Creating a Political Cartoon
Definition: An editorial cartoon, also known as a political cartoon, is an illustration containing a commentary that usually relates to current events or personalities. Examples of political cartoons can be found here: http://www.politicalcartoons.com/
(1) Drawing, design and layout:
(1) Drawing, design and layout:
- Things to consider: What facial expressions are needed to convey the message? How can contrast in color or shading enhance the message?
- What number of elements or objects are needed? What is the focal point? Which visuals need to be emphasized? Did the artist avoid clutter?
- Things to consider: Is the story or historical reference widely known? Is there a present day reference? If there are historical people, are they easily identified? If phrases are used from a literary source, is it well known? What background knowledge does the viewer need to understand the references?
- Things to consider: How do the words work with the visual features of the cartoon? How does the title help you understand the cartoon? How many words, if any , are needed to communicate with the viewer? Are the words familiar to the viewers? Which words aren’t necessary? Is the heading necessary?
- Things to consider: How does the cartoon show an ideas or opinion without stating the opinion? (What is used to represent something else? symbol) Is the issue or idea likened to something else? (analogy) Does the cartoon make the viewer “stretch” his/ her imagination? Is this fair?
- Symbols: Are the symbols well known? Do the symbols add to other elements of the cartoon? Does the symbol not only represent something but help the cartoonist make a point?
- Analogy: Is it clear what the analogy represents?
- (Irony is an implied difference between what is said or expected and what is meant or actually occurs.) Things to consider: Do the words or images express a meaning contrary to the overall point of the cartoon? (irony) Does the message make fun of something or someone? (satire) Is the humor respectful? What makes the cartoon humorous or ironic? (images, words) Does the humor or irony make the reader more open to the cartoonist’s point of view?
- Things to consider: What is the point of changing the proportion of objects or people in a cartoon? What does the proportion tell you about the relationships between the objects and / or people? How does the exaggeration or understatement grab the viewers attention or force a response? Is the exaggeration or understatement used to encourage debate or force the viewer to think? Does the exaggeration or understatement look too ridiculous or silly?
- Things to consider: What does the caricature of the person emphasize or exaggerate? Is it a fair exaggeration? What does the exaggeration in the caricature (nose, jaw, eyes, ears, etc.) indicate about the cartoonist’s view of the person? Do the exaggerations encourage debate or an emotional response? Is it effective? Stereotypes have to be used carefully. Is the stereotype harmful? Prejudicial? Naïve? Unfairly insulting to an entire group? Does the stereotype reinforce the cartoonist’s opinion or distract from his/her opinion?
- Things to consider: Is there one topic or issue? Does it express one opinion? Does the cartoonist understand the issue or topic? Does the cartoon force the viewer to use his/ her imagination while clearly communicating the cartoonist’ opinion?