Art and the Event: Celebrate with Caricatures!

We expect celebrity weddings to be glamours, even somewhat trendy. Guests at the spectacular wedding of music diva Fergie and Josh Duhamel were treated to a fun, funky and fabulous artistic statement that seems to be on the cusp of another trend. The couple's image was featured in an adorable caricature. This whimsical piece of art created a unique element and charming twist to their January 2009 wedding - which left their guests talking.

I've steadily seen a rise in requests for caricature services for wedding receptions. Why? The playful artwork has been the choice of birthday parties, company picnics, and holiday party Clients for years but with wedding couples looking for the best "bang for their buck", adding caricatures as entertainment at a wedding reception creates a in one-of-a-kind memento guests will cherish.

So, what should you know about hiring a Caricaturist for your wedding or special event? Here are 3 things to keep in mind when hiring a Caricaturist:

1.) Go Pro! - Hiring a Professional:

I've been performing caricatures professionally since 1991. I started at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia) where I not only performed caricatures but I trained and supervised Caricature Artists. I continued to freelance as a contract Caricaturist through various local event companies. It may be tempting to hire a friend or student who has a talent for drawing but a professional Caricaturist should meet 3 criteria.

First, they should have experience with Caricatures specifically. This art form has been practiced for centuries. Even famed impressionist painter Claude Monet was an experienced Caricaturist. This type of art is not merely an exaggeration of a facial feature. Exaggerating a facial characteristic may result in picture that is more distortion than caricature. Instead, a good caricature is a rendering of a person's features using simplified lines. This is something learned through hours of training and experience.

Secondly, they should have speed. Caricatures have a funny effect at parties and special events. At first, guests are a little hesitate but once one person sits down with the Artist something curious happens. They begin to talk to the Artist, they relax, they laugh and other guests witness a once blank page spring to life with the personality of it's subject. Within no time a large crowd gathers, guests buzz, and a line quickly forms. A professional Caricaturist should be able to efficiently serve this group - typically drawing faces within 3 to 5 minutes.

Lastly, interpersonal skills. A Caricaturist will have to manage a crowd of spectators as well as their subjects, being able to seamlessly multitask. They will need to concentrate on the subject, speak with them, answer questions from them and others at the same time, manage their time, and remain polite and engaging throughout the entire process. A professional Caricaturist is experienced in building rapport and usually has a vibrant personality that helps guests feel comfortable and entertained. A professional Caricature Artist can be a contract freelancer or may be hired through an event or entertainment company such as a party rental, clown, or event planning company.

2.) Costs and Services:

It doesn't mater if you hire a freelance Caricaturist or one through an company, be sure to have a contract. A contract or service agreement will paint a clear picture of what service the Caricature Artist will provide, when they will arrive, how long they will stay, the costs of services, and any requirements they need to perform.

Caricaturists are usually hired on an hourly basis, creating several caricatures in a short amount of time. The hourly cost will vary due to a number of factors including time of year, minimum number of hours, etc. When booking be sure to ask about the type of caricatures being provide such as the size of the drawings (or the paper). Size of paper may vary depending on the Artist so ask what size paper they use (example: 11" x 14"). Many Caricaturists providing services for an event will draw Black and White faces which can be created quickly for a large crowd and will save the Client money.

3.) Other Dos and Don'ts:

Do book early. Just like any vendor, a Caricaturist or event company may book up during certain times of the year like the summertime or popular days such as holidays and weekends (especially Saturdays).

Do expect the Caricaturists to bring their own supplies. A professional Caricaturist will bring items including easel, paper, and drawing materials.

Do expect them to arrive early to set-up and to start on time.

Do provide a "Point of Contact" if you will not be available on-site. For example: provide them with the contact person's information for the venue (like the Catering Manager) where the reception will take place.

Do have a location for the Artist to set-up in mind. This may be coordinated through your Event Planner or site Point of Contact.

Do place the Artist in a well lit corner or area of the room.

Don't place the Caricaturist in a dimly lit or a "high-track" area of the room. This will help with the flow of the reception and lessen the chances of accidents.

Do provide the Artist with shade or place them in a shaded location if the event/reception will take place outdoors.

Do expect to provide (or have the venue provide) a least 2 chairs - one for the Artist and one for their subject. Some Caricaturist may provide their own chairs (as well as small tent for outdoor services) but this is usually for an additional fee and must be requested in advance or in their contract.

Don't expect them to continue beyond their booked time. Most Artists are somewhat flexible and may stay past their booked time but they will certainly charge for the additional time. Please discuss "overtime options" with them prior to booking.

Do have fun! Caricatures should be a delightful and creative way to celebrate the special day.

For more information on booking a Caricaturist for your reception or other unique special event ideas please visit www.vividexpressions.com