How to draw great political cartoons Key Features

Symbolism So what other symbolism could you use to show nationality? Using familiar symbols as signposts instead of drawing the whole story exactly as it is Symbols are picture shorthand! So what other symbolism could you use to show nationality? Look at these people – what is their nationality and how do you know?

Symbolism can show attitude as well as features What emotion does a heart symbolise? What symbolism could you use to show: Hatred? Anger? Peaceful intentions? What does ‘rolling his sleeves up’ symbolise?

Symbolic CONTEXT The people in your cartoon should be placed in a context which is symbolic of the relationship These people – CARICATURES of the leaders of Britain, Italy, France and Germany –are in a boxing ring. This context symbolises the fact that at this time these leaders could not agree.

See how this image also uses SYMBOLISM? Caricature You might want to caricature key figures in your cartoon See how this image also uses SYMBOLISM?

Personification Giving human characteristics to something that isn’t human EG an abstract idea, like ‘liberty’… …or death

Sizing! See how the personification of War is much bigger than the other characters, the angels of peace [– also personification!] This is to show how great a threat war was – size shows significance

Placement Imagine your cartoon is a grid of 9 squares – the most important images should appear in the centre!

Caption