Frequently Asked Questions

When I am drawing caricatures, I try to make sure that my caricatures resemble the person and that they are not too exaggerated.


Q: How long does each drawing take?
A: Each caricature takes 3 minutes onwards, any quicker might diminish the quality. The time span depends on many factors, for example how much or how little detail is put into drawing or if it's in colour or black and white.
Q: How many can you draw in 2 hours?
A: On an average 6-14 per hour, but I never guarantee a number, as working conditions are out of my control. Please check price list page for my speed.
Q: What happens on the day of event?
A: I arrive at all functions at least 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: When I am drawing caricatures, I try to make sure that my caricatures resemble the person and that they are not overly exaggerated. A caricature is meant to be exaggerated to a certain extent, but if it’s overdone, then it loses the likeness. I tell my clients that most of my exaggeration is in the bodies, but the pictures are very complimentary.
Q: How is the caricaturist a source of entertainment?
A: A good caricature artist can keep a crowd fascinated for hours. People love to see a caricature develop right before their eyes, especially when it is of someone they know. The guests not only get a source of entertainment but even get to take home their own caricature.
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.
Q: Have you ever offended anyone?
A: No , I've done this for over 17 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: Do you have qualifications or did you teach yourself?
A: I have a training from The Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, London and over 15 years of on-the-job experience!
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 30 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 I ask for specific guests to be drawn first?
A: Yes, please mention this to me on the day.
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: What do I need to know before hiring you for an event?
A: When deciding on how many hours you are willing to make a booking for, you can estimate how many people are going to be at your event and how many you think will want a caricature done. The usual length of a booking for a party is between 2–4 hours, although I have taken bookings much longer. Also, other details: the date of the event, location, time, directions etc. The booking is taken on first come first served basis.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: Please check my Price List. For Australian Cartoonists' Association recommended rates, please click here.
Q: What if I hire you for an event for 4 hours or more?
A: There is a discount in prices for hiring for 3 hours or more. Please check out my price list.
Q: How long have you been doing cartooning and caricatures?
A: Since 1991.
Q: Do I need to supply paper, tables, chairs etc?
A: Adequate lighting is the main thing I require. All drawing equipment and normal paper is supplied by me. For special paper you may have to pay additional charges.
Q: How much time do I need to book you for an event?
A: For all types of event, I prefer at least a week's advance notice. The booking is taken on first come first served basis.
Q: What types of art do you specialise in?
A: Apart from caricatures, I also do gift or photo caricatures. Since the past 17 years, I have also drawn hundreds of editorial cartoons, pocket cartoons, comic strips, travel sketches, illustrations and animated cartoons. Please feel free to browse their samples on this website.