience you want to sway to your way of thinking -- fellow students, parents, school personnel, or. . .? Decide why you feel this way and what you want the readers to think after they've seen your cartoon. Decide what kind of images and humor your audience will understand and appreciate.

Next, decide on a character or characters -- human or animal -- to make your point. Remember the cartoons you collected? What was interesting and satirical about the characters? What communicated opinions? How will the character or characters you've chosen get your idea across? How will your subjects symbolize your attitude? What will you exaggerate about your subjects so that they help you make your point both funny and clear?

Will your characters have something to say? Does the situation need to be explained in dialogue or a caption? What might be a caption for your cartoon?

Your ideas will grow and may change as you work on your cartoon. Draw your first ideas in pencil, very lightly. It will take you awhile to get used to drafting your ideas visually. However, you should know that the only way to find your style is to draw and then draw some more. Do not feel you have to produce a finished concept or drawing. You will slowly develop your sketches into finished drawings. Keep your earlier sketches so that you can discuss your drawing process with your teacher and friends. If you keep a portfolio, this will be an interesting process for you to document.