Anatomy of a Caricature Assignment #2

Last year, I did an exercise here where I described an assignment I was given to draw a young betrothed couple for use as both their Save-the-Date and Sign-in-Board. I showed the rough sketch, followed by another (approved) sketch...and then the final art.

Thought I'd do another one this time.

Welcome to the May edition of Not Your Usual Caricature Artist.

Similar to the previous assignment, a Mom found me online and commissioned me to do caricatures to celebrate her son's upcoming marriage.

We discussed the elements to go into the drawing -- her son's graduation from the Charlotte Fire Department Academy, her incipient daughter-in-law's certification as a counselor, and their arrival in the Tar Heel State to set down roots and begin their new life together.

Jay and Deonna.

The first idea I had was to show Jay climbing a ladder, "fireman-style" in his uniform and Deonna, on the next rung below, proudly holding her certificate.

The Mom wanted something less "high concept" and more simply a montage including significant signage. So I came up with this approach, adding an engagement ring and wedding cake as further props to signify the event.

The approach was approved, along with my decision to add "depth" and "pop" by inserting photo copies of the real signage. Then I further added a couple of hearts and a couple of (intertwined) wedding bands.

Voila!

Whether you're planning a wedding...or a birthday party, corporate event, retail opening, retirement, marketing campaign, whatever...let me know if I can add a little artistry to the proceedings.

See you again the first Tuesday of next month for another colorful swash of Not Your Usual Caricature Artist.

Anatomy of a Caricature Assignment

Back in March,

I was commissioned by a Mom to draw caricatures for a “Save the Date” announcing an engagement party for her daughter and future son-in-law. 

Mom had these elements in mind for me to creatively integrate, when she sent me their photo as reference: 

· She wanted a “book theme”

· She wanted to indicate the venue for the event

· She wanted the couple’s dog to be included (I was sent a separate photo of “Huckleberry”)

· She wanted green and orange to be the "themed" bridal colors 

Welcome to the August edition of Not Your Usual

Caricature Artist.

I then rough-sketched out how I wanted the couple — and their dog — to appear, and sent the sketch to her for conceptual approval.

She liked the approach, but asked that I change the “title” of the book they’re holding to simply state the “Who,What, Where and When” of the event within the pages of the book.

With that established, I then did a more refined sketch of how the couple actually looks.

Upon further approval, I did a tight pen (Sharpie) outline of the layout on an 11” x 14” Canson art pad “50-pound” sheet.

After which, I colored it in, using Prismacolor (Magic Marker) and fine point Sharpie for incidental, nuanced touches throughout.

Voila — It’s now ready for double duty, come October, as a “Save the Date” mailer before...and as a “Sign-In Board” at the event. 

Want to know more? 

Do I have to draw you a picture..? 

See you again the first Tuesday of next month for another illustrated rendering of Not Your Usual Caricature Artist.

Joel

The Marriage of Art and Entertainment

Ah, June. The month of blushing brides and giddy grooms.

We all know that wedding entertainment consists of the band or deejay. Maybe some dancers to get the guests out onto the dance floor. And that's it. 

Or is it?  Guess what's on the cusp of also getting a foothold in the firmament of fun features at weddings...

Welcome to the June installment of Not Your Usual Caricature Artist.

Wedding Bee, an online site for brides, posed this poll question:

Caricatures -- Stupid or Fun?

48% answered "Yes, so fun, I would love it as a guest."

26% answered, "No, save your money and do something different."

Another 26% responded to "Other."

Some of the respondents also added further thoughts on the subject:

* I think it is a good idea.  People like to have something to DO and something to take with them.

* I think it would be super fun!

* I think it sounds like a super fun idea. I would be so excited if I encountered this at a wedding.

* I love the idea!! I think it’s unique and fun!! Think ~ the people you are inviting are your loved ones and friends ~ there’s a reason they are in your “circle” and most likely MOST of them have similar tastes as you do ~ so if you like ~ I bet the majority of your guests would like it!

I say go for it!!!

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I've done a few weddings this year already and I must chime in -- hearing words from guests to the effect that (even when guests didn't think I was listening), "This is great -- what a clever, fun idea!"

Wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, bachelor/bachelorette parties are great occasions to let one's hair down and have guests...as well, of course, as the bride and groom and their respective families...enjoy the truly customized experience of having their caricature drawn.

It's a gift that truly lasts a lifetime.

Here are some happy campers from recent weddings I've drawn at:

  

See you again the first Tuesday of next month for another marriage made in Heaven -- you and Not Your Usual Caricature Artist.

Joel Kweskin

www.caricaturesbyjoel.com