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Caricature Entertainmentby Ellen Zucker
What you should know if you are considering caricature entertainment for your party or special event?I've made my living entertaining at parties and special events by drawing caricatures since 1995. I entertain at well over 130 events a year!So I am in an excellent position to talk about this subject. Still, this is not intended as a sales pitch-for that you’ll have to go to my companion web site www.facesandfortunes.com. (where you'll see the pretty samples:) That is the site for my company, Faces & Fortunes, which provides caricature artists for parties and special events in Philadelphia, PA and surrounding areas. Instead, consider my comments as a benchmark to help you understand what to expect when hiring caricature entertainers for your party or special event.
About Caricature and Caricature entertainmentThe word "caricature" is a derivation of the word "character." Enough said. We're all familiar with editorial cartoons, Mad magazine, and Al Hirschfeld. But caricatures are wildly popular at parties and special events. Because the only thing more fun than watching an artist draw... is watching the artist draw the boss that gives you a hard time and making him look funny.
Exaggeration and Artists' SamplesIndividual artists' styles cross the spectrum from mild and almost portrait-like to wildly exaggerated. But truth be told, my experience is, in a party setting, guests generally prefer mild to wild. And so I am (mild). But since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it's never a bad idea to see samples. Artists expect this, so don't be shy about asking. (Mine are here:) When viewing an artist's samples, ask where they were produced? Work produced at a party or party-like conditions will more closely mirror the kind of work you 'll see at your event (versus work done in the studio where the artist can spend hours polishing the sketches).
What should You expect from your Caricature artist?A competent party artist should be able to render a basic head and shoulder, black & white caricature likeness of a person in 5 minutes or less.They ought be professional in their handling of the variety of people and situations that occur at parties and special events. (This is learned through experience). Party caricature is a very specialized area.The number of artists that are willing and able to do this work is very small.That's because the work is demanding and it takes years to become proficent-even with a strong art background. (And not all artists want to give up their weekends-when the majority of events are held). Is Caricature Entertainment appropriate for your event?Caricature artists normally create their drawings on their own portable easels or on a board on their lap or table. Their drawing in progress is visible to the onlookers who can also watch the volunteer in the "hot seat." An artist can only draw one person at a time-even if there is a couple or small group in the "hot seat" awaiting their drawing on one page. Still, because onlookers are watching the artist is entertaining them as well. Caricature entertainment can be the center of a small event, say 50 or less, or a neat accent at a larger event. Adding to the entertainment appeal, when noise levels permit, some artists will joke with the audience and converse with the subject. Caricature entertainment is popular with guests of all ages. So if your event includes both adults and children-say you're planning a company picnic or a family event, caricatures can work very well. In fact, my experience is that caricature entertainment is even more popular with adults than children. Many people keep their drawings for years. Unlike other types of entertainment, people have something to take home with them. Caricature drawings become cherished mementos for many people. So they can play a role at family events and milestone events like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and graduations. Colleges and universities often book artists to entertain at student and alumni events. Trade show exhibitors and those planning corporate promotional events have taken advantage of this by branding the drawing-done by printing the company's logo onto the drawing paper. The drawing is not only a keepsake for the recipient, but a marketing piece for the host.
Planning ConsiderationsThe second most frequently asked question I receive from clients (after "how much do you charge?") is how many drawings can you do? Assuming a halfway cooperative subject, a competent artist should be able to complete a black and white caricature portrait (head and shoulders) of one person in no more than 4-5 minutes. If you want a color, big head-little body drawing with a background, it will take longer. So be realistic. If you have 200 guests and your event lasts 3 hours, one artist is not going to be able to draw everyone in the room. Solution? Hire more than one artist. If your budget is limited, consider using the drawings as a door prize. (The lucky prize winners get the opportunity to sit in the "hot seat.") I do caution you about getting too hung up on the "how many drawings can you do" question. While artists can control their speed, they can't control the behavior of your guests. And they cannot control downtime such as the twenty minute break for the CEO's speech. Set Up RequirementsArtists set up in a variety of ways. Some draw on a lap board, others use a portable easel or table. They will generally face their subject (who will be facing outwards towards the "audience."Most artists will provide their own portable lights for instances when the ambient lighting is dim (evening and indoor events). So you don't generally have to worry about providing light for the artist. Generally, you or your venue will be asked to provide two or three chairs and access to an electrical outlet. If your event is outdoors, place the artist in the shade. This can be done very simply. A large shady tree, a canopy, or a generous overhang are some solutions I have used successfully at outdoor events. When possible, placing the artist at a reasonable distance from the DeeJay's or band's loudspeakers will enable him to communicate with your guests. Normally, the artist will provide his or her drawing supplies and paper. Some artists will provide clear plastic bags to protect their drawings. Rates and FeesCaricature artists, like other entertainers, base their fees on an hourly rate with a minimum. Rates vary by region. Expect to pay a little more if a third party such as an event planner is making the arrangements on your behalf. (They're doing research and legwork for you).You'll usually be asked for a deposit at the time you sign the contract (That's because if you pull out, the artist, who has been holding your date (and turning down other bookings), is left high and dry for that day). As with other entertainers, expect to pay more if you want your artist(s) to hold a rain date (they are blocking out two dates for you and turning down other clients for two days instead of one). Other charges might include such things as travel outside the artist's local area, extras such as mats, and printing or illustration fees (if you're asking the artist to customize the drawing paper in any way). Hint: I often recommend to my clients that if you're not sure how long you want the artist to stay, book him for the minimum and ask if he will be available for overtime. Artists are generally happy to accomodate you if they are not otherwise committed. And you are not locked into a long commitment. But if your time requirements are specific, you'll want to book that artist for that time period. Artists' schedules can change-sometimes with little notice. By booking for the entire time slot needed, the artist will be locked in. Contact: From
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