Cartooning isn’t just about sketching funny characters; it’s a serious career with multiple income streams. Whether you’re an aspiring cartoonist or a seasoned artist looking to boost your earnings, 2026 offers more opportunities than ever. The digital landscape, social media, NFTs, and freelance platforms have opened new doors for artists willing to explore innovative ways to monetize their craft.
In this guide, we’ll cover 15+ ways to make money as a cartoonist, from traditional publishing to cutting-edge digital opportunities.
How to Make Money as a Cartoonist
1. Freelance Cartooning
Freelancing is one of the most accessible ways to earn money as a cartoonist. Websites like Cartoonist Network, Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour allow you to connect with clients worldwide looking for custom cartoons. You can sell caricatures, editorial cartoons, social media comics, and more.
Pro Tip: Create niche-specific gigs, such as pet caricatures or business mascots, to stand out.
2. Sell Your Comics as NFTs
The NFT market has changed how artists make money. By minting your comics or digital cartoons as NFTs, you can sell them to collectors who value unique digital art.
Platforms like OpenSea and Rarible make it easy to list and sell your work. Just be sure to research gas fees and blockchain platforms that best suit your needs.
3. Webcomics and Patreon
If you love storytelling, launching a webcomic can be a great way to earn. You can monetize through:
- Ad revenue from platforms like Webtoon and Tapas.
- Patreon subscriptions, where fans pay monthly for exclusive content.
- Merchandising based on popular characters from your webcomic.
Example: Sarah Andersen’s “Sarah’s Scribbles” and Shen’s “Owlturd” both make significant income via Patreon.
4. Illustrate Books and eBooks
Authors are constantly looking for illustrators for children’s books, comic books, and graphic novels. Websites like Toons Mag, Cartoonist Network, Reedsy, Upwork, and Behance can help you find book illustration gigs.
If you’re confident in storytelling, you can even create and self-publish your own illustrated books on Amazon KDP or Gumroad.
5. Sell Merchandise
Your cartoon characters can come to life in the form of T-shirts, mugs, stickers, and posters. Platforms like Cartoonist Network, Redbubble, Teespring, and Society6 allow artists to upload their designs and earn passive income from sales.
Pro Tip: Tap into trends—seasonal cartoons, memes, and pop culture references sell well.
6. YouTube Cartooning Channel
If you enjoy animation or commentary, consider starting a YouTube channel where you:
- Create short animated skits
- Teach cartooning techniques
- Share timelapse drawings
You can monetize through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and fan memberships.
Example: TheOdd1sOut turned doodles into a million-dollar empire.
7. Sell Digital Cartooning Resources
Many artists make money selling digital brushes, templates, and courses on platforms like:
- Gumroad (for digital assets)
- Etsy (for printable art and guides)
- Udemy & Skillshare (for teaching how to draw cartoons)
If you’re skilled with software like Procreate or Photoshop, this can be a great passive income stream.
8. Offer Caricature Services
Caricatures are always in demand for events, gifts, and business branding. You can:
- Take commissions online
- Offer live caricature drawings at parties and corporate events
- Work with event planners and wedding services
Pro Tip: Social media marketing can help attract more clients—use Easybie, Cartoonist Network, Instagram and TikTok to showcase your work.
9. Social Media Monetization
Platforms like Easybie, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are excellent for growing a fanbase. Once you have an engaged audience, you can monetize through:
- Sponsored posts
- Selling digital downloads
- Memberships on platforms like Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee
Example: Cartoonists like Ketnipz and Nathan Pyle (Strange Planet) have built lucrative brands through social media.
10. Work for Animation Studios
If you’re skilled in character design, storyboard creation, or animation, consider working with animation studios. You can apply to:
- Pixar, Disney, Netflix Animation, or indie studios
- Freelance animation projects via ArtStation or Behance
- Video game companies needing concept artists
11. Comic Conventions & Art Fairs
Selling prints and commissions at conventions can be highly profitable. If you have a strong brand or a unique style, fans will pay for signed artwork, commissions, and exclusive prints.
Pro Tip: If you can’t attend in-person events, consider selling at virtual comic conventions.
12. Work as an Editorial Cartoonist
Political and editorial cartoons are still a powerful way to make a statement. You can:
- Pitch cartoons to newspapers and magazines
- Create online editorial content for blogs and news websites
- Offer exclusive satirical content on Patreon
Example: Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonists like Michael Ramirez make a living through syndication.
13. Teach Cartooning Online
With online learning growing, teaching cartooning can be a great revenue stream. You can:
- Create courses for Udemy, Skillshare, or Coursera
- Offer private Zoom lessons
- Write an instructional book on cartooning techniques
14. Crowdfunding a Cartoon Project
If you have a big idea for a comic book, animated series, or unique cartooning project, crowdfunding can help. Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow artists to raise money from fans to fund their work.
Pro Tip: Offer cool rewards like signed comics, digital artwork, or even personalized caricatures for backers.
15. Join Cartooning Competitions
Many global and online competitions offer cash prizes and publishing deals. Examples include:
- The New Yorker Cartoon Contest
- Clip Studio Paint International Illustration Contest
- Webtoon Creator Awards
Winning or placing in a competition can boost your career and open doors to lucrative opportunities.
16. Sell Exclusive Comics to Magazines & Websites
Many publications pay for original cartoons. Magazines like Toons Mag, The New Yorker, MAD Magazine, and even niche blogs often need fresh, unique cartoon content.
Reach out to editors or use platforms like Submittable to pitch your work.
Final Thoughts: Can You Make a Living as a Cartoonist in 2026?
Absolutely! The key is to diversify your income streams. Relying on just one method—like freelancing or social media—can be risky, but combining several of these strategies can create a sustainable, profitable career in cartooning.
Start with the methods that best fit your style and skill set, and experiment with new opportunities as you grow. With persistence, creativity, and smart marketing, making money as a cartoonist in 2026 is more achievable than ever!
Which of these methods do you want to try first? Let’s discuss how you can start today!
