Live Caricature for Events
We provide live caricature entertainment for all types of events
Corporate Function | Wedding | Birthday Party | Kids Party | Engagement | Hen Party | Private Party | Stag Party | Prom | Anniversary | Celebration | Halloween | Mother's day | Valentine's Day | Christmas Party | New Year's Eve
For last-minute bookings check my availability below
Event Details
The live caricature is a natural process and the maximum speed is acquired after the first few drawings. Also, the time for a portrait is related to the complexity of the model and how many details I need to add to the drawing. Usually, drawing kids is faster, and drawing adults is slower.
Most often, my drawings take from 2 to 8 minutes. Including the gap between changing models, that's about 10 A4 portraits per hour. Every time I finish a drawing I ask my model to invite somebody else.
Still, as this is an artistic process, the figures are indicative, so, I can't guarantee an exact number of drawings. I focus on quality. If for any reason I can't see my model's face, let's say you talk with somebody from behind you, this can increase the drawing time considerably.
4min20s Caricature @ Tower Bridge London - July 2022
For a successful live caricature event, it is necessary to have:
1. One chair for me and one for my model, or two if I have to draw couples.
2. Having a small table is best to keep my paper and tools accessible on it and to present some drawings for your guests to understand what to expect. If there is no table, a stool, or anything like that, can be helpful, as well, to keep my tools on it.
3.1 Indoor - Reasonable lighting in the drawing area, a place close to a window, or a source of light is best. Decent ambient lighting is ok as well.
3.2 Outdoor - A shaded area is a must! Sunlight can be very powerful and its reflection on paper can make the drawing process very challenging or impossible. Also, there is no way to perform to the highest standards in the hot sun for hours. It is good to remember there can be a few other factors that can interfere with the drawing process like cold, wind, and humidity, which can affect the drawing process.
Settings for live caricature
1. Wedding Reception @ Oaks Farm Croydon - May 2022 2. Wedding Reception @ Singer Tavern London - Jul 2022 3. Corporate function @ 100 Bishopsgate London - Dec 2022
I arrive earlier
I arrive always 30 minutes / 1 hour earlier to discuss every detail and to be sure we can set up the event the best way.
Why do I need to arrive earlier?
* If necessary, I can help with choosing the best place for drawing.
* I expose some drawings, usually over a table, for your guests to know what to expect.
* Changing clothes, washing hands after traveling, etc. * It is also desirable to have a short break before starting the event in the best conditions.
* Optionally (I adapt to each event) - If there is space, I can have a tripod with a camera set up and ask permission from some of your guests during the event to record a few clips for my social media and as a nice memory for them.
I draw from sitting, I'm not walking around. Why?
@ Snap Opening Office Party, London - May 2023
My goal is to make your guests happy by delivering the best live art experience. This means great portraits for as many people as possible. The most effective way of drawing caricatures live is by sitting, conclusion after hundreds of live caricature events.
I'm pretty busy and usually, after making the first drawing, I can't leave my chair for hours, so walking around is not necessary, moreover, it is a waste of precious time. Also, keep in mind some people may not be comfortable being drawn and the result is not good energy for anyone.
Walking around and drawing from standing can severely decrease the speed and drawing quality, for every artist, no exception, so I choose not to draw by standing at live events because I'm only interested to deliver the best.
Still, I'm happy to move with my drawing board to different areas of the venue where I can find places to sit, if necessary.
Weddings
Weeding @ The Walled Garden, Upminster - Jun 2022
If you think you'll be too busy during your event to attend the live session (bride and groom) and you book live caricature for your guests only, you can choose to have your caricature done prior to your event from photos. The drawing will be delivered on my arrival, before the live event.
Kids are amazing models for cartoons. They understand and take my work very seriously. I have developed a poignant way of drawing children and have received wonderful feedback. I know I'm doing something special when they don't leave without telling me: "I want to draw like you!".
Children must be supervised at all times during the drawing process by the people in charge. My work requires a high level of focus and I cannot always be aware of what is happening around me.
Your logo & branding
I'm happy to print your name, event, or logo black&white for free on the A4 size paper I use for single portraits. Unfortunately, I can't print the A3 size paper I use for multiple portraits. Also, I can add stickers with your logo or other symbols, provided by you, at the bottom of every front page.
Public & Product Liability Insurance - 10,000,000.
Why do I prefer markers and paper to digital media?
The joy and spectacle in art and in live caricature come from simplicity, from having spectacular results using simple tools. Also, from taking risks, markers can't be edited or undone like the digital caricature. More expressive lines with higher drawing speed compared with any digital tools of the moment. Your guests will receive original artwork signed by the author, not prints.
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Very popular service for events in London. Limited space is available for 2023, no more than a booking a day is accepted. Check Reviews >
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Art... "It's an insane thing to do because the probability to monetize your creativity is so low that is futile to even attempt in many situations." Exploring the Psychology of Creativity - Jordan B. P.