Digital is here and here to stay. Although many of us are still using pen and paper to draw and paint with we are also embracing the digital age. Many artists have been using digital media for years in the studio and many clients may not have even noticed. I personally have been colouring my illustrations with digital software for seven years or more now. The practice of using the digital aspect to colour illustrations allows us more of what customers want these days in the addition of logos and other elements that are just to problematic to reproduce by hand. In studios across the country many artists are now drawing directly on computers to produce stunning pieces of art. This has been going on for a long time and will continue into the future.
So what’s new about digital caricatures and artwork? The change in digital artwork is the fact that we can now do it live at events. Earlier hardware and software programs made it too complex for many artists to work digital at events. With the invention of tablets and other devices they have allowed us to be more mobile and those of us that do live events are now able to take that digital work to event caricatures.
So how does the program work? Although every persons setup may be a little different for the most part we will all have the same components. The artist will draw on a tablet of their choice either an iPad or Wacom style tablet. As they draw on the tablet the image will be projected onto screen or monitor for the audience and customer to see. After the caricature is completed the image can be either emailed to the customer or printed out on the spot for them to take home.
What is the difference between paper and digital caricatures for events? There are a couple of issues that make a difference for digital events and normal paper. Digital caricatures take a few minutes longer to complete because the benefit of digital caricatures is having them done in colour. Most paper events are done in black and white. Digital caricatures are done usually at a size of 4×6 which just allows for a head shot of one person. Digital caricatures also cost more than paper bookings due to the equipment and printing costs associated with digital work. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour more than a paper event booking.
So who should use digital caricatures? Digital caricatures can be used at any indoor event. The benefits include colour caricatures, projected image which allows more people to watch the process, and variable delivery method. Digital works best at corporate events, but also works well for events like weddings and other large events. A power source will be required for the setup and moving around the room may be limited. It is best to contact the artist for specific situations. Digital caricatures are becoming the wave of the future and we are proud to be able to offer this service as of March 1, 2015.
About the Artist
Bruce Outridge is a caricature event artist and cartoonist from Burlington Ontario Canada. He offers live event caricatures and studio caricatures for clients. To learn more about Bruce and his work please visit his website at www.bruceoutridgeproductions.com
