Artistic materials, drawing surfaces, computer, drawing software, postage processing equipment, all-in-one fax/printer.
Basics:
As a cartoonist you will be spending most of your time creating work that will not be sold. Do not let that discourage you since all cartoonists, even the famous ones go through that every day, it is part of the business. In order to get started you need to have a great ability of putting ideas into drawings. Once you realize that, then you can use your talent to place those ideas on your client's desk.
To Get Started:
You should start out slow, don't tackle the big editorials and newspapers first, there will be time for that later when you have more experience and confidence in your abilities. Many times you will feel the need to show all of your work to a prospective client, don't do that. Your client is not looking for all you can do, but for what you can do to help her or him. Show him your best work, show your client drawings that you have created that relate directly with her business. You should send your drawings to magazines, local newspapers, online newsletters, and other publications. You should be able to charge $20 to $25 per hour or $30 to $800 per cartoon.
Tips:
You can run this business from home as you will be creating and delivering most of your work from your office. You should not need assistants or associates unless your business grows large. Be careful with mailing costs which could get out of hand. This is an opportunity with people with disabilities. As stated above, don't get discouraged, even much of the work of the best cartoonists out there gets rejected, so believe in your work. For internet links related to this business do a search for the National Cartoonist Society, the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists, and the Amateur and Professional Cartoonist Association
