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{{Short description|Artist drawing editorial cartoons that contain political or social commentary}}
[[File:Editorial Cartoonist Steve Benson.jpg|alt=Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Steve Benson at the Freedom From Religion Foundation 2019 National Convention in Madison, Wisconsin. Photograph by Peter Rimar|thumb|Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist [[Steve Benson (cartoonist)|Steve Benson]] at the Freedom From Religion Foundation 2019 National Convention in Madison, Wisconsin.]]
{{multiple issues|
An '''''editorial cartoonist''''', also known as a ''political cartoonist'', is an artist who creates [[editorial cartoons]] containing political or social commentary. These cartoons are commonly used to reflect, critique, and provoke discussion about current events, public figures, and policies in national or international contexts.
{{Refimprove|date=July 2016}}
{{Globalize|article|USA|2name=the United States|date=December 2010}}
}}
{{Infobox occupation
| name              = Editorial cartoonist
| image              = [[File:Shekhar gurera Banner12.jpg|305x305px]]
| caption            = Self-caricature by an [[Shekhar Gurera|editorial cartoonist]]
| official_names    = Political cartoonist
| type              = Art [[profession]]
| activity_sector    =
| competencies      =
| formation          =
| employment_field  = [[Journalism]]
| related_occupation = [[Cartoonist]]<br />[[Columnist]]
}}


An '''editorial cartoonist''', also known as a '''political cartoonist''', is an artist who draws [[editorial cartoon]]s that contain some level of political or social commentary. Their cartoons are used to convey and question an aspect of daily news or current affairs in a national or international context. Political cartoonists generally adopt a [[caricaturist]] style of [[drawing]], to capture the likeness of a politician or subject. They may also employ humor or [[satire]] to ridicule an individual or group, emphasize their point of view or comment on a particular event.
== Definition and Purpose ==
Editorial cartoons often emphasize satire and caricature, using [[Humor comics|humor]] and exaggerated [[illustrations]] to criticize or draw attention to political and social issues. The intent is to convey complex ideas quickly and effectively, often using minimal text or no words at all, making them accessible across language barriers.


Because an editorial cartoonist expresses an idea visually, with little or no text or words, it can be understood across many languages and countries. A strong tradition of editorial cartooning can be found throughout the world, in all political environments, including Cuba, Australia, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Iran, France, Denmark, Canada and the United States.
The primary purpose of editorial cartoons is to stimulate public discourse, provoke thought, and provide critical perspectives on societal issues. They can be supportive, critical, or humorous, depending on the cartoonist's viewpoint and the topic addressed.


== Overview ==
== Artistic Style and Techniques ==
The traditional and most common outlet for political cartoonists is the [[pocket cartoon]], which usually appears on the [[editorial page]] or the front news page of a newspaper. Editorial cartoons are not usually found in the dedicated comics section, although certain cartoons or [[comic strips]] (such as ''[[Doonesbury]]'') have achieved crossover status.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://deccanchronicle.com/articledetailpage.aspx?id=13630377|title=Counter Point|website=Daily Pocket Cart|publisher=Deccan Chronicle}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
Editorial cartoonists typically use caricatured art styles to highlight the features and characteristics of political figures or subjects. Common techniques include:


In [[India]], the most common and popular form of political commentary is the pocket cartoon. [[R. K. Laxman]], [[Sudhir Dar]], [[Mario Miranda]], [[E. P. Unny]], [[Shekhar Gurera]], [[Ajit Ninan]] are some of the popular editorial cartoonists, through their daily pocket cartoons.
* '''[[Caricature]]:''' Exaggeration of physical features for satirical effect.
* '''Symbolism:''' Using objects or characters to represent larger concepts (e.g., Uncle Sam for the United States).
* '''Satire and Irony:''' Highlighting contradictions or absurdities in political situations.
* '''Metaphor:''' Using visual metaphors to represent complex ideas or relationships.


Editorial cartoonists may reflect the political opinion expressed on the editorial page, or a newspaper in general, but they can also express opposing views, or opt for more populist humor that often reflects the [[conventional wisdom]] of the readers.
Traditional cartoons were hand-drawn using ink and later scanned for newspaper reproduction. Today, many cartoonists use digital tools for faster production and distribution.


Historically, the political cartoon has roots in ancient art forms such as prehistoric [[cave painting]]s or the [[hieroglyph]]s of Egypt, in terms of their role in informing society. Cartoonists in many ways take on the role of a [[Jester|court jester]], who though employed by a king or other ruler, would often mimic and ridicule him and his regime in his performances, to entertain the court or the common man.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Observations on a Theory of Political Caricature|first=W. A.|last=Coupe|journal=[[Comparative Studies in Society and History]]|volume=11|number=1 |date=Jan 1969|pages=79–95|publisher=Cambridge University Press|doi=10.1017/S0010417500005168 |jstor=178289 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/178289}}</ref>
== Historical Background ==
The roots of editorial cartooning can be traced back to ancient times, such as Egyptian hieroglyphs and medieval woodcut prints. Modern political cartoons evolved during the Enlightenment and were popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly by figures like James Gillray and Thomas Nast, who used them as tools for political commentary.


==Media trends==
Cartoonists historically acted in the role of the '''court jester''', using humor and wit to critique power structures while entertaining the public.
Historically, political cartoons were quick, hand-drawn ink drawings, scanned and reproduced in black and white, and published in print newspapers. The introduction of color came later, and more recently the use of digital drawing tools are a popular and efficient way to produce work quickly for newspaper deadlines.


In recent years, the Internet has become a popular means for distributing this kind of short format media, humor, and minority political opinions, leading to a large growth in the popularity of online and alternative editorial cartoons.
== International Tradition ==
Editorial cartooning is a global tradition, with notable practices in:


The rise of [[comics journalism]] online, which combines the longer comic strip format as a means to relay a story in more depth, is very effective in a vertical web format. As [[visual journalist]]s, comics journalist can tell a story in a visual way, with words and images.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/tracking-indian-communities/in-age-of-memes-political-cartoons-die-a-silent-death|title=In age of memes, political cartoons die a silent death|author=R Rangara|work=[[The Times Of India]]|date=June 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/living/critique-in-caricature-is-political-cartooning-a-dying-art-or-is-there-hope-for-its-future-3427950.html|title=Critique in caricature|first=Ananya|last=Srivastava|work=[[First Post]]|date=May 14, 2017}}</ref>
* '''India:''' [[R.K. Laxman]], [[Sudhir Dar]], E.P. Unny.
* '''United States:''' [[Thomas Nast]], [[Herblock]], [[Pat Oliphant]], [[Signe Wilkinson]].
* '''France:''' [[Charlie Hebdo]]’s team ([[Charb]], [[Cabu]], [[Wolinski]]).
* '''Iran:''' [[Atena Farghadani]].
* '''Australia:''' [[Bill Leak]].
* '''Canada:''' [[Terry Mosher]] (''Aislin'').


In the United States, there are more than a hundred published editorial cartoonists, from both sides of the political divide. Whereas in the past American newspapers generally used to employ staff political cartoonists, nowadays the work of many political cartoonists are distributed via [[print syndication|syndication services]] (such as [[Andrews McMeel Syndication]], [[Cagle Cartoons]], the [[Tribune Content Agency]], [[King Features Syndicate]], [[Creators Syndicate]], and [[Counterpoint Media]]).<ref name=EP>{{cite magazine| title=New syndication options for illustrators: Syndicates facilitate ongoing opportunity for creators of comics and puzzles| date=June 16, 2022| first=Rob| last=Tornoe| magazine=[[Editor & Publisher]]| url=https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/new-syndication-options-for-illustrators,231246}}</ref>
== Platforms and Syndication ==
Political cartoons commonly appear in:


== Risks ==
* '''Newspapers and Magazines:''' Traditionally on the editorial pages.
A political cartoonist's aim is often to encourage debate; they can also fuel controversy. Their work can expose corrupt or abusive regimes, governments or political groups, and therefore often put themselves and their publishers at risk.
* '''Online Publications and Syndication Services:'''
** ''[[Cagle Cartoons]]''
** ''[[Andrews McMeel Syndication]]''
** ''[[Creators Syndicate]]''
** ''[[King Features Syndicate]]''
* '''Social Media:''' Expanding the reach of editorial cartoons globally.


In 2005, Danish cartoonist [[Kurt Westergaard]], who participated in the [[Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy]], received numerous death threats and was attacked in his home by a man with an axe.<ref name=w2>{{cite news |first=Jakob Hvide |last=Beim |url=http://politiken.dk/indland/article871711.ece |title=Westergaard-angriber skal 25 dage i fængsel -"Westergaard-attack, 25 days in jail (translation) |date=28 December 2009 |work=Dagbladet Politiken |access-date=2 January 2010 |language=da}}</ref><ref>[http://www.cphpost.dk/news/national/88-national/47853-assassination-attempt-on-mohammed-cartoonist.html Assassination attempt on Mohammed cartoonist] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104234620/http://www.cphpost.dk/news/national/88-national/47853-assassination-attempt-on-mohammed-cartoonist.html |date=4 January 2010 }}</ref>
Syndication services have become the dominant way for political cartoons to reach wide audiences as staff cartoonist positions have declined in many newspapers.


In 2015, the French satirical magazine ''[[Charlie Hebdo]]''{{'}}s offices were attacked by two Islamist gunmen in reaction to publishing cartoons of [[Muhammad]]. Twelve employees were killed, including staff cartoonists [[Charb]], [[Cabu]], Honoré, [[Tignous]] and Wolinski.<ref name=indep7jan>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/charlie-hebdo-shooting-10-killed-as-shots-fired-at-satirical-magazine-headquarters-according-to-reports-9962337.html|title=Charlie Hebdo shooting: At least 12 killed as shots fired at satirical magazine's Paris office|work=The Independent|access-date=9 January 2015|date=7 January 2015|location=London|first1=Adam|last1=Withnall|first2=John|last2=Lichfield}}</ref>
== Risk and Controversy ==
Due to the provocative nature of political cartoons, cartoonists often face criticism, censorship, and personal threats. Prominent cases include:


==Awards==
* '''[[Kurt Westergaard]] (2005):''' Death threats following his depiction of Muhammad in ''Jyllands-Posten''.
The [[Cartoonists Rights Network International]] awards the annual Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award to political cartoonists who show bravery and risk their own safety to publish their work. In 2015, this accolade was awarded to [[Atena Farghadani]] of Iran, who was jailed for more than 12 years for publishing a cartoon of Iran's parliament with heads of various animals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://cartoonistsrights.org/gSRU1|title=Jailed Iranian Artist Atena Farghadani Recipient of CRNI's 2015 Courage in Cartooning Award|access-date=11 March 2017|archive-date=8 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208071130/http://cartoonistsrights.org/gSRU1|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''[[Charlie Hebdo]] (2015):''' A terrorist attack resulting in the deaths of 12 staff members, including five cartoonists, due to the magazine’s depiction of Muhammad.


There is a [[Pulitzer Prize]] awarded every year for America's top editorial cartoonist &mdash; as decided by a panel of senior media industry professionals and media academics (see [[Pulitzer Prize for Illustrated Reporting and Commentary]]). Other major awards given each year to editorial cartoonists include the [[Sigma Delta Chi Award]] from the [[Society of Professional Journalists]], the [[Thomas Nast]] Award from the [[Overseas Press Club]], and the [[Herblock]] Prize.
== Awards and Recognition ==
Notable awards for editorial cartooning include:


==Organizations==
* '''[[Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning]]'''
* [[Association of American Editorial Cartoonists]] (AAEC): The largest organization of political cartoonists, have over 300 members worldwide. 
* '''[[Herblock Prize]]'''
* [[National Cartoonists Society]] (NCS): welcomes editorial cartoonists in the United States.
* '''Sigma Delta Chi Award (Society of Professional Journalists)'''
* [[Cartoonists Rights Network International]] (CRNI): It helps cartoonists who are exiled, jailed or in danger of persecution.
* '''[[Thomas Nast Award]] (Overseas Press Club)'''
* [[Indian Institute of Cartoonists]] (IIC): The only organisation in [[India]] dedicated to the art of cartooning and regularly exhibit cartoons of various cartoonists


==Books==
== Associations and Organizations ==
There are several North American books that have collected together the majority of cartoonists being published at the time. ''Attack of the Political Cartoonists'', written by [[J. P. Trostle]], was published in 2004 and includes profiles of 150 mainstream American and Canadian cartoonists. ''Attack'' was an effort to update the 1962 tome ''Today's Cartoon'', by ''New Orleans States-Item'' cartoonist John Chase, which included most of the editorial cartoonists working in the U.S. at the height of the Cold War. The 3-volume ''Attitude'' series includes some of the political cartoonists who have appeared in alternative newspapers and online &mdash; see ''[[Attitude: The New Subversive Cartoonists]]''.
Prominent organizations supporting editorial cartoonists include:


There are also a number of North American annual collections published each year, including ''Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year'' from Pelican Publishing, ''Best Political Cartoons of the Year'' from [[Daryl Cagle]], and Portfolio, which showcases the best Canadian cartoons of the year.
* '''[[Association of American Editorial Cartoonists]] (AAEC):''' The largest organization of political cartoonists, have over 300 members worldwide.
* '''[[National Cartoonists Society]] (NCS):''' Welcomes editorial cartoonists in the United States.
* '''[[Cartoonists Rights Network International]] (CRNI):''' Helps cartoonists who are exiled, jailed or in danger of persecution.
* '''[[Indian Institute of Cartoonists]] (IIC):''' The only organisation in India dedicated to the art of cartooning and regularly exhibit cartoons of various cartoonists


==See also==
== Notable Collections and Books ==
*[[List of editorial cartoonists]]
Several significant collections and books have chronicled the art of editorial cartooning, such as:
*[[Indian Institute of Cartoonists]]
*[[Center for the Study of Political Graphics]]
*[[Animated political cartoons]]
*[[Graphics]]


== References ==
* ''Attack of the Political Cartoonists'' by J.P. Trostle (2004)
{{reflist}}
* ''Today's Cartoon'' by John Chase (1962)
* ''Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year'' by Pelican Publishing
* ''The Herblock Book'' by Herbert Block
 
Editorial cartooning remains a powerful medium for critical commentary, balancing art and journalism to challenge authority and engage the public.


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://toonsmag.com/ Cartoons Magazine]
*[http://toonsmag.com/ Cartoons Magazine]
*[http://cartoonistsrights.org/ Cartoonists Rights Network International]
*[http://cartoonistsrights.org/ Cartoonists Rights Network International]

Latest revision as of 14:55, 4 January 2025

Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Steve Benson at the Freedom From Religion Foundation 2019 National Convention in Madison, Wisconsin. Photograph by Peter Rimar
Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Steve Benson at the Freedom From Religion Foundation 2019 National Convention in Madison, Wisconsin.

An editorial cartoonist, also known as a political cartoonist, is an artist who creates editorial cartoons containing political or social commentary. These cartoons are commonly used to reflect, critique, and provoke discussion about current events, public figures, and policies in national or international contexts.

Definition and Purpose

Editorial cartoons often emphasize satire and caricature, using humor and exaggerated illustrations to criticize or draw attention to political and social issues. The intent is to convey complex ideas quickly and effectively, often using minimal text or no words at all, making them accessible across language barriers.

The primary purpose of editorial cartoons is to stimulate public discourse, provoke thought, and provide critical perspectives on societal issues. They can be supportive, critical, or humorous, depending on the cartoonist's viewpoint and the topic addressed.

Artistic Style and Techniques

Editorial cartoonists typically use caricatured art styles to highlight the features and characteristics of political figures or subjects. Common techniques include:

  • Caricature: Exaggeration of physical features for satirical effect.
  • Symbolism: Using objects or characters to represent larger concepts (e.g., Uncle Sam for the United States).
  • Satire and Irony: Highlighting contradictions or absurdities in political situations.
  • Metaphor: Using visual metaphors to represent complex ideas or relationships.

Traditional cartoons were hand-drawn using ink and later scanned for newspaper reproduction. Today, many cartoonists use digital tools for faster production and distribution.

Historical Background

The roots of editorial cartooning can be traced back to ancient times, such as Egyptian hieroglyphs and medieval woodcut prints. Modern political cartoons evolved during the Enlightenment and were popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly by figures like James Gillray and Thomas Nast, who used them as tools for political commentary.

Cartoonists historically acted in the role of the court jester, using humor and wit to critique power structures while entertaining the public.

International Tradition

Editorial cartooning is a global tradition, with notable practices in:

Platforms and Syndication

Political cartoons commonly appear in:

Syndication services have become the dominant way for political cartoons to reach wide audiences as staff cartoonist positions have declined in many newspapers.

Risk and Controversy

Due to the provocative nature of political cartoons, cartoonists often face criticism, censorship, and personal threats. Prominent cases include:

  • Kurt Westergaard (2005): Death threats following his depiction of Muhammad in Jyllands-Posten.
  • Charlie Hebdo (2015): A terrorist attack resulting in the deaths of 12 staff members, including five cartoonists, due to the magazine’s depiction of Muhammad.

Awards and Recognition

Notable awards for editorial cartooning include:

Associations and Organizations

Prominent organizations supporting editorial cartoonists include:

Notable Collections and Books

Several significant collections and books have chronicled the art of editorial cartooning, such as:

  • Attack of the Political Cartoonists by J.P. Trostle (2004)
  • Today's Cartoon by John Chase (1962)
  • Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year by Pelican Publishing
  • The Herblock Book by Herbert Block

Editorial cartooning remains a powerful medium for critical commentary, balancing art and journalism to challenge authority and engage the public.

External links

Retrieved from "https://cartoonwiki.toonsmag.org/index.php?title=Editorial_cartoonist&oldid=201636"