How to Start a Cartoon/Joke Writer Business
There are many options available to you online if you have a knack for humor or cartoon sketching. A common trend found across humor sites is the inclusion of an opt-in mail list. a joke of the day, quote of the week, or the like
Many websites make their money by allowing other companies to sponsor their mail list or newsletter based on a CPM (cost per thousand) basis. These sites also often sell banner advertising opportunities as well.
Some of these websites will allow the reproduction of the cartoons or jokes they develop for a fee. As a freelance artist, you have the option of doing custom work for other companies that they could then include in their media.
Depending on your objectives, you may wish to expand your services to include Web icon design, gifts, cards, advertising, and apparel.
Well-developed artistic or written skills, combined with a knack for humor.
Web development and promotion costs will play a role in your start-up costs. Investment in equipment to develop the creative side of the business will also have to be incurred if you do not already own items such as a scanner or graphic editing software. Expect costs to run between $500 and $2,000.
This is a one-person business. This business can start as a part-time endeavor.
International potential exists, but only if the foreign culture is similar to your own. What you may find funny, others may not. Also, if you’re focusing on current happenings, these happenings may not be of great interest to foreign countries.
You can earn additional income by developing your own line of merchandise that depicts your comedic material and then selling it online or offline at local events, fairs, flea markets, and so on.
Copyright issues need to be addressed. If you are charging for the use of your cartoons, ensure that your contracts are very clear in the usage rights you are granting. Make it very clear whether the client has exclusive rights, unlimited usage, or single usage rights.
