What is all of that Stuff We Carry?

Many people, especially kids and artists are curious about our set up and materials.

We have to be mobile. We travel to all kinds of party sites ranging from outdoor parks and fields to host's living rooms to ornate hotel banquet rooms. We have to be able to get in and out quickly-sometimes we work at more than one event in a day and the schedule can be tight.

But most important, we have to work quickly when we draw. Party caricatures should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes per person drawn.

So economy of speed, economy of motion and a set up that facilitates this is important.

So, how do caricature artists set up and work at a party? Although there are individual and regional differences, the arrangements look something like this.

The artist's set up begins with a portable drawing surface. Some artists rest a drawing board on their lap. But most artists in the Philadelphia area use easels of some sort. French easels are popular among artists because they are portable and have neat fold out drawer to store pens, markers, chalks, etc.

Some artists may have a small box or table to rest their drawing paraphernalia while they work.

Then they use some sort of bag or satchel to cart in the drawing paper, clip-on lights, bags, etc. I use a roll-aboard suitcase for this purpose. It keeps me very mobile. I can just carry my easel over my shoulder with its shoulder strap and roll my suitcase from my car to the party-site.

Most of us carry clip on lights we use when we are indoors. They are a lifesaver when working in dim banquet halls and restaurants. Because we can provide our own light, the party host can keep light levels anywhere they want for purposes of setting a desired atmosphere. We just ask to be placed near a location by an electrical outlet.

You can read more about how caricature artists work here.