Have you ever considered starting up a cartoon newsletter? Thru that you can keep your readers/ fans in touch with you and have them recieve your lastest cartoons/ comic strips. Of course you would have to update regularly. Why would your boss pay you if you only showed up to work some of the time when you felt like it?
I am not saying that you or anyone else here is like that, it's just after 10 years at this, I know how my readesr and fans think. You must update regularly and on the same day each week.
Then after you got them hooked, start selling them your stuff. Like T-Shirts, mouse pads, books, calendars, signed prints, originals and so forth.
Heck, I raised a grand in one week, just by doing this. Anyone can do it, but it does take some time, effort and planning. I will help anyone who asks, ok.
Also selling originals and prints are a good way to go.
Steve, cartoonist of "Strange Breed" and team member at "ComicsZ"
http://www.comicsz.com
http://www.strangebreedcartoons.com