Q: How many caricatures can you draw per hour?
A: Typically, each drawing takes an average of 3 to 4 minutes per face in black and white. Now, that's per face, so a drawing with two people would take an average of 7 or 8 minutes, and so on. My speed can be affected by the person being drawn. Kids as well as adults can get distracted and add to the time. I do my best to stay within the 3 to 4 minute time-frame even with difficult subjects.
Q: How big is your paper?
A: I typically draw on 11" X 14" paper (a standard frame-size). I also include clear plastic bags. I can work on smaller paper or other surfaces depending on the circumstances.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: I accept most forms of payment including checks, Zelle, Venmo, Paypal, Google Pay and all major credit cards. Paypal,Venmo and credit card payments incur a 3% transaction fee. Checks must be received no later than two weeks before the event. Final payment is due at the event and can be made using these same methods as well as cash. Receipts and/or invoices are available upon request.
Q: How far in advance do we have to book you?
A: The sooner the better in some cases, but I do accept last-minute bookings if my schedule permits.
Q: How far will you travel for events?
A: Literally, anywhere. Travel costs will be calculated and factored into the cost of the booking. While most of my bookings take place in and around the Chicago metropolitan area, I do draw at trade shows around the country and have a passport for international travel.
Q: What if I need more than one artist?
A: I have several colleagues with whom I draw regularly for events with large attendance. Typically our rates are the same and I can hire them under one payment for your convenience.
Q: Do you have insurance/provide a Certificate of Liability?
A: Yes. This is usually a requirement for schools, park districts and large commercial venues.
Q: What do you need at the venue?
A: Two chairs and decent lighting or access to an electrical outlet in case it's particularly dim at the venue. If the event is outdoors, I need to be covered from the elements (sun, wind, rain, etc) as this can affect my ability to draw. I do NOT use a table with my setup, so it's not necessary to acquire one. My setup is fairly compact and reasonably portable if I need to move location at some point.
Q: Can you put my company log/event name/slogan on your paper?
A: Yes, with enough advance notice I can preprint my paper for an additional fee.
Q: Should I set up a sign-in list for people at the event?
A: I do NOT recommend it. In the 20-plus years I've been drawing at live events I have never seen a sign-in system work efficiently. Often there is down-time in between names, or the music at the event is loud and the person(s) next on the list cannot be located, there's no good way for me to identify the persons on the list, etc., and it results in confusion and fewer people being drawn by the end of the event. Waiting in line is the best method. I make sure to have my back to the audience so that they can watch as I draw. This serves as entertainment for your guests while they wait in line or if they're simply spectating. If you have a bridal party/guest(s) of honor who will be otherwise occupied during the event, I recommend having them drawn ahead of time from photos. I also recommend instructing your guests that they can only be drawn once as this ensures that as many people get drawn as possible.
Live Event Caricatures FAQ
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