If you have an artistic flair and enjoy expressing your views through cartoons, caricatures or comic strips, then the best way to gain recognition as a cartoonist is to build a portfolio of artwork. Competition is fierce and only a small percentage get their big breaks and eventually become famous cartoonists. You need to be persistent in sending your work to potential clients, newspapers, magazines, greeting card companies and the like.

If a world syndicated comic strip is not your target, there is alway the option of developing your own line of premiums or apparel that feature your artwork. Many caricaturists make a decent living at malls, charging a fee to customers who want a caricature done of themselves or a loved one. Taking this a step further, you could offer to transfer their caricature to T-shirts or mugs. Unless you operate this niche business near an art school or cartoonist community, you shouldn't have to worry too much about competitors. The cartoonist's and caricaturist's skills are not something that can be picked up overnight. A pretty nice way to turn your passion for doodling into money!