A Live Caricaturist
Your Guests Will Love
LIVE CARICATURE ENTERTAINMENT FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
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Choose an Event Type to Learn More
⚡Flattering. Fast. Unforgettable.⚡
What Is a Caricature?
A Celebrity Caricature of Forrest Gump's Cast by yours truly
Miss Mississippi holds her caricature with a young admirer at the Farm Bureau Federation Conference at Beau Rivage in Biloxi. Read The Story Here.
A caricature is a drawing that is likeness plus exaggeration.
Without likeness, it isn’t really a caricature. Without any exaggeration, it’s simply a portrait.
Every caricaturist balances those two ingredients differently. Some artists may use 10% likeness and 90% exaggeration.
My style is closer to 90% likeness and 10% exaggeration.
That means you’ll still recognize your features, expression, and even a little of your personality, but with just enough exaggeration to make the drawing fun.
Guests sometimes compare my style to Disney or Marvel: a cartoon that actually looks like the person.
There is nothing wrong with highly exaggerated caricatures. They simply aren’t what I do best.
I specialize in flattering, recognizable caricatures because that is what most people tell me they want at weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.
Learn more about what a caricature is and the types of caricature HERE
What Happens When a Live Caricaturist Comes to Your Event?
Usually, the fun begins with one brave guest.
They approach me and ask if I’m ready to draw them.
I invite them to sit down, introduce myself, shake their hand, and explain how everything works:
“Just look right at me. I’ll tell you when to smile. You don’t have to smile the whole time—unless you want to.”
That usually gets the first laugh and helps everyone relax. While I draw, we talk a little, their friends gather around, and they watch the caricature come to life.
Most guests take only two to three minutes to draw, so the experience keeps moving without the long lines people may remember from fairs and festivals. Then I turn the drawing around for the reveal, which is the highlight of the drawing. They react, (hopefully with laughs or smiles) and I take their picture (to send to the hosts later),
And then it's time for the next guest.
Sometimes introverts have a hard time sitting for a caricature, like this groom, Dan. He and his wife, Rincy, hired me as their wedding caricaturist for their wedding on Tybee Island, Georgia.
I did my best to help Dan feel comfortable, and by the time I revealed the finished caricature, he gave me a genuine smile!
That’s exactly why I do what I do. My mission is to spread joy and laughter with my “magic” marker—one funny drawing at a time.
The Day Caricatures Changed the Whole Mood
I pulled into the driveway of a home in Vancleave, Mississippi, expecting to draw caricatures at a party.
A handful of people were sitting on lawn chairs under the carport. Coolers, bowls of chips, and a grill were all nearby, but no one was talking. They didn’t look happy to see me.
Was I in the right place?
As I double-checked the address, a woman in her 40s knocked on my car window.
I looked up and said, “I’m supposed to draw caricatures at a party today. Am I in the right place?”
She nodded apologetically. “Yes, you are. The reason I hired you was so you could help put smiles on everyone’s faces again. This is my Mom’s celebration of life. Mom would have wanted it this way,” she said.
That sunk in for a moment. This was a funeral. First time for everything, I thought.
I looked back at the silent group. No one was making eye contact.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you when I hired you. I thought maybe you wouldn’t come if I did.”
I smiled, mentally put on my big-girl pants, and said, “Of course I would have come.
I go wherever I’m needed. Just tell me where to set up.”
Remembering Ma
I set up under the carport, where everyone was already gathered. Pam, the woman who had hired me, went first. As I drew, I asked her to tell me about her mom.
She described a strong woman who had raised four children alone. Then one of her grown brothers joined in with a story.
“Remember the time…?”
Someone else added another memory. Before long, everyone was joining in.
I kept drawing and listening. We laughed when the stories were funny. We cried when the moment called for it.
Slowly, the mood under that carport began to change.
One Final Caricature
After I had drawn the family, Pam brought out a photograph of Ma.
Everyone gathered around and began suggesting what Ma should be doing in her caricature. They decided she needed to be playing Yahtzee and drinking a Miller Lite. They all agreed it was completely Ma.
As the drawing came together, the family laughed.
“That’s her!” and “You caught her spunk!”
By the time I finished, the people who had barely looked at one another when I arrived were laughing, talking and showing off their drawings.
When I found the photographs from that day to write this, I was genuinely surprised by how happy everyone looked—because they certainly hadn’t looked that way at the beginning.
As I packed up and headed toward my car, Pam came over to pay me. She added a tip and thanked and hugged me.
“I hope you found some closure today,” I told her.
With tears in her eyes, she thanked me for coming and said she thought they had.
That day reminded me that caricatures aren’t only drawings, keepsakes or entertainment. Sometimes they give people a reason to gather, tell their stories and smile again.
Ma's Celebration of Life
How a Live Caricaturist Can Change the Mood of an Entire Event
The celebration of life was an extreme example, but I see the same transformation at weddings, corporate events, and parties of all kinds.
Guests return to their tables holding their drawings, show them around, and ask, “Do you think this looks like me?” People laugh, compare caricatures, and send their friends over to be drawn.
Before long, the room feels like a miniature art gallery where everyone gets to be part of the exhibit.
Caricatures are also natural icebreakers. They give people who may not know one another an easy reason to talk, laugh, and connect.
The drawing is the keepsake, but the shared experience can change the mood of the entire event...
...or even make your event one of
the most memorable ones your guests have ever attended.
What Kind of Event Are You Planning?
Hiring a caricaturist isn’t simply about putting someone behind an easel. The artist’s speed, style, personality, and ability to connect with guests determine whether the experience truly works.
I bring more than 27 years of experience, exceptionally fast drawing speed, and a flattering style that captures each person’s likeness without embarrassing them. Most importantly, I know how to put guests at ease, draw them into the experience, and make them feel seen.
Choose your event type to see how I can create that experience for your guests.
Explore
Wedding Caricatures
Your wedding brings together the people you love most, and I want each guest who sits in my chair to feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated. Long after the wedding is over, your guests will still have something made especially for them—a joyful reminder of your special day.
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Corporate Event
Caricatures
I help break the ice, encourage interaction, and give attendees something memorable to take home. I can also create custom paper featuring your company logo, turning every caricature into a personalized branded keepsake.
As a mom—including to children with disabilities—I know how important it is to help every guest feel included. I create a welcoming experience for children, adults, families, seniors, and guests with disabilities at festivals, fundraisers, libraries, schools, churches, and community celebrations.
Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and family celebrations are the milestones we measure our lives by. Make yours feel special with laughter, connection, and personalized caricatures your guests can take home.
Pets have personalities too, and I know how to capture them. I create fun, recognizable pet caricatures live at festivals, fundraisers, adoption events, pet-friendly celebrations, and corporate events. Pets can pose briefly or be drawn from a clear photograph on their owner’s phone.
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Digital Caricatures
For a modern, interactive experience, I can draw guests digitally while they watch their caricatures come to life. Digital caricatures are especially effective for corporate events, trade shows, brand activations, and contemporary celebrations.
Meet Caricaturist Kathy Buskett
Hi, I’m Kathy, the artist behind Caricatures by Kathy. I’ve spent more than 27 years working as a professional caricaturist, including ten years entertaining guests at casinos, conventions, and corporate events in Las Vegas.
I eventually left Las Vegas (and my position as a CEO) to raise my children near their grandparents on the Gulf Coast.
As a mom, including to children with disabilities, I’ve learned how important it is to help every person feel comfortable, included, and seen.
I genuinely love people, and that shapes everything I do. My mission is to spread joy and laughter with my “magic” marker—one funny drawing at a time.
I’m now based on the Gulf Coast and regularly serve Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia. I’m also available for destination events throughout the country.
Me at a corporate event "electric luau" at the Grand Hotel in Fairhope, AL
Choose a Five-Star Caricaturist You Can Trust
The right caricaturist needs more than artistic ability. At a live event, your caricaturist also needs to be fast, friendly, dependable, and able to make every kind of guest feel comfortable.
Flattering
My flattering caricature style has helped me earn five-star ratings and invitations to high-end weddings, corporate events, a cruise, and behind the scenes at Cirque du Soleil. Clients and booking agents repeatedly tell me this is the style their guests prefer.
Fast
I placed fourth in a world speed-caricature competition and can draw far more guests than many live artists without sacrificing likeness.
Experienced
I have spent more than 27 years working as a professional caricaturist at thousands of weddings, corporate events, private parties, festivals, resorts, and community celebrations.
Dependable
I carry $2 million in liability insurance, arrive early, and bring a professional setup. After 27 years and thousands of events, I understand that being talented isn’t enough—you need to know your entertainer is actually going to show up and be ready to work.
Trusted by leading brands and organizations, including Samsung, Coca-Cola, Cirque du Soleil, the USO, the United States Air Force, and more.
Guaranteed
Every booking comes with a written contract so you know exactly what to expect, along with my 100% show-up guarantee. I have never missed an event in 27 years, but I still put that guarantee in writing. If I fail to show up for your event, you receive a full refund.
What Clients Say About Caricaturist Kathy Buskett
From weddings and private parties to family celebrations and community events, clients consistently mention the fun, the lasting keepsakes, and the experience their guests had with Caricatures by Kathy.
★★★★★
“There are no words to describe you and your talents. You will be talked about for years to come and were such an important part of our wedding weekend. Everyone was so excited and impressed with your work. If you are reading this and thinking about booking her, DO IT!!!!”
— Brooke Schuster
★★★★★
“Only hire her if you want to look like a genius party planner, want to get a ton of compliments and want your guests to walk away with the best party favors ever, short of Oprah giving them a car. She did a great job and will be in my digital Rolodex for upcoming events, for sure.”
— Mark M.
★★★★★
“Mrs. Kathy is AMAZING! Very professional, polite, and accommodating! She was on time, we had a big crowd and she handled it like a champ! I have a special-needs son and I loved how she interacted with him. She treated him just like the rest of the kids!”
— Katlyn Finch
Wedding Reception
Corporate Holiday Party
Private Party
Booking Your Live Caricaturist Is Easy
1. Tell Me About Your Event
Send me the date, location, type of event, estimated guest count, and anything else you already know. You do not need to have every detail figured out.
2. Receive a Personalized Recommendation
I’ll recommend the drawing style and amount of time that make the most sense for your event and guest count. Then I’ll send you a clear quote with no surprise charges.
3. Reserve Your Date
We’ll both sign a written agreement that protects you and me. Your date is officially reserved once the agreement is signed and the 50% retainer is paid.
I’ll check in as your event approaches, arrive early, and bring everything needed for the caricature setup.
Your Booking Is Protected
My 100% Show-Up Guarantee
If I fail to appear at your event, all the money you paid me will be refunded. That has never happened in my 27-year career, but the guarantee is included in writing for your peace of mind.
When Your Plans Change
If you need to change the date, time, or location, contact me as soon as possible. I will work with you to find a good solution. If your event must be rescheduled, your retainer can be applied to another available date or event within 12 months.
Questions About Hiring a Live Caricaturist
How many guests can you draw?
I can usually draw approximately 20–30 guests per hour, depending on the drawing style selected and whether guests are drawn individually or together. I’ll help you choose the amount of time that makes sense for your event and guest count.
Can couples or families be drawn together?
Yes. Guests can be drawn individually, as couples, or in small family groups. I’ll help you choose the drawing format that works best for your event, guest count, and available time.
Do you offer color or black-and-white caricatures?
I offer both, and I do not charge extra for color or for adding cartoon bodies. Color and more detailed drawings take a little longer, so during your consultation we’ll discuss your guest count, event schedule, and priorities to determine which drawing style will work best for your group.
How much room does a caricaturist need?
Very little. My standard setup includes a portable easel and three chairs. I bring my own art supplies and do not require a table. The best location is usually near an area where guests naturally gather.
Can you draw children and guests with disabilities?
Absolutely. I have extensive experience drawing children, babies, seniors, and guests with disabilities. Children do not have to sit perfectly still. If necessary, I can also work quickly from a photograph on a parent’s phone.
Do you travel?
Yes. I am based on the Gulf Coast and regularly work throughout Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia. I am also available for destination events and events requiring air travel.
Have another question? Visit the full FAQ page.
Ready to Hire a Live Caricaturist for Your Event?
Give your guests something fun to experience together—and a flattering, personalized keepsake they can take home.
Tell me a little about your event, and I’ll help you choose the caricature style and amount of time that will work best for your group.
Styles and Pricing