Q: Do you draw from photos?

Yes! See my Studio Commissions page. I’ll never draw from photos at an event, though - I’ll only end up with a queue of folk showing me blurry phone photos of their baby, dog or long dead granny! Avoid, avoid, avoid!

Q: Do you work alone, or with other caricaturists?

Generally I’ll work alone, but I’ll often help organise several other top quality caricaturists too. I can also recommend some very good table magicians and silhouette artists and have built up some excellent connections within the events industry.

Q: Is travel extra?

Reasonable travel costs are factored into the fee and accommodation is not usually required within 100 miles of London for a single event. For international events, the client is expected to pay for flights, transfers and hotels.

Q: How far do you travel?

I travel 30,000 miles per year all over UK. I regularly work internationally too and have covered events as far afield as Vegas, Moscow and Swindon (enquiries from the Caribbean are particularly welcome).

Q: Do I need to supply paper, tables, chairs etc?

I’m pretty self contained, so there's no equipment for you to worry about. There are specific requirements for digital caricaturing (see below).

Q: What materials do you use?

Marker pens and a sensible pencil! Wherever possible, I’ll use high quality recycled paper and home-brewed elbow grease.

Q: Do you draw couples and groups?

Couples definitely! Around 50% of paper pictures will be twosomes. Groups are more tricky - the more people there are the longer it takes. It’s often not practical to draw groups in the middle of the event and it slows the flow down dramatically. However, if it’s doable I’ll give it a go!

Q: Will you draw everyone at the event?

I’ll get through as many guests as possible in the time given. It’s impossible to guarantee everyone will be drawn, as there are too many variables to consider. I do like to work hard, though, and will always maximise the work flow, depending on the event.

Q: Do you ever offend people?

Only intentionally! A good caricaturist will be able to gauge his victim's resilience; with some people he’ll tread very carefully, with others he may fire away with both barrels. Each victim is different, the trick is to figure out how far to go; some will want to look like a Kardashian, others won’t settle for less than Quasimodo! The aim is to have a laugh with the guests; poking fun without offending them.

Question 1

What does a caricature artist do at an event?

Accepted Answer

A caricature artist creates live drawings of guests during an event, providing entertainment and a personalised keepsake people can take home.

Question 2

Should I book traditional caricatures or digital caricatures?

Accepted Answer

Digital caricatures are ideal for corporate events, trade shows, exhibitions and conferences, while traditional caricatures are perfect for weddings and private parties, offering a more personal and interactive experience.

Question 3

How long does each caricature take?

Accepted Answer

Classic caricatures take around 3 to 4 minutes per person, while digital caricatures take around 5 minutes, with additional time for printing or sharing.

Question 4

What types of events are caricatures suitable for?

Accepted Answer

Caricatures work at weddings, corporate events, conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, private parties, awards nights and drinks receptions.

Question 5

Do you travel — which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Based in Bath, England, I work across the UK including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and the South West, and also travel internationally across Europe and the USA.

Question 6

How do I hire a caricature artist for my event?

Accepted Answer

Get in touch with your event details and I will confirm availability and the best setup. A booking form and deposit secure your date.

Question 7

Why book Sensible Pencil?

Accepted Answer

With over 27 years of experience and thousands of events completed, Sensible Pencil provides professional, engaging live caricature entertainment that guests enjoy and remember.