FAQs
How much does Doug charge for his services? Hourly rates vary between $150 and $175 depending on the time and location of your event, generally with a three hour minimum. For trade shows and other longer events, a day rate is available. Get an E-quote or call Doug at 415-373-6670.
How fast does Doug draw? Doug draws each subject face in 2-4 minutes using traditional ink and paper. If it is a smaller party and no lineup of people waiting Doug will include bodies and themes if appropriate, which can add another two minutes. Under extreme pressure Doug has been known to draw “Minute Mugs”, bringing a whole new meaning to the term “quick sketch artist”. Note: when Doug is drawing on a digital tablet, plan on 5-8 minutes per subject.
What does Doug need to work? Three chairs and an electrical outlet for his lamp. Doug does not need a table.
How do I hire Doug? First, get a quote. When an agreement is reached, either via e-mail or by phone, Doug will e-mail you an invoice in pdf format. He may ask for a deposit, typically $150, to hold the date. Once you are on Doug’s calendar you are guaranteed his presence. In the event of an unforseeable emergency on Doug’s part, Doug will arrange the best alternate available or return your deposit.
Can Doug put my logo in the picture? For a small fee Doug will preprint templates with your logo and tag line on each page so your guests won’t forget your event as long as the picture is posted in their cubicle or framed on the wall.
What if I need more than one artist? For bigger events Doug will subcontract the best quality caricaturists available. You get one invoice and cut one check. Doug handles everything.
How many people can Doug draw in a picture? Doug is comfortable drawing singles, couples, families and groups of all sizes. Couples and trios can sit together; larger groups can pose one at a time and Doug pieces them together like a puzzle.
Should I choose traditional or digital media? For most situations Doug’s ink-on-paper product is perfect. It’s fast, incredibly subtle and accurate—caricature like nothing your guests have ever seen. Digital caricatures, on the other hand, have innovations that some clients will find attractive. The novel presentation, the use of color, the easy-to-tuck-away print size, template possibilities, and versatility of use (caricatures can be e-mailed, downloaded off the web or sent to cell phones) make digital caricature a natural for trade shows, for example. Doug will be happy to advise you on the suitability of digital caricature for your event.
Does Doug draw funny gags? While his main focus is delivering undeniable likenesses, he is equally adept at conjuring up gag scenes based on your guests’ personalities. At parties and events there is not usually much time to explore a relationship with questions, so he doesn’t do gags for gags’ sake. But if there’s a story to be told and he catches a whiff of it, it will show up in the picture.
What do people do with their caricatures until they leave? If the setting permits Doug will tape each caricature to a wall as it is finished (using a special low-tack artist tape), creating a cartoon gallery as the party progresses. This “Wall of Fame” becomes a focal point where guests gather to kibbitz and spot each other. When the party’s over they simply grab it off the wall.
Won’t the ink get smeared? Doug packages each picture in transparent sealed plastic sleeves so it gets home safely.