Learning Targets: To understand and develop creativity

Success criteria: I can… Create and develop 3 different major cartoon features Create and develop 3 different major characters. At least one per cartoon feature.

Agenda 10/20/2015 Create and develop a cartoon feature Create and develop a major cartoon character.

King Features Cartoon Project King Features is always happy to look at new comic features for possible syndication. We believe in the art of cartooning and place great importance on looking at new material. Without exception, we carefully consider every comic strip or panel idea submitted to us.

King Features Cartoon Project In order to present your work in the best possible light and to help us respond to it more quickly, please follow the submission guidelines.

Submission Guidelines Your total submission package should include: 1. A cover letter — that briefly outlines the overall nature of your comic strip. Your cover letter should also include your full name, address, and telephone number and shouldn’t be much longer than one page.

Submission Guidelines 2 daily comic strips and 2 one panel comics — on 9″ x 12″ paper 3. A character sheet — that shows your major characters (if any) along with their names and a paragraph description of each.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A SUBMISSION? We are looking for comic features that will simultaneously appeal to the editors who buy comics and the readers whose interest the comics must sustain for years to follow. We don’t have a formula for telling us which comics will do that, but we do look for some elements that we believe people respond to.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A SUBMISSION? First, we look for a uniqueness that reflects the cartoonist’s own individual slant on the world and humor. If we see that unique slant, we look to see if the cartoonist is turning his or her attention to events that other people can relate to.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A SUBMISSION? Second, we very carefully study a cartoonist’s writing ability. Good writing helps weak art, better than good art helps weak writing. Good art is also important. It is what first attracts readers to a comic strip. We look to see that your art is drawn clearly and with visual impact. We want our comics to be noticed on a page.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A SUBMISSION? Finally, we look for your ability to sustain a high level of quality material. We want comics that readers will enjoy for years and years.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES? Aspiring cartoonists often place too much emphasis on coming up with a novel character or setting. A strip starring a giraffe won’t get critical acclaim just because there’s never been a giraffe strip before.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES? Well-defined and interesting characters who resonate with their audience is much more important than a unique or novel way of presenting them.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES? In many cases, aspiring cartoonists develop too narrow a premise. Syndicated comics are meant to last for decades.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES? A cartoon about a character who always falls asleep at the wrong time or talks about just one topic day after day, will quickly get repetitive and boring. Develop characters and situations that will allow you many avenues for humor in the future.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES? Finally, many aspiring cartoonists develop comics that are too similar to already successful strips. Newspaper editors aren’t going to duplicate a comic that they already print.

Stage 1: Developing a feature Develop 3 different feature ideas. Each feature idea will be worth 10 summative points for a total of 30 points. Each idea will be assessed on creativity and initiative.

Stage 1: Developing major characters Develop major characters for each feature. Each feature’s character development will be worth 10 summative points for a total of 30 points. Each feature’s major character development will be assessed on creativity and initiative.