Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Caricature.Com provide?
A: It’s both company and web site. Jeffrey Mandell started providing caricature services for entertainment and retail purposes in the mid 1970s and in 1995 he decided to create a site dedicated to offering caricature illustration and entertainment for the corporate world. We provide a place to view the artwork of Caricature.Com, founder, Jeff Mandell and information for the unique quick sketch shows we do at events around the world and virtually from our studio near Orlando, Florida.
Q: What exactly is a caricature?
A: A caricature is defined as 1. A representation, especially pictorial or literary, in which the subject's distinctive features or peculiarities are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.
In the real world caricatures can be drawn as more portrait-like or grotesquely exxagerated, however we at Caricature.Com strive for something in-between. Likeness is extremely important as one takes liberties with features of a particular face. However, I have found, no one enjoys being insulted and then paying for it. The drawings on this site should speak for themselves as to what we attempt to accomplish in terms of art and illustration.
Q: Do you provide caricatures virtually?
A: We certainly do. We have drawn literally hundreds of events around the world without ever leaving our studio. Most of the time we draw on Zoom but we have also used other venues/apps that clients prefer. Caricatures are drawn digitally on an iPad and are immediately available for download from our site getmyface.com. The clients logo can be added to each drawing beforehand. A digital color caricature of one face only takes 5 to 7 minutes.
Q: How did you start drawing caricatures?
A: I always enjoyed drawing cartoons and faces as far back as I can remember. I started my first real job on the boardwalk in Ocean City, MD in 1977. It was a great way to spend the summer and I honed my skills by drawing hundreds of tourists each week alongside some other very talented artists. From there, I was hooked. I enjoyed drawing people so much that it was more like getting paid for having fun. I still feel like that to this day.
Q: Did you have to go to school to learn this?
A: I am frequently asked if I went to school to learn to draw. The same answer applies to everything one wants to excel at: PRACTICE! There are no four year colleges dedicated to the art of caricature, but dedication is absolutley necessary. The trick is to find something you absolutely love to do, then it doesn't seem like work.
Q: How can I learn to do this?
A: It seems at times people want a magic button to accomplish their goals in life. When an artist "makes it look easy" you can bet that it is the result of years of practice. One learns by doing. Most caricaturists I know became skilled by sitting next to other accomplished artists in tourist areas and drawing dozens of people every day. It just doesn't seem like hard work when you love what you're doing. Also, surround yourself with art you admire from books, websites and museums.
Q: What do you use to draw with?
A: All my illustration is produced on an iMac with a Wacom digitizing tablet or an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil. With software available today, any painting technique can be achieved digitally. When drawing live at events, I use an app called Procreate. In the studio I use Corel Painter for my illustrations.
Q: Is all the art created by only one person?
A: I create all illustration myself digitally. Although at events, I use other artists because we are frequently asked to provide multiple artists or have multiple bookings the same day. We only consider using the most highly skilled professional people.
Q: Have you ever had a subject you couldn't draw?
A: Some have more interesting faces to work with but every face is drawable. Even the occasional baby who never sits still is able to be drawn. Being an artist is all about observation. The better one learns their craft the more subtleties they see and the more they can retain in memory with a brief look at the subject. The differences in what makes one face unique from another can be quite small. It is up to the artist to see them and get it down on the canvas properly.
Q: How do you differ from other caricaturists online?
A: We are not looking to do the inexpensive novelty gift. We don't market the children's birthday parties and small festivals or other retail settings. Our clients are corporations looking for the highest quality art and artists with the personality to fit their customer's needs, whether that being attendees at a trade show or a CEO being presented with a large framed rendering of him or herself. Our clients return to us because they want to deal with a professional who can meet their needs in a timely way.
Q: How are your shows unique?
A: We always strive to offer something new and different. Digital Caricatures are rendered on a laptop or iPad and the process is projected to a large screen or high def monitor. We then print on the spot to a high quality color printer. Art can be downloaded by guests afterwords. We also draw on surfaces such as T–shirts, hats, magnets, tote bags and of course, paper.
Q: Can custom backgrounds be created for Digital Caricatures?
A: This is one of the most exciting aspects of this show. We have many clients who want us to create a custom background to promote a particular theme or perhaps a product launch which all drawn subjects will appear on. We never charge to add a logo to the bottom of prints and we can create more specific custom backgrounds to meet your needs.
Q: Do you work from photographs?
A: We frequently create large detailed caricatures (as seen in our Portfolio section) from photos. Typically, photos are emailed to us with information about themes and work is completed to meet your schedule. All work is drawn digitally and therefore not only can identical copies can easily be printed in almost any size, client's changes are never a problem. Unfortunately, with our travel schedule, we do not have the time to take small orders (under $150) from photos.
Q: How much do your caricature illustrations cost?
A: Each job is priced separately because each job is unique and has different customization needed. A caricature of one person without much detail in the background will be decidedly less expensive than 10 managers in a group rendering, each involved in a different activity. Fees for drawing at live events range from a flat fee per hour in Orlando to flat fee dayrates for events out of town. Travel expenses are paid by the client but often we might already be in the area doing another gig.
Q: Can we pay by credit card?
A: Many clients pay by credit card using Paypal. Use the address [email protected]. We also use Square and can accept all major cards.
Q: How long does it take?
A: We work to meet your needs. It's always great to have 2 weeks or more to finish an illustration job but sometimes this just isn't possible. Rush jobs generally dictate a greater fee.
Q: How many people can you draw at an event?
A: Times vary depending on the type of show you requested. We average 9-12 full color detailed caricatures (Digital Caricatures) and 15 or more faces in black and white on paper.
Q: Can we provide the paper you draw on?
A: Sure can. Many clients wish to add a logo to the margin of the paper. You can have the paper printed and provide it at the event for the artist. Please use Bristol or 110 lb offset paper 11x14 or larger. For Digital Caricatures, you may email us your logo so we may add it to our printouts.
Q: We had an artist before and each face he drew looked alike. How would you rate your work?
A: Very highly. Caricature.Com prides itself on artists who consistently capture likenesses and for their professionalism. We do not book dozens of different artists from different cities unless we personally know the abilities and personality of an individual artist. Jeff Mandell personally has over 38 years of professional experience in this field and works the vast majority of bookings himself. You are welcome to see our work here.
Q: Who owns the rights to copyright?
A: You are only buying the original artwork, not the right to reproduce it for commercial purposes. For instance, if we create a caricature to be framed and presented as a gift, it can not end up on a business card or web site. Rights to uses such as these can be arrange beforehand for an additional fee. Use of digital drawings of your face at events can be reprinted and used on social networks sites such as Facebook. We reserve the right to use the artwork for marketing and advertising purposes.
Q: Will you travel to events in other states?
A: We are based near Orlando, FL and do many conventions right here but we travel to more than 150 corporate and college events around the country each year. Our Digital Caricature show is specifically configured so we can easily fly with all equipment necessary to whatever city the event is held in. We also visit Europe often working cruises and other events.
Q: What sorts of corporate events do you perform?
A: We perform Digital Caricatures most often at trade shows and corporate parties. We also are popular at hospitality suites, grand openings, annual meetings and banquets to name a few. Colleges use us frequently for every kind of function imaginable and many times just have us perform as solo entertainment.
Q: Can you draw more than one person in an illustration?
A: Absolutely. We have drawn group pictures with 40 or more faces on the page. Since we draw digitally, it is easier to add detail and print to large sizes. Many times when we do a group, the client orders copies for each member. Each print looks as good as the first! Photos are usually emailed to us for each face along with details of any background themes. A pencil comp is provided the client for any changes before final ink and color is finished.
Q: How do I contact you?
A: You can email us at [email protected] or call at (407) 497-1920, ask for Jeff. You can find a form here which you can fill out.
A: It’s both company and web site. Jeffrey Mandell started providing caricature services for entertainment and retail purposes in the mid 1970s and in 1995 he decided to create a site dedicated to offering caricature illustration and entertainment for the corporate world. We provide a place to view the artwork of Caricature.Com, founder, Jeff Mandell and information for the unique quick sketch shows we do at events around the world and virtually from our studio near Orlando, Florida.
Q: What exactly is a caricature?
A: A caricature is defined as 1. A representation, especially pictorial or literary, in which the subject's distinctive features or peculiarities are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect.
In the real world caricatures can be drawn as more portrait-like or grotesquely exxagerated, however we at Caricature.Com strive for something in-between. Likeness is extremely important as one takes liberties with features of a particular face. However, I have found, no one enjoys being insulted and then paying for it. The drawings on this site should speak for themselves as to what we attempt to accomplish in terms of art and illustration.
Q: Do you provide caricatures virtually?
A: We certainly do. We have drawn literally hundreds of events around the world without ever leaving our studio. Most of the time we draw on Zoom but we have also used other venues/apps that clients prefer. Caricatures are drawn digitally on an iPad and are immediately available for download from our site getmyface.com. The clients logo can be added to each drawing beforehand. A digital color caricature of one face only takes 5 to 7 minutes.
Q: How did you start drawing caricatures?
A: I always enjoyed drawing cartoons and faces as far back as I can remember. I started my first real job on the boardwalk in Ocean City, MD in 1977. It was a great way to spend the summer and I honed my skills by drawing hundreds of tourists each week alongside some other very talented artists. From there, I was hooked. I enjoyed drawing people so much that it was more like getting paid for having fun. I still feel like that to this day.
Q: Did you have to go to school to learn this?
A: I am frequently asked if I went to school to learn to draw. The same answer applies to everything one wants to excel at: PRACTICE! There are no four year colleges dedicated to the art of caricature, but dedication is absolutley necessary. The trick is to find something you absolutely love to do, then it doesn't seem like work.
Q: How can I learn to do this?
A: It seems at times people want a magic button to accomplish their goals in life. When an artist "makes it look easy" you can bet that it is the result of years of practice. One learns by doing. Most caricaturists I know became skilled by sitting next to other accomplished artists in tourist areas and drawing dozens of people every day. It just doesn't seem like hard work when you love what you're doing. Also, surround yourself with art you admire from books, websites and museums.
Q: What do you use to draw with?
A: All my illustration is produced on an iMac with a Wacom digitizing tablet or an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil. With software available today, any painting technique can be achieved digitally. When drawing live at events, I use an app called Procreate. In the studio I use Corel Painter for my illustrations.
Q: Is all the art created by only one person?
A: I create all illustration myself digitally. Although at events, I use other artists because we are frequently asked to provide multiple artists or have multiple bookings the same day. We only consider using the most highly skilled professional people.
Q: Have you ever had a subject you couldn't draw?
A: Some have more interesting faces to work with but every face is drawable. Even the occasional baby who never sits still is able to be drawn. Being an artist is all about observation. The better one learns their craft the more subtleties they see and the more they can retain in memory with a brief look at the subject. The differences in what makes one face unique from another can be quite small. It is up to the artist to see them and get it down on the canvas properly.
Q: How do you differ from other caricaturists online?
A: We are not looking to do the inexpensive novelty gift. We don't market the children's birthday parties and small festivals or other retail settings. Our clients are corporations looking for the highest quality art and artists with the personality to fit their customer's needs, whether that being attendees at a trade show or a CEO being presented with a large framed rendering of him or herself. Our clients return to us because they want to deal with a professional who can meet their needs in a timely way.
Q: How are your shows unique?
A: We always strive to offer something new and different. Digital Caricatures are rendered on a laptop or iPad and the process is projected to a large screen or high def monitor. We then print on the spot to a high quality color printer. Art can be downloaded by guests afterwords. We also draw on surfaces such as T–shirts, hats, magnets, tote bags and of course, paper.
Q: Can custom backgrounds be created for Digital Caricatures?
A: This is one of the most exciting aspects of this show. We have many clients who want us to create a custom background to promote a particular theme or perhaps a product launch which all drawn subjects will appear on. We never charge to add a logo to the bottom of prints and we can create more specific custom backgrounds to meet your needs.
Q: Do you work from photographs?
A: We frequently create large detailed caricatures (as seen in our Portfolio section) from photos. Typically, photos are emailed to us with information about themes and work is completed to meet your schedule. All work is drawn digitally and therefore not only can identical copies can easily be printed in almost any size, client's changes are never a problem. Unfortunately, with our travel schedule, we do not have the time to take small orders (under $150) from photos.
Q: How much do your caricature illustrations cost?
A: Each job is priced separately because each job is unique and has different customization needed. A caricature of one person without much detail in the background will be decidedly less expensive than 10 managers in a group rendering, each involved in a different activity. Fees for drawing at live events range from a flat fee per hour in Orlando to flat fee dayrates for events out of town. Travel expenses are paid by the client but often we might already be in the area doing another gig.
Q: Can we pay by credit card?
A: Many clients pay by credit card using Paypal. Use the address [email protected]. We also use Square and can accept all major cards.
Q: How long does it take?
A: We work to meet your needs. It's always great to have 2 weeks or more to finish an illustration job but sometimes this just isn't possible. Rush jobs generally dictate a greater fee.
Q: How many people can you draw at an event?
A: Times vary depending on the type of show you requested. We average 9-12 full color detailed caricatures (Digital Caricatures) and 15 or more faces in black and white on paper.
Q: Can we provide the paper you draw on?
A: Sure can. Many clients wish to add a logo to the margin of the paper. You can have the paper printed and provide it at the event for the artist. Please use Bristol or 110 lb offset paper 11x14 or larger. For Digital Caricatures, you may email us your logo so we may add it to our printouts.
Q: We had an artist before and each face he drew looked alike. How would you rate your work?
A: Very highly. Caricature.Com prides itself on artists who consistently capture likenesses and for their professionalism. We do not book dozens of different artists from different cities unless we personally know the abilities and personality of an individual artist. Jeff Mandell personally has over 38 years of professional experience in this field and works the vast majority of bookings himself. You are welcome to see our work here.
Q: Who owns the rights to copyright?
A: You are only buying the original artwork, not the right to reproduce it for commercial purposes. For instance, if we create a caricature to be framed and presented as a gift, it can not end up on a business card or web site. Rights to uses such as these can be arrange beforehand for an additional fee. Use of digital drawings of your face at events can be reprinted and used on social networks sites such as Facebook. We reserve the right to use the artwork for marketing and advertising purposes.
Q: Will you travel to events in other states?
A: We are based near Orlando, FL and do many conventions right here but we travel to more than 150 corporate and college events around the country each year. Our Digital Caricature show is specifically configured so we can easily fly with all equipment necessary to whatever city the event is held in. We also visit Europe often working cruises and other events.
Q: What sorts of corporate events do you perform?
A: We perform Digital Caricatures most often at trade shows and corporate parties. We also are popular at hospitality suites, grand openings, annual meetings and banquets to name a few. Colleges use us frequently for every kind of function imaginable and many times just have us perform as solo entertainment.
Q: Can you draw more than one person in an illustration?
A: Absolutely. We have drawn group pictures with 40 or more faces on the page. Since we draw digitally, it is easier to add detail and print to large sizes. Many times when we do a group, the client orders copies for each member. Each print looks as good as the first! Photos are usually emailed to us for each face along with details of any background themes. A pencil comp is provided the client for any changes before final ink and color is finished.
Q: How do I contact you?
A: You can email us at [email protected] or call at (407) 497-1920, ask for Jeff. You can find a form here which you can fill out.
