FAQs - Hand Drawn Caricatures


Q: How long does each drawing take?
A: Each caricature takes 3 minutes onwards, any quicker might diminish the quality.
Q: How many caricatures can you draw in 1 hour?
A: My A4 size black and white caricatures with FULL body takes roughly 3-5 minutes. They are quick and good value for money. My color caricatures with FULL body has a WOW factor but they are more time consuming - each caricature take roughly 5-8 minutes to finish. Please check price list page for more details. The time span depends on factors, for example how much or how little detail is put into drawing or if it's in colour or black and white. Also I can control a consistent speed but I can't control a person behavior or transition time. Also children under age 5 can take longer to draw due to their shorter attention span.
Q: What do we have to provide you?
A: Four chairs, small table and access to an electric outlet.
Q: what if I pay a deposit and have to cancel my date?
A: As a general rule $ 100 deposits are non refundable. Any deposit made can be applied to another date if it is available. once Kumar has received the deposit, He turn down requests from other clients for same time and date. If a cancellation occurs at a short notice, they there is rare chance for the same time and date to be booked for another event to recoup the loss of income.
Q: What happens on the day of event?
A: I try to arrive at all functions about fifteen minutes before they begin, so that I am set up and ready to go before the party starts. As your guests arrive, I introduce myself and ask if anyone would like their caricature drawn. Usually after the first two or three drawings are done, I have a line of people waiting. Then, I am busy drawing for the rest of the function.
Q: Will you draw everyone at the event?
A: If time would allow me to, but I guarantee everyone will be entertained by the spectacle.
Q: Do you keep track of whose turn is next or manage a sign-up sheet?
A: No, I don't. If I do, I'll never get any caricatures done. If there is a sign-up sheet, you will have to arrange someone to assist me.
Q: What is your approach to caricatures?
A:In my caricatures, I like to capture a personality and spirit of person. That's why I draw my subjects with a full body rather than just drawing their heads. A caricature should make your guest feel good. It requires good amount of faith for them to pose, I try my best to keep their trust.
Q: Is there any checklist before hiring a caricature artist ?
A: Yes, insist on seeing samples of each artist before hiring so that you can verify that they do high quality work and are able to capture likenesses. If the drawing bore no likeness or your guests are drawn as mean or ugly people then they won't come forward to be drawn.
Q: Why do you personally draw at each event instead of utilising artists ?
A: I have used artists in the past to help me out. I stopped using them when I saw the caricature drawings they produced were so poor that guests were leaving them behind or throwing them away.
Q: Why caricature entertainment is better than other entertainments available?
A: Because unlike other types of entertainment, guests have something to take home with them. Caricature is a wonderful take-home souvenir which many guests frame and hang it in their living room. It keeps alive the memory of your event for years. Another wonderful thing about caricature art entertainment is that people love to watch an artist perform. It promotes conversation and get your guests talking, laughing and showing each other their caricatures.
Q: What is your longest performance time?
A: The longest performance has been for some 6 hours a day for 15 days in a row. It was for Samsung Electronics during the 2000 Olympics. In Sydney, I have sketched for 6 hours at a stretch mainly during trade shows and all-day Christmas parties. Please click here to see my party caricatures.
Q: Have you ever offended anyone?
A: No , I've done this for over 15 years and so far, so good...
Q: Are the drawings free or do you charge per person?
A: All drawings are presented free of charge. You simply pay for my time.
Q: Who owns the rights to copyright?
A: All copyright ownership resides with us. If you are using the caricature for private use then it is not a problem. We also reserve the right to republish your caricature for advertising, promotional or marketing purposes free of charge
Q: Do you have qualifications or did you teach yourself?
A: I have training from The Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, London and over 15 years of on-the-job experience! Please click here for if you want to know more about myself.
Q: Have you ever worked on the streets ?
A: Yes, while studying in London I used to sit at Piccadilly Circus and draw caricatures.
Q: Have you ever been published?
A: Yes, I was published in more than 35 international newspapers including The Sydney Morning Herald. On a few occasions, the Herald has even published my work on its front page.
Q: When is the best time to have a caricaturist at the event?
A: Anytime you like. I'm extremely flexible and happy to fit in with your event plans.
Q: Can you draw more than one person in a picture?
A: Absolutely but the time taken by 2 people in one drawing is same time as drawing each of them separately.
Q: Can I ask for specific guests to be drawn first?
A: Yes, please mention this to me on the day.
Q: What do you think of drawing caricature as work?
A: Work is demanding and takes years to become proficient. Frankly, I feel I am still learning.
Q: Why there are so few caricaturists available in Sydney?
A: Because not all artists want to give up weekends and holidays when the majority of the events are held.
Q: Will you wear a tux in my event?
A: Normally at events, I am dressed in eithe dark suit or black dress. If you want me to wear tux then it's rental will be added to the bill.
Q: How can I make my event unique without spending much ?
A: A solid wood frame of A4 size costs less than $ 7 each and it takes only 2 minutes to install a caricature in it. In the past some of my clients have bought A4 size frames (from Sams warehouse, Ikea and 2 dollar discount shops) and framed the caricature themselves during the event. A surprise, original and unique gift like this is sure to put a smile on recipient's face and send them on their way laughing.
Q: Can you draw from photos?
A: I can, but I prefer not to. I only take on Corporate commissions or I would be flooded with studio work. For more info on photo caricatures, please click here.
Q: Do you stay in one spot or walk around the room?
A: Usually at most functions I’ll sit at a prominent place where guests cannot miss me. I normally sit with my back to the crowd so that they can huddle around and watch as the caricature develops. At some formal functions, I’m happy to move around the room and draw your guests.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: Please check my Price List. For Australian Cartoonists' Association recommended rates, please click here.
Q: How long have you been doing cartooning and caricatures?
A: Since 1991.
Q: How much time do I need to book you for an event?
A: Book early to avoid disappointment. The booking is taken on first come first served basis.
Q: Apart from events, what else do you do?
A: I can show up to the office to draw everyone! The presence of caricatures pinned around workstation brings a light hearted spirit and camraderie between workers. They also get to joke around and make fun of themselves. I also do team building and group caricatures for corporate offices.
Q: You are already booked for the date I wanted. Is there anyone you can recommend?
A: Please search for 'caricaturist sydney' either of google or yellow pages.
Q: How do I hire you for my event?
A: Email me to check the availability for your date and to get a quote. If I am available and my quote is accepted then I shall email you my confirmation. If another request comes for same time and date then I may ask for deposit upto 50% of the total payment to hold the date. Once commited to your event, I turn down requests from other clients for the same time and date. I generally accept payment after the job is done.