In Campus Journalism: Editorial Cartooning

A sample editorial cartooning. Photo owned by www.colombian.com

Editorial Cartoons:

-          Editorials in pictorial/caricature form.

-          Supplement and crystallize the editorial commentary.

-          Have greater impact than the editorial proper.

-          Connect important parts by providing a link between the news and views of the paper.

-          Play a vital and effective function in influencing public opinion.

-          Make a character or an event more humorous, interesting and entertaining.

-          Emphasize a single point and topic.

Forms of Editorial Cartooning

• Criticism – discriminating judgement
• Appreciation – true or adequate estimation
• Comment – reflections or observations

Subjects/Topics in Cartooning

• Culture – enlightenment or civilization
• History – past events
• Economics – business, production and consumption of goods and services
• Political – government, relationship of people and leaders and among leaders.
• Social – interaction among people

Tips for Cartooning

1. Limit the use of words and labels to the minimum. Don’t write an essay.
2. It should have one/single topic.
3. A clear, catchy, attractive and striking cartoon is necessary.
4. Consider your readers in the choice of symbols.
5. Use bold lines and strokes.
6. Be extra careful when shading and shadowing your cartoon.
7. Study and master lines to show basic facial expressions and emotions.
8. Develop your own style. Watch out for plagiarism.
9. Cartoons are also subject to the laws of libel.
10. The cartoonist should be open to ideas, confer with the editor and other staff.
11. A cartoon may be has the same topic as the editorial issue.
12. The cartoon may also be on a different topic from that of the editorial proper.

Steps in Editorial Cartooning

• List down the subjects to choose from.
• Think of the propelling current issue.
• Ask what is the opinion/stand of the paper about the issue.
• Decide the universal symbols to be used.
• Draw more than one cartoon/caricature on the same subject/issue chosen.
• Finally choose the best editorial cartooning to be printed.

References:

Cruz, C. J., (1991). Campus Journalism. Rex Printing Company, Inc., Quezon City.

Estrada, E.C. and Nem Singh, R. P. (1987). Basic Journalism. National Bookstore, Inc., Manila.

Malinao, A. L. (1997). Journalism for Filipinos. National Bookstore Inc., Mandaluyong City.

Pangilinan, E. C. (1998). Journalism Handbook. National Bookstore Inc., Quezon City.