Sarah Parsons Freelance Cartoonist . . . cartoons and cartoon style illustrations to add visual appeal and communicate ideas in publications and projects
newspapers | magazines | journals | newsletters | books | articles | editorials | lectures | presentations | teaching aids | public education campaigns | public speaking visuals
websites | e-newsletters | advertising | logos | brochures | PR materials | information packs | fiction & non-fiction illustration | educational materials | greeting cards | posters
Cartooning services available worldwide          Email enquiries & obligation free quotes:  sarah@sarahparsons.com.au       ABN 12952142751     Assoc.Mem.A.C.A.


 
SERVICES AT SARAHPARSONS.COM.AU
Cartooning is a versatile medium; if you can write about it, you can cartoon about it!

And while the sky's the limit in terms of
CONTENT, HUMOUR and VISUAL STYLE, the FORMAT of
a cartoon tends to be one of these types . . .
   

1.  Single Panel Cartoons
single image | set of single images | one-off or regular

A single panel cartoon is an image with a caption, speech bubble/s or sometimes with no words at all (silent).  It may stand alone or it may support, emphasize or challenge the text it is presented with, adding fresh angles or amusing viewpoints.

Examples: a set of humourous cartoons throughout a non-fiction book, pocket cartoons in a newspaper (small black and white mini cartoons), political caricature cartoons, cartoons on a greeting cards, monthly cartoons in a magazine, cartoon calendars.

2.  Cartoon Style Illustrations
single image | set of single images | one-off or regular

A cartoon style illustration is an image, without words, which serves the same purpose as an illustration.  However it uses a 'cartoon' style in the line work and normally illustrates something else (such as text). Cartoon style illustrations can magnify a point, explain, add visual delight, and relieve the eye in a sea of text.

Examples: caricature portraits, cartoon diagrams, cartoon style illustrations for children's books, illustrations in newspapers, logos, signs, website images.


3.  Comic Strips
single row | many rows | half/full page | one-off or regular

A comic strip is much like single panel cartoons, but its length allows for greater detail, a longer build-up, and a  fuller development of character and story.  A strip, like a mini-film, shows the passing of time and leads to a point at the end.

A comic strip is usually periodic (weekly, monthly) and character based; allowing the audience to know and identify with the characters, creating a regular following. One-off strips, especially longer ones, can also suit many projects (such as educational strips).

Examples: newspaper strips, magazine strips, educational strips for children and teaching purposes, advertisements, cartoon strip collections in books, comic books with different artists.

4.  Cartoon Characters
single character | group of characters 

A cartoon character is a fully formed cartoon personality such as a person, animal, inanimate object or anthropomorphic creature (animal taking on human characteristics and capabilities).

It can be created using a character sheet which shows detail about personality, clothing, colours, accessories and shape, to ensure the character can be reproduced consistently and viewed from any angle. Samples of character sheets: CARTOON PORTFOLIO

Examples: brands, logos, mascots, puppets, merchandise, characters to teach/support educational programs or in longer cartoon pieces such as graphic novels. Cartoon characters can form a central part of branding and business image, supporting the existing vision of the business, the business colours and the business's tone/attitude.

5.  Story Length Cartoons
graphic novel | short stories | one-off or series 

A story length cartoon is basically a very long comic strip, and it can vary in length from a couple of pages, a pamphlet, a booklet, a comic to a full book length (e.g. graphic novel). 

It differs from a comic strip in that it has a full story (from start to middle to finish), or a full explanation in the case of non-fiction. The narrative structure or plot is important in holding reader interest. A story length cartoon can be a one-off or part of an ongoing series. 

Examples: Manga comics, educational booklets, graphic novel series, history comic books, pamphlets and booklets for public awareness campaigns (e.g. health).



Artwork available in colour, greyscale or black & white.

These cartoon formats can be used for many purposes
(e.g. diagrams, logos, illustrating children's books,
editorial cartoons, caricaturing politicians etc)

For more ideas on cartoon uses, and who uses them, see: WHY CARTOONS WORK

WEBSITE & ARTWORK © SARAH PARSONS 2008
Artwork on this website is copyright and may not be reproduced without permission. Except on kitchen fridges.