CHIP BECK
Courtesy of Political Graphics Service and Chip Beck

An editorial cartoonist needs to practice to develop eye and hand coordination, shading and line techniques, and personal style. Political figures, whether elected or running for office, are frequently on television and in print media. Use them as subjects.

By selecting public figures to draw, an inexperienced artist can compare and contrast his techniques with those of professionals. Especially in caricature drawing the young cartoonist needs to practice exaggerating features.

You might give students photographs of William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton, Robert "Bob" Dole and Ross Perot. Have them practice drawing mugs. Compare with each other to see which features were emphasized. Then compare with the caricatures done by professional cartoonist Chip Beck.