TRADITIONAL CARICATURE
ARTIST
QUESTIONS
Live Caricaturist FAQs
Q. How did you get started as a caricaturist?
A. I get this question all the time — and I love telling the story!
Hi, my name is Kathy buskett and ive been a professional live caricaturist near me
for 27 years.
I’ve been an artist since childhood, always sketching and creating. I studied fine art in college, but after graduating I wasn’t using my degree the way I hoped. At the time, I was working as an activity director in a nursing home when I stumbled into the world of caricatures.
My first opportunity came at a local amusement park — Sesame Place in Pennsylvania, where I grew up.
I learned to draw caricatures on the job, discovered I loved it, and quickly realized I could make this more than a summer gig. After one season, I struck out on my own, building a business where I could connect with people through art.
That was back in 1999. Since then, I’ve been blessed with a career spanning 27 years, drawing at thousands of events across the country — from weddings and corporate parties to Fortune 500 clients and Las Vegas stages. And the truth is, I still wake up excited to do what I love: bringing joy, laughter, and flattering art to every event.
Me as a girl
How Fast Caricatures work
Q. How many people can you fit on one caricature drawing?
A. As many as you want! But if you want more than about 8 please let me know ahead of time so I can procure larger paper.
Q. How many people can you draw in one hour?
A. Speed is one of the things that sets me apart as a caricature artist.
I can draw 20–30 black-and-white caricatures per hour — about twice as fast as the industry average, and among the fastest in the world.
That means shorter lines, happier guests, and often enough time for everyone who wants a drawing to get one.
If you’d like caricature bodies added, the pace is around 15–20 per hour.
I also offer color caricatures, which are perfect for smaller gatherings or when you want an extra pop of flair. With color, I can do:
-
20-30 black and white faces/hr
-
20 ish black and white bodies per hour
-
10–15 color faces per hour
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5 full color faces with bodies per hour
8 People, 8 Drawings, WIth Bodies, in only 3 hours. Surely thats some sort of a record! Guiness Book of World Records, where are you?
One very special thing I offer which many caricaturists don't offer is Cartoon Bodies.
You and your guests can be ANY "body" they want, from superheroes to Disney princesses, from sports to professions to anything else they can dream up as long as it's CLEAN (I'm a family entertainer after all!)
This is perfect for THEMED parties
and I can theme your cartoon bodies to ANY event!
How Does Color work?
My Color is done with professional artist medium that don’t smudge or melt — so the caricature portraits last beautifully.
They're actually a vintage art supply that is no longer made and costs me over $100 a box! But they're SO MUCH BETTER than watercolor, they're worth every dollar!
Why is my secret vintage dry medium better than watercolor?
Glad you asked.
My vintage DRY art supplies require no drying tables, dries immediately so guests take them right then
That way they don't get left behind, there are no toxic chemicals, and no mess.
1. Watercolor takes time to dry and that slows the artist down. It's also messy and unsightly while drying and can easily be ruined while waiting for it to dry, or when guests get a little too eager.
2. Since Watercolor needs to dry, it also needs to be a space to dry on. Space is often at a premium at venues. Meaning - you simply dont have room for all that.
3. Paint is made with toxic chemicals that often wind up in the water supply. chemicals like cadmium, zinc oxide, titanium, and even cyanide!
My vintage DRY art supplies require no drying tables, dries immediately so guests take them right then
That way they don't get left behind, there are no toxic chemicals, and no mess.
👉 For more details on enhancements like bodies, color, and themed backgrounds, visit my Add-Ons & Upgrades Page.
Lego Party
Montgomery AL Community Center
Wedding
Cathredral of the Sacreed Heart
Pensacola, FL
Sweet 16 Party
Fancy Nancy Theme
Fairhope, AL
Backyard Celebration
Equipment, Sleeves and Paper
Q. What equipment do you need?
A. I keep things simple so hosting me is stress-free. All I need are three chairs — one for me and two for the guests being drawn. Folding chairs or kitchen-style chairs work perfectly. I bring my own professional easel, so no table is required.
For outdoor events, shade is essential. A tent, canopy, or covered patio works great to keep your guests comfortable and the artwork at its best. If you don’t have one, I can provide a tent for a small $50 rental fee.
Wedding Setup at a Vintage Wedding
Eclectic, AL
balloons & furniture
Courtesy of Ecelctic Venue
November, 2024
Q. Will you pre-print info on my paper?
A. Absolutely! They are considered add-ons and I only charge you what my printer charges.
This is because I use oversized paper. And I do that for two reasons:
1. To fit more of your guests in one drawing. Most live artists will only do two people per dawing. I can fit 8 - sometimes more! This is important becasue often, families want a Family Caricature.
2. I do it for the SHOW. I used to work in las vegas (yes as a caricaturist) and that's where I learned to put on a SHOW.
I dont just sit quietly, HIDING my work. Instead, I have a large floor easel and the line can have fun watching as I draw on XL paper which is 18x12.
Q. Do you include sleeves?
A. I draw on large 12x18" paper — big enough to fit up to 8 people on one page. Families love this option, and I always try to accommodate.
Most artists stick to small paper and limit drawings to 1–2 people, but my larger format gives you more flexibility and a keepsake worth framing.
Because the paper is oversized, protective sleeves are available as an add-on. I only charge my cost, and if you order enough, you may even qualify for a discount.
✨ I also offer a variety of other wedding and event add-ons to personalize your caricatures even further — [click here to learn more].
How much do Caricatures Cost?
Q. What is my investment?
A. Pricing depends on the type of event — weddings, corporate events, private parties, and nonprofits all have their own packages.
Rates start at $200 oer hour for private parties and $300 per hour for corporate events and weddings.
Travel is an additional fee.
✨ I also offer custom add-ons (like protective sleeves, themed backgrounds, and sign-in boards) so you can tailor your package to your guests and theme.
Q. Do you do Payment Plans?
A. Yes! and I dont charge any more for them. I can do up to 12 payments with my software so I'll be happy to customize a plan just for you.
Q. How do I book You?
A. First Contact Me to see if your date is available. I will get back to you ASAP, ask you a few questions, and get you a quote.
Q. What's the Next steps?
From there, my process is a quick chat or zoom call to see if we are a good fit for each other. Or if you're like me and dread phone calls, we can answer all your questions via email or text.
When you decide to book me, I get together a booking agreement for you. That has a 100% money back guarantee if I dont show up for any reason (which has never happened in my 27 year career but I still include it for your peace of mind.)
Then a 50% retainer reserves your date.
Are Your Caricatures Mean, Ugly or Disrespectful?
NO!
Q. Do you draw like those caricatures on Tik Tok?
A. I CAN. But ONLY By special request.
I've found that while most people like WATCHING those types of drawings, few people actually WANT ONE.
EVERYONE wants to look GOOD, which is why my caricatures are FLATTERING.
People Sometimes ask if I can draw funny faces or 'goofy faces.'
Of course I can!
But ONLY if someone asks for it!
And even then my drawings are STILL "Nice!"
An extreme exaggeration I did by request.
She's still cute! And she LOVED it.
Q. Do you work with people with Special Needs?
A. All the time! In fact, I have three kids with special needs of my own, and I have ADHD myself. I will treat your guests who have special needs with respect. Check out my Special Needs Page HERE
Q. How do guests bring home their drawings?
A. I roll them and fasten them with a tiny rubber band. This is how posters and other artwork are transported, it's actually safer to carry home than a flat drawing in a sleeve with no backing.
My drawings are twice as large as most other caricaturists' (12X18) to be able to fit more people in them (up to 8), so sleeves are more expensive, which is why they're not included.
However, I only charge you what my supplier charges.
And My Sleeves include a backing which makes them much stronger than just a plastic sleeve. I also offer tubes at cost for out-of-town guests.
Q. What is our Investment?
A. Every event is unique and so is yours. If you contact me HERE I will be happy to send you an individualized quote
Q. How do I book you?
A. Click here & Fill out the form to see if your date is available
Questions specific to weddings. Please read all the general questions above as well.
Q. Should I have you draw Wedding Caricatures for the cocktail hour or the reception?
A. I can do either one but generally, I recommend the reception or both unless you're having a very intimate wedding.
Q. How can we ensure all my guests get drawn?
A. I will recommend more artists if you need them however for most weddings of 100 guests I can accommodate within 4 hours of drawing. This includes a special caricature for the Bride and Groom, whom I MAKE SURE to get drawn.
Q. Do you do Digital Caricatures for weddings?
A. Yes! And I am also the ONLY
LIVE Digital Wedding PAINTER
Around! Try googling it. You'll see!
Wedding Caricaturist Questions
Q. Where’s the best place to set up caricatures?
A. I always recommend
setting up right in the flow of your event. Guests are much more likely to jump in when they can see the fun happening. Please don’t tuck me away in a separate room — being near the bar, DJ, dance floor, or buffet works beautifully.
I’ll also happily work with your planner or venue coordinator to find the perfect spot for my setup so your guests get the full experience.
Q. How much experience do you have?
A. I have 26 years of experience with 10 of those years being in Las Vegas drawing caricatures at some of the largest events in the World, including CES and World of Concrete. I can handle your crowd with ease.
Corporate Event Questions
Q. What was the Largest Event you have ever drawn caricatures at?
A. Everyone always asks what was my largest event.
My largest event was THE largest digital caricature event in the world, for Samsung.
They had our company, Caricature Cinema, which I owned and managed alongside my late husband Buddy Rose, provide 26 caricature artists to draw digital caricatures for the product release of the Galaxy Note.
Once Samsung saw how successful that launch was, they hired artists from around the world and went on a world tour. I was even interviewed about our company for CNET!
Caricatures really do make a huge impact on the success of events!
Of course you have to do your part too. Decorations, music, food, drinks... all contribute to a fun event. But if you want everyone to REMEMBER your event forever,
Hire me to draw Fast, Flattering and FUN caricatures at your Company Party!
Q. What is our Investment?
A. Every event is unique and so is yours. If you contact me HERE I will be happy to send you an individualized quote
Q. Are there any other fees?
A. A travel fee might apply
I may also need a hotel room which I ask for the going rate.
There might also be a parking fee depending on your venue.
Add-ons are additional, please see add-ons page.
After that, there are no other fees.
Q. Do you offer discounts?
A. Nonprofits, servicemen both active and retired, churches and schools receive a substantial discount. Other types of events might get a smaller discount.
Ernest M. Morial COnvention Center
New Orleans, LA
trade show/convention
2024
Me
This is the largest known caricature event in the world, lasted for four days, and I worked 12 hours a day drawing caricatures at this event for Samsung at CES in Las Vegas for their product release of their Galaxy Note in 2012.
Suffice to say I can handle your event!
Q. We've been looking for artists who can handle a Multi-Day Event.
Can you do that?
A. Absolutely. As a full-time professional caricaturist, I am adept at working at large, long events.
Some of the events I've worked at include the PGA Golf Tournament which was a multi-day event, as well as the convention for Samsung's Galaxy Note Product release (see photos to the right)
This is part of the job for me. I seldom take breaks and you will be pleased by my positive attitude and team spirit.
If you have a huge event and really do need more artists, I can help! I have access to other top-tier artists like myself all over the world.
Q. How do we book you?
A. Click here & Fill out the form to see if your date is available
DIGITAL CARICATURE
ARTIST QUESTIONS
Q. What is Digital Caricature? Is it the same as AI?
A. Digital caricature (and art) is still hand drawn. The tools are just different. Instead of marker and paper,
artists use a stylus and a tablet or a Wacom tablet.
Most Visual artists despise AI "Art" because it steals from artists. It literally cannot make anything of its own.
Q. How many people can be drawn in one hour?
A. I can draw 10 or more guests in one hour Digitally. (20-30 for traditional)
Even if not everyone can be drawn, the novelty of watching someone draw on a screen provides fascinating entertainment to bystanders. It’s amazing just to watch drawings appear as if out of nowhere
Q. What do we need to provide?
A. I will need a small table and two chairs near an electrical outlet. Other than that, all other equipment is provided, including a 42-inch LED screen. Wifi is required for emailed digital drawings. If none is available, I will download the drawings once I get home.
Q. How will people get their digital copies?
A. After the event, usually the same day, I will upload all the drawings to each individual's email. I name the drawings by the person's email address so they don't get mixed up, and I will also email you all copies at the end of the event, which gives you the drawings for your promo and the emails for follow-up.
Q. How do we book you?
A. Click here & Fill out the form to see if your date is available
Q. How much space do you need?
A. I will need space for a table at least four feet long with an electrical outlet and two chairs.
Q. What is our Investment?
A. For Digital Caricature Fees Please See My Pricing Page
Q. Do you offer discounts for nonprofits?
A. Nonprofits, servicemen both active and retired, churches and schools receive a substantial discount. Other types of events might get a smaller discount.
Q. What is our Investment?
A. Every event is unique and so is yours. If you contact me HERE I will be happy to send you an individualized quote
Q. How do we book you?
A. Click here & Fill out the form to see if your date is available
NONPROFIT CARICATURE
ARTIST QUESTIONS
Q. Are You OK with taking a background check?
A. Absolutely. I have nothing to hide.
Q. Are You OK with waiting to get paid til the day of the event?
A. I understand that some organizations cant split checks and if that's the case then I'm OK with it.
Please just make sure you have a check for me the day of you're event, this is how I feed my family. Thanks!
BOOKING INFORMATION
Once you contact me, I will do my best to contact you within the next 24 hours with my availability. (sometimes I'm working at events so please excuse me if it takes longer)
I will get you a Quote and we can schedule a Discovery Call to answer your questions & Make sure We're a good fit for each other.
If you decide to book, I will send you a booking agreement which I'll ask you to look over and sign. Then I will counter-sign and send it back to you. Once that is signed,
50% down is required to secure your spot on my calendar. You are not booked until you send your downpayment. I accept cash, credit, debit, business checks, venmo, cash app, and PayPal.
Your Guarantee: Your downpayment is fully refundable if I have to cancel for any reason. (This has never happened in my 25-year career but if it does I will give you all your money back no questions asked)
If you have waited between your quote and signing the agreement, please contact me to make sure your date is still available BEFORE PAYING.
YES, I do Payment Plans.
NO, I don't Punish You By increasing the total Amount! Contact me today and we can make a plan together.
Sometimes I make exceptions, so
