Frequently Asked Questions

Caricatures at Live Events

What area do you cover?
Usually up to 2hr car travel distance from Gloucester but this can vary. Please contact me and I'll do my best to assist you wherever I can.

How many caricatures can you draw?
I can usually produce from 6 - 10 black and white, A3 (420mm x 297mm) individual caricatures an hour, but this depends on working conditions. Colour takes longer, but can be done on request. Please use this as a rough guide only as I cannot guarantee a certain number.

How do you create them?
I create my illustrations on an easel and will require a position that has an electrical point available for my lighting.

What do the subjects receive?
A 'head and shoulder' caricature, created with marker pen black line with pastel shading on A3 paper. Each drawing is then rolled up and placed in a waterproof plastic tube/bag.

I've seen other artists create them on a clipboard, do you do this?
No, I'm afraid I don't. I prefer to offer a caricature service where individuals can approach me at my easel to have one drawn. Some more sensitive people can find the idea of having a caricaturist appearing in front of them quite daunting. This way, no pressure is put on the individual to pose for one.

Do you have Public Liability insurance and is your electrical equipment safety tested?
Yes, I do have insurance and all of the electrical equipment I use (lights attached to easel etc) is tested to C&G2377 standards by Gloucester PAT Testing. Copies of all required documents can be emailed to you on request.

What do you require at the venue?
Some fun-loving subjects (!) and a power point and at least two chairs.

How much do you charge?
I charge an hourly rate (minimum 2 hrs booking) plus a charge to cover my travel costs. Please email me for a quote.

I'd like to hire you for my special event, what do I do next?
I will require a 50% non-refundable deposit to secure the booking and for you to fill in a small form (this will be emailed to you for to complete and post back to me). The balance would then be required on the day of the event.

I look forward to bringing some extra fun to your day!

Photo by: www.jumerphotography.com

Goal
My goal is to provide caricature illustrations to customers that represent people in a fun, cartoon style, usually with exaggerated features and for comic effect. Caricature illustrations differ from portrait illustrations as they often focus on the characteristics of a person’s face (and sometimes body) and accentuate them. Most people enjoy receiving a caricature illustration and take them in good jest. If, however, this doesn’t happen, please be aware that I take no responsibility for any offence or personal upset that may arise from the artwork. Also, before commissioning an illustration, please bear in mind that I am not a 'portrait artist’ and because of this, I do not create illustrations that are an identical representation of an individual.

Achieving resemblance of a person in a caricature
If a subject were to sit in front of a group of caricaturists then there would be certain features that all of the caricaturists would focus on, but every illustration would look different because every artist has a different way of caricaturing. For instance, if a bald man were to be caricatured then his head might not be the focus point that is exaggerated. The subject may have a certain curl of the lip or look in their eye that the caricaturist may choose to highlight instead. Of course, the customer can tell me in writing if he/she would like a certain part of the subject exaggerated, or pulling a face in a certain way, but if they don’t then the subject will be caricatured at the artist’s discretion. If the later is chosen, then please bear this in mind when viewing the final artwork. Like all art, caricature illustration is subjective so please take this into account. It is worthwhile taking time to view all samples and styles of caricatures I have created and displayed on my website before ordering.

Caricatures created from photographs
To get the best representation of a person in a caricature, I require the best photographic reference. As I don’t know the subject and they are not in front of me, I must rely on the photographs. A minimum of 8 photographs, which you feel represent the individual accurately, should be provided. They should be high quality, supplied in colour, taken in good lighting and from different angles. The subject should also be shown with different expressions, as this gives a much better idea of the individual’s characteristics and from this a better likeness is achieved. The colour of eyes and hair must be clearly stated as sometimes photographs can give off the wrong impression. If there’s a particular pose required then this must be described by the customer and, where possible, backed up with photographic reference. A long time is spent studying photos, with every commission receiving maximum attention to detail. In the absence of an exact description of what is required in the final artwork, I will use artistic licence.

Copyright
As the originator of the artwork, I hold the copyright to each Illustration created. A customer can make copies for their own personal use, but the illustration is not for commercial use without prior permission from me.

Caricature Illustration styles, proofing and payment details
A range of caricature styles are offered, each created using different methods. My styles are:

• ‘Pastel’ caricatures - Black line with pastel shading (created as head and shoulder illustrations only).
• ‘Digital’ caricatures - Hand-drawn, then colour rendered on computer and printed on high quality 'archival matte' paper.
• ‘Pencil' (previously called 'Superfine Detail’) caricatures - Hand-drawn illustrations created using pencil and pen on quality cartridge paper.
  
  

All illustrations in this site are
© Tony Marriott