Open casting call for cartoonists

San Francisco Standard; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local editorial publication is seeking talented cartoonists who have a unique perspective on San Francisco. Ideal candidates should have a strong editorial instinct and be ready to engage with the city's vibrant culture through their work. Responsibilities include creating editorial cartoons and weekly comic strips. Opportunities for ongoing collaboration and creative contributions to their coverage are available.

Qualifications

• A sharp editorial instinct and distinctive visual voice.
• Ability to create work that is witty and opinionated.
• Curiosity about San Francisco and its culture.

Responsibilities

• Create editorial cartoons to accompany major stories.
• Produce weekly comic strips related to city life.
• Engage with current events and cultural issues in San Francisco.

Job description

We're looking for cartoonists who have a point of view on San Francisco

The San Francisco Standard is building a roster of editorial cartoon talent — sharp, opinionated artists who can turn the news and culture into something you have to stop and look at.

Who we're looking for

We cover San Francisco obsessively — city politics, tech, housing, culture, food, and everything in between. We want cartoonists who are just as plugged in. The ideal candidate has a sharp editorial instinct, a distinctive visual voice, and an opinion about what's happening in this city.

You might draw in any style — illustration, caricature, single‑panel gag, comic strip, digital, analog. What matters is that your work has wit, a point of view, and something to say about the news. You don't need a big platform or a journalism background. You need to be talented, curious about San Francisco, and ready to engage with our coverage.

What this could look like

Think editorial cartoons that accompany our biggest stories, weekly comic strips riffing on city life, illustrated takes on the Boom Loop, the housing crisis, or the latest thing a tech CEO said. Our audience knows this city inside out — your work can meet them there.

How it works

1. Send us your work — Share examples of cartoons, illustrations, or comics you've done before. Links to a portfolio, Instagram, Substack, or individual pieces all work.
2. We'll reach out if it's a fit — Our team reviews submissions on a rolling basis. If we think your style and sensibility are a match, we'll get in touch.
3. Paid development round — We'll commission a handful of original pieces based on our coverage — and pay you for them.
4. Potential ongoing partnership — If the work lands, we'll publish it across our channels and explore a regular schedule together.

Ready to show us what you've got?

Send your portfolio and a brief note about who you are.