Cartoonist vs. Illustrator — What's the Difference?

A cartoonist, also known as a comic strip creator, comic book artist, graphic novel artist, or comic book illustrator, is a visual artist who specializes in drawing cartoons (individual images) or comics (sequential images). Cartoonists include artists who handle all aspects of the work and those who contribute only part of the production.

An illustrator is an artist who specializes in enhancing writing or elucidating concepts by providing a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text or idea. The illustration may be intended to clarify complicated concepts or objects that are difficult to describe textually, which is the reason illustrations are often found in children's books.Illustration is the art of making images that work with something and add to it without needing direct attention and without distracting from what they illustrate.

A drawing depicting a humorous situation, often accompanied by a caption.

To clarify or explain, as by the use of examples or comparisons

A drawing representing current public figures or issues symbolically and often satirically

To serve as an example or clarification of

A preliminary sketch similar in size to the work, such as a fresco, that is to be copied from it.

To provide (a text) with explanatory or decorative images

A usually short, animated movie or television program.

(Obsolete) To light up; illuminate.

An animated character in a movie or television program.

To present a clarification, example, or explanation.

A comic strip.

A person who draws pictures (especially illustrations in books or magazines)

A ridiculously oversimplified or stereotypical representation

One who illustrates.

To draw a humorous or satirical representation of; caricature.

An artist who makes illustrations (for books or magazines or advertisements etc.)

To make humorous or satirical drawings.

(comics) One who creates a cartoon or strip cartoon.

(comics) One who both writes and illustrates comic books or graphic novels.

One skilled in drawing cartoons.

A person who draws cartoons