Although most caricature artists are friendly and talkative, they need space around them so they can draw quickly, free from accidental bumps. Children especially often like to lean right over the artist. While artists appreciate the attention, please inform your smaller guests to give the artist a little room.

During Your Event

Many of your guests will want to wait in line for a caricature. Artists are quick, and can draw up to 20 faces per hour, but the line can still get long at times. We suggest having someone other than the artist monitor the line to either limit how many people can be in line, offer chairs to those waiting, set up a sign-in sheet or hand out numbers. Your artist will draw one or two guests at a time. Single faces allow the artist to include a setting and a small body as well. Trying to fit more than 2 faces is better suited for a gift caricature which you can order online. Avoid allowing guests more than one caricature of themselves during your party. Give everyone an opportunity to be drawn once first.

Artist Etiquette

Most caricature artists will happily accept gratuities, though they will never ask for tips. If you prefer that the artist not accept gratuities, just mention it before they begin drawing. Some hosts prefer to give the artist a gratuity on their own at the end of the party.

Once the end of the contracted time is reached, you may ask the artist to stay longer, at half-hour intervals, unless the artist has another event following yours. It usually costs the same rate as in the original contract.

What About Breaks?

Each caricature artist earns a five-minute break per hour worked. They may choose to break every hour or take one or two longer breaks later on instead. If you have hired more than one artist for your event, they can stagger their breaks so that someone is always drawing your guests.

Things to Avoid

Avoid asking the artist to draw from photos. Your artist is there to draw your guests; not their pets, relatives or other no-shows. Explain to your guests that they may order caricatures with multiple faces directly from our website. Also, please do not reproduce your caricature on your business card, flyer, website or other business uses. Commercial use of our caricatures can be arranged, and will be priced accordingly. People of all ages enjoy having their caricature drawn. Children, especially, love to be drawn by our artists. Parents and grandparents love caricatures of their little ones so please make sure not to leave them unattended when waiting their turn. Our artists love drawing everyone, including kids, but they cannot do so if they must also supervise their behavior.

It’s All For Fun!

Above all, remember that caricatures are supposed to be funny. Your caricature artist is skilled in the art of exaggeration. They aren’t making fun of your guests’ features, they’re celebrating them! They are meant to be humorous but not insulting. Keep this in mind and you will realize that your friends are laughing with you...not at you!

So you’ve decided to hire a caricature artist for your party or event. Great idea! A caricature artist gives you one of the best values for your entertainment dollar. Not only are they fun for your guests to watch, but guests go home with a whimsical keepsake from your event. They'll remember your function every time they see the caricature on their den or office wall.

What can you do to ensure you get the most from your event and your caricaturist? Set aside enough space for your caricaturist to set up an easel, two chairs, lights and supplies. And make sure you have enough space for guests to watch the drawing as it happens. Some artists will bring their own chairs, but be prepared to supply comfortable seating just in case, for both the artist and the guests being drawn.

If your event is indoors, you'll need an electrical outlet for the artist’s lights. For an outdoor event, make sure that the artist is comfortable – a spot in the shade or under a tent is perfect. Always have a rain plan. Water and caricature paper do not mix.