FAQs

What is the PCO?

Our title pretty much gives the game away: we’re an organisation for, erm, professional cartoonists. We considered Professional Political & Gag Cartoonists’ and Caricaturists’ Organisation…but not for long.

What does it do?

The PCO promotes the work of its members and champions the cartooning arts across the board and around the world. We organise and support exhibitions and festivals. We also stand up for, and have campaigned on behalf of oppressed artists. All before breakfast.

How do I join?

The majority of your earnings need to come from cartooning and/or caricaturing. Then you can send samples of your work or links to a website/social media platform to the esteemed Andrew Birch here: pcomembership@gmail.com

Your application will be considered by the committee and, if successful, you will be inducted via an arcane ceremony that involves being dowsed in Higgins Black Magic ink. Or we might notify you by email.

Do you have a Young Cartoonists membership?

Are you mad? Cartooning is competitive enough without allowing youthful types to muscle in with fresh ideas, exuberance and all that…

We’re actually an organisation for over 18s but there are young cartoonists out there, so keep going! PCO member Zoom Rockman started his career at twelve and is now very successful. Follow cartoonists on social media and check out The Cartoon Museum (see useful links) which runs a Young Cartoonists competition.

How do I commission a cartoonist/caricaturist, etc.?

You have found the PCO so you must already know that cartoons get the message across quickly and simply. Cartoons draw the eye and get to the core of the matter.

On this site you will find reliable professional cartoonists to deliver what you want, when you want it, and within a realistic budget.

1. Choose a cartoonist/caricaturist

Browse the portfolios for the style of cartoon or caricature you are looking for. Or, if you are looking for a particular artist, go to our A to Z section.

2. The brief

When you decide to commission an artist, you will need to agree a brief from which he/she can work. They will not be surprised if you already have a strong idea about what you want. But it will be to your benefit to talk openly about what you are thinking, and why. Cartoonists/caricaturists are creative people and it is often at this earliest stage that their input is most useful.

This exchange of ideas can be as simple as a conversation, but it is usually best to write down the key points and to swap notes with the cartoonist, so you can refer back to them if you need to while the work is being done.

3. Get a quote

This early stage is also a good time to sort out the fee for the work. Typically, the artist will be interested in knowing where the work is going to appear, its usage and its physical dimensions, in order to give you an accurate quote.

The artist will start to think about the particular demands of your job. This will lead to a “rough” drawing or set of ideas that you will be able to review before any final images are created.

Getting agreement on a final image is usually painless, although it sometimes takes a little bit of further negotiation. The finished artwork will be produced for your final approval and supplied in whatever format, traditional or digital, suits you best.

Can the PCO provide any other useful links?

We certainly can. Here are a few that might come in handy: