What is the average salary of a newspaper comic strip artist?

Question

I think I have a pretty cool idea for a comic strip, but before I get all worked up about it, I just want to see if the money is even worth it.

Thanks for all your help!!!

Answer 1

They don't, typically, get a salary. Their work is usually distributed by a syndicate, such as King Features. The syndicate will sell and distribute it to as many papers as want to buy it.

The more papers that carry it, and, the greater the circulation of those papers, the more the artist gets paid.

Not all comic strip artist go through a syndicate. They may sell the strip, directly to the papers. The papers will, of course, only pay what they can afford. A small, local weekly paper will not pay as much as a major metropolitan daily paper. But selling to one paper at a time is time consuming and not very efficiant. That is why syndicates are so popular among this kind of artist.

Answer 2

if it's just one paper, then not much i don't think. however most artists are syndicated and have their strips in newspapers across the country.

after the compilation books (you probably own at least one of the calvin and hobbes compilations) and other related merchandising bric-a-brac, you'd make a comfortable living. who knows an animated series (a la the boondocks) or full length movie (look at the crappy garfield movies) and you could be in for some big money.

but first try to get an agent or maybe look for a small publication, like a college newspaper first to see if you can keep up with the schedule and pressure.

Answer 3

depends, and really shouldn't matter if ur passionate about it. not much if it's just a one time thing though, a lot if it gets big.