How Digital Caricatures Helped Samsung Wow the World at CES
- Kathy Buskett
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
When Samsung prepared to launch the first Galaxy Note at CES in Las Vegas, they faced a massive challenge.
The tech world was buzzing with new devices, and every booth was fighting for attention. The Galaxy Note — a cross between a tablet and a phone — was untested, and some thought it might flop.
Their solution?
Hire me and my team of professional digital caricature artists to showcase the product through live digital caricatures.
What happened next made Samsung the talk of CES — and helped transform the Galaxy Note into a flagship product that lasted more than a decade.
The Stage: CES, the World’s Tech Epicenter
CES is the global stage for technology. According to CES itself:
“CES convenes the tech industry, giving a global audience access to major brands and startups, as well as the world’s most-influential leaders and industry advocates.”
Every major brand debuts products there. To stand out, you need more than a flashy booth — you need something unforgettable.
The Big Idea: Live Digital Caricatures in Color
Samsung didn’t just want people to see their new Galaxy Note — they wanted them to experience it.
Their plan was bold: bring in 25 artists to create digital caricatures live at CES in Las Vegas, on the new devices, with every stroke projected onto giant screens across the booth.
But there was one condition:
The caricatures had to be in full color.
Samsung knew that if the drawings popped, they’d prove the Note’s versatility — and stop people in their tracks.
The Problem: A Limited Drawing App
At the time, the Galaxy Note didn’t yet have a true drawing app.
Instead, we had to use the basic Notes app, which offered only six neon “highlighter” colors.
For a professional digital caricature artist, this was a serious limitation.
The colors didn’t layer — meaning if strokes overlapped, the result became dark and uneven.
For smooth shading, that was a nightmare.
The Solution: A New Digital Caricature Technique
So one of our artists, Sam, created a workaround.
Sam developed a continuous-line coloring method — keeping the stylus down and filling each area in one smooth motion so the color stayed clean and consistent.
Then Buddy and I trained all 25 artists to use the same technique.
Within hours, we turned a limitation into a signature style of caricature digital art.
The Result: Samsung Became the Talk of CES
Samsung’s booth wasn’t just big — it took up an entire aisle of the convention floor.
For four straight days, we created live digital caricatures nonstop.
Lines wrapped around the building. Crowds never slowed. We even had to bring in backup artists just so people could take breaks.
Every drawing was projected onto massive screens, turning each caricature into a live performance.
The buzz was electric.
Samsung’s booth became the talk of CES.
I was even interviewed by CNET, who featured our work in their article:
The Impact
That launch helped turn the Galaxy Note into one of Samsung’s flagship products for over a decade, selling tens of millions of units worldwide.
It also opened doors for us.
Our work in digital event caricature led to future corporate bookings, including major events like the PGA Golf Tournament for AT&T and a Behind the Scenes engagement with
Cirque du Soleil.
Why Digital Caricatures Work
That event proved something powerful:
Digital caricatures aren’t just entertainment — they’re a marketing tool.
They:• draw crowds• hold attention• showcase products in real time• create shareable, memorable experiences
Whether it’s a trade show, brand activation, or corporate event, a skilled digital caricature artist turns a simple drawing into a full experience.
Bringing Digital Caricatures to Your Event
Today, I bring that same experience to events across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
From corporate launches to weddings, I create digital caricatures live that entertain guests and give them something personal to take home.
I also offer digital caricatures from photo for clients who want custom artwork after the event.
Whether you’re planning a trade show, party, or wedding, the goal is the same:
Create something people remember.
👉 Check availability here: www.caricaturesbykathy.com
Digital Caricatures FAQ
What are digital caricatures?
Digital caricatures are drawings created on a tablet or device instead of paper. A digital caricature artist uses a stylus to draw live on screen, often projecting the artwork for guests to watch in real time.
What is a digital caricature artist?
A digital caricature artist is a professional who creates caricatures using digital tools instead of traditional paper and markers. The drawings are still done by hand, just with different tools, allowing for live display, easy sharing, and a modern event experience.
How do live digital caricatures work at events?
At events, digital caricatures are drawn on a tablet and often displayed on large screens so guests can watch the process. My digital caricatures can be printed out on site, giving guests a tangible memento of your event. Many events also allow guests to receive a digital copy instantly, making it both entertainment and a shareable keepsake.
Are digital caricatures good for corporate events?
Yes, digital caricatures are especially effective for corporate events, trade shows, and product launches. They draw crowds, create engagement, and turn a simple interaction into a memorable branded experience.
What are digital wedding caricatures?
Digital wedding caricatures are a unique, modern twist on traditional wedding entertainment. They’re especially popular with tech-forward couples who want something different that no one else has. Guests love watching the drawings come to life on screen, and couples love offering something fresh, interactive, and memorable.
Are digital caricatures available on the Gulf Coast?
Digital caricatures are still very rare on the Gulf Coast. In fact, there are virtually no dedicated digital caricature artists offering this service in the region — which makes it a standout option if you want something truly different at your event.
Can you get a digital caricature from a photo?
Yes, many artists offer digital caricatures from photo submissions. This is a popular option for gifts, social media profiles, or custom artwork after an event.
What’s the difference between a digital caricature and an AI caricature?
A digital caricature is still drawn by hand by a real artist — just using a tablet instead of paper. It’s based on skill, observation, and experience. An AI caricature is generated automatically by software. It may be fast, but it lacks the personality, accuracy, and intentional choices that come from a human artist — and that difference shows.
Are digital caricatures better than traditional caricatures?
Both digital and traditional caricatures offer something special — it just depends on the experience you want to create.
With digital caricatures, guests can receive their drawings instantly by email, and I can also provide printouts on-site so they still leave with something in hand. The real “wow” factor comes from the live projection — every drawing can be displayed on a large screen, turning the process into part of the entertainment.
Traditional caricatures, on the other hand, are drawn on larger paper and have a more classic feel. These are the ones guests tend to frame, hang on their walls, and keep for years.
How much do digital caricatures cost?
Digital caricature pricing varies depending on the artist, event size, and setup. Live event bookings are typically priced hourly, while digital caricatures from photo are often priced per person.
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Hi, I’m Kathy Buskett — a professional caricature artist with over 27 years of live event experience, including major brands like Samsung, AT&T, and Cirque du Soleil.
I specialize in fast, flattering caricatures for weddings, corporate events, and trade shows — both traditional and digital.
If you want something your guests will actually talk about (and keep), check availability here:www.caricaturesbykathy.com
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