Caricature artist: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What caricature artist is

A caricature artist draws quick, exaggerated portraits of guests at events, handing each guest a take-home sketch. People book one for weddings, corporate events, parties and festivals when they want a fun, personal keepsake that guests enjoy making.

Signs you need it

  • You want a fun activity that gives each guest a personal drawing to take home
  • Your event has a crowd that will enjoy watching an artist work live
  • You want a keepsake that is more personal than a photo booth print
  • Your event is long enough that guests will want to step into a short line
  • You want something lighter and more playful than a formal entertainment act
  • You want an artist who can work at a corporate event, a wedding or a party

What the pro does

  • Asks about the number of guests, the length of the booth and the style of drawing you want
  • Sets up a station with paper, drawing tools and a chair for each guest
  • Draws each guest in a short sitting, often in pencil or ink
  • Adds color or a frame if that is part of the package
  • Hands each guest the finished caricature at the station
  • Packs up drawing materials and clears the area

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of time the artist works and the number of guests expected
  • Whether the drawings are simple sketches or colored portraits
  • Whether the artist adds frames, mats or a presentation sleeve
  • Whether drawings are in color or black and white, and on what paper size
  • Whether a second artist is needed for a larger crowd
  • Whether the artist draws groups or only individuals
  • Special themes or custom backdrops at the station

What a written quote should spell out

  • Length of time the artist works and the expected number of guests
  • Style of drawing, such as pencil or color, and whether groups are included
  • Whether frames, sleeves or backdrops are provided
  • Setup needs, such as a table, chairs, power or lighting
  • Arrival, setup and teardown times
  • What happens if the artist cannot attend

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can I see caricatures you drew live at events, not only studio pieces?
  • How many guests can you draw in an hour at a party like mine?
  • Do you bring your own easel, lighting, paper and markers?
  • Can you draw in color or black and white, and which is faster?
  • How much floor space and what kind of light do you need?
  • Do you have liability insurance if the venue asks for it?

Red flags

  • They cannot show examples of caricatures they drew at events
  • They draw guests in a way that is mean or unkind without checking with the host first
  • They say they can draw any number of guests with no time plan
  • They do not ask about the space or the lighting at the station
  • They will not confirm whether frames or sleeves are included

What you can do yourself

You can choose the drawing style, the number of guests and where the station will go. You can also set up a clear table with good lighting and a chair for the sitter. Hire a caricature artist for the drawing, the likeness and the pacing, since good caricature takes trained observation and quick hands.

Licenses and permits

No state license is usually required for a caricature artist, so ask for proof of liability insurance and examples of past work instead. Some venues have rules for setting up a station or for drawing in public areas, so check those with the venue and your state or local licensing agency before booking.

Caricature artist questions

Does a caricature artist need a license?

Usually not a state license. Ask for insurance and examples of past work, and check whether the venue has any rules for stations or public drawing.

How long does each caricature take?

It depends on the style. Simple sketches move faster than colored portraits. Ask the artist for a time estimate for the style you pick.

Can the artist draw a group?

Some artists draw groups and some only draw individuals. Ask the artist whether group drawings are included and how long they take.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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