Creating and Pitching A New Cartoon Character to Networks: Strategies

Cartoons have developed popular followings throughout the years, first beginning as small animated shorts and then later developing into full length movies. The characters are often exaggerated versions of human beings and put in a variety of different comical situations that highlight certain elements of their inherent character. The fun thing about cartoons is that they often transcend the common boundaries that real life characters encounter and generally have no limits. Here are some tips for creating your own cartoon character.

Your Character Must Have Personality
The most important element of creating a cartoon character is first establishing a number of characteristics that your character can easily be identified by. If you are creating an animated character for children, then the figures general characteristics should be simplistic so that children will understand the humor they bring. If the target audience is adults then you can select personality traits that an adult may be able to identify with.

Cartoon Network

Your figure should also be distinct from other existing animated characters because the last thing networks are going to accept is something that clearly copies a successful cartoon character from another network. You are going to have to think outside the box for this one.

Animations Are Key
Animation is largely about visual style first and dialogue second. You are going to need to put some serious time into developing a signature visual style to your cartoon character. Be sure that it does not look similar to another existing character. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and create something that looks completely different from any other cartoon style. You'll often have a better chance of people enjoying your new concept, rather than being seen as a copycat.

Making Contact With Network
Pitching your idea to any network or paper (depending on whether you are producing an animated television character or simple newsprint cartoon) is going to require the most amount of research. You are going to have to research and compile a comprehensive list of places that would suit your animated character. Remember, a good project will receive funding, but it must be presented in the right place and done properly. The Internet is a great resource for reviews, network websites and information on strategies for getting an interview with a network.

Plan Your Interview
When you do manage to get an interview, plan a course of action for introducing your cartoon character. If they are interested, they will often want to see if you have an idea of how your character may evolve over time. Make sure you convey how important the project is, but also refrain from going as far as suggesting that it is a labor of love. Networks and companies will often decline to work with an individual that seems overprotective and inflexible.

Creating and Pitching A New Cartoon Character to Networks: Strategies

E. Lewis is a writer, musician, photographer, self-proclaimed technology junkie and cat expert, he has contributed articles on subjects such as Maxine Cartoons and BeyBlade Arenas.