My First Zoom Party as a Caricature Artist: Drawing for HopeKids
Updated: 1 day ago
I was actually very against doing Zoom party caricatures for a long time.
Probably because I have AuDHD and I just don’t like change.
Plus, I had to get the setup in place, and honestly, that was just too daunting for my wormy AuDHD brain.
But last night I did it!
I did my very first Zoom party as a caricature artist for HopeKids.
And honestly? It wasn’t bad at all. In fact, it was a relief.
I did it! Hooray!
A Virtual Party for HopeKids Families
HopeKids is a program that works with kids ages 0–18 who have cancer and other life-threatening medical conditions. They provide free events and activities for the whole family, along with a community of other families who understand what they’re going through.
The idea is to give these kids and their families something fun to look forward to during some really difficult times.
I have been working with families like this for some time in hospitals such as USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Mobile, where I do bedside visits and join their big activities.
But I had never worked as a Zoom caricature artist before.
Actually, I had never done any kind of virtual caricature party.
So this was completely new territory for me.
Figuring Out How to Draw Caricatures on Zoom
Thankfully, my wunderkind son Dan, who is nearly 18, was able to help me.
I got all my equipment together, and we made it work.
That included a new computer I’d bought for myself over the summer, a new iPad I’d bought for a digital gig coming up, an Apple Pencil, which I haven’t used since it had a button (I was pleasantly surprised with how well it worked), a webcam and lots of wires.
Last minute, we realized I needed headphones, so thankfully I was able to steal - I mean borrow - them from my daughter.
I hopped on the call 20 minutes early and was able to get everything working with a program Dan downloaded for me. The families could see me AND my tablet as I drew.
We were all together on Zoom, along with Sarah from HopeKids, who was the moderator.
And of course I had to draw Sarah, too!
I found out she’s also neurospicy. :)
I knew I liked her!
About 20 Caricatures in One Hour
I drew about 20 people in one hour. Everyone kept saying how fast I draw.
And one of the things I loved about doing a virtual party like this was that the families were joining us from all over the country.
That’s one of the really cool things about HopeKids’ virtual events. Families can participate from home or even from a hospital bed, including kids who may need to be isolated because of their treatment. Nobody had to travel anywhere. We could all just meet online and have some fun together.
I made chitchat as I sketched them and followed what I was taught when drawing in the hospital: Keep it light and don’t ask about the illnesses.
For that hour, we were just drawing, talking and having fun.
And I got to give them all a gift, a fun time and a drawing of their families.
A Different Kind of Caricature Reveal
Drawing caricatures during a Zoom party is a little different from drawing live at an in-person event. Normally, the guest doesn’t see what I’m drawing until the very end.
That reveal is one of my favorite parts of my job.
But on Zoom, they could actually watch me draw on my iPad.
So the reveal was a little different.
Instead of wondering what I was doing behind the easel, everyone could watch the caricatures come together right on their screens.
It was still rewarding.
And I hope I brightened their day.
There Were More Than 100 People on the Waitlist!
Sarah told me there were more than 100 people on the waitlist for the event!
So they’ll have to have me back. :)
And it also made me realize something.
There are a lot of reasons people might need a virtual event instead of an in-person one.
Your guests might live all over the country. Your company may have remote employees. Someone may be in the hospital. Families may not be able to travel. Or maybe you just want to do something completely different for a birthday, company event or special occasion.
A live online caricature artist gives everyone something to watch while also giving each person their own drawing to keep.
Now I’m Available for Zoom Parties and Virtual Events
So I’m officially a Zoom party caricature artist now!
After resisting it for years, I can finally say that I offer caricatures for Zoom parties, virtual parties and online events.
This could work for:
Virtual birthday parties
Corporate virtual events
Remote employee events
Virtual team-building activities
Employee appreciation
Nonprofit events
Hospital programs
Family gatherings
Holiday parties
Special events where the guests are spread out geographically
And yes, I still do what I always do.
I draw fast, flattering caricatures and talk with your guests while I work.
The location just happens to be a computer screen.
Want to Plan a Zoom Party?
If you’re planning a Zoom party or virtual event and want entertainment that gets your guests involved, I’d love to talk with you about live virtual caricatures.
I’m Kathy Buskett, a professional caricature artist with more than 27 years of experience drawing people at weddings, corporate events, private parties, nonprofit events and celebrations around the country.
And now apparently on Zoom, too. :)
Learn more or contact me at:
Learn More About HopeKids
If you have a child age 0–18 with cancer or another life-threatening medical condition, your family may be eligible to become a HopeKid.
You can learn more about their programs and events at:
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