Francis Vallejo Caricatures
Live caricature sample
Live caricature sample
Live caricature sample
Live caricature sample
Portrait Samples
Overview
Professional caricature artist with 20+ years of experience with over 15,000 caricatures drawn! I am happy to draw at a range of functions, from large corporate brand activations for the Detroit Tigers, Belle Tire, and Rivian to small private parties.
I am an also an Associate Professor and Section Lead of Illustration at the College for Creative Studies and recent illustrator of Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman and countless other books.
Caricatures completed on 14x17 card stock packaged in custom bags. My setup is minimal, I only need 3-ish chairs (depending on event).
Rates start at $150/hr. Please contact for details.
Please send me a message to discuss how I could enhance your event!
Reviews
6 reviews
Sara A.
May 6, 2026Bringing Theo of Golden to Life ✨
One of the most special parts of our Theo of Golden Book Club evening was experiencing the story come to life through art.
Francis was absolutely incredible. Patient, kind, talented, and able to capture more than just a face on paper. Each portrait felt personal and unique, just like the spirit of Asher Glissen in the book. Watching everyone’s reactions as their sketches came to life created so much laughter, emotion, and connection throughout the evening.
The detail, warmth, and atmosphere Francis brought into our home made the night unforgettable. Our guests left with more than a portrait. They left with a memory.
If you are looking for a live portrait artist for an event, gathering, shower, party, or special experience, I cannot recommend Francis enough. Truly gifted.
Hired as: Live Artwork
Francis Vallejo Caricatures
Thanks so much for the kind review Sara! I had a great time :)
Crystal S.
July 19, 2025The Best!
Francis was AWESOME! I hired him for our church Vacation Bible School teen worker appreciation pool party and he was great! His artistic skills are A+ and his personality was a perfect fit! He was professional, personable and very easy to work with. We had about 45 teens plus some adults and we weren't sure if this age group would enjoy/appreciate this ...but the line waiting was LONG and they had a blast! HIGHLY recommend!!!
Hired as: Caricaturist
Francis Vallejo Caricatures
A pleasure to work with you Crystal! I had a blast :)
Renae F.
June 6, 2025Amazing and Charismatic Artist!
Francis was truly amazing to work with! He was hired to draw at my Memorial Day weekend picnic and he truly made the experience with how fun and engaging he was. The drawings spread like wildfire . . . once one person saw how great his work was everyone suddenly wanted to have one! He spent the perfect amount of time on each drawing so it didn't take too long but also didn't seem too short. He was punctual, organized, and kind - he did caricatures that each person would be comfortable with. Thank you Francis!
Hired as: Caricaturist
Francis Vallejo Caricatures
Glad to work with you on this event! Had a blast Renae :)
Jennifer G.
April 12, 2026Made my Son’s birthday extra special
Francis was the icing on the cake for my son’s 5th birthday party. He did amazing work and gave us a lasting memory. Everyone really enjoyed his work. He was great with the kids and was able to keep even the most active kids in the seat long enough for him to make his masterpiece.
Hired as: Caricaturist
Robin L.
January 27, 2026This activity is always a crowd pleaser!
Francis arrived early and prepared!
Hired as: Caricaturist
Booking information
Price range: $150/hr
Languages: English
Gig length: 120 - 480 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - ACT Artist Insurance
What to expect
I offer live exaggerated caricature drawings created either in black and white or in color on 14x17 card stock paper. Up to 4 faces on one sheet. I can create the art on custom designed paper if desired (with the client's branding) for an additional fee. 8 mins per black and white face, 14 mins per color face.
I also offer live portrait art. These drawings are created classically realistic using charcoal and pastel. Each portrait takes 20 mins. They are black and white with touches of color on 14x17 paper.
Each person or group of persons receive the drawing presented in a custom bag. I am personable and make the experience pleasant and conversational when appropriate. My attire matches the theme of the event.
I arrive with a portable easel that also stores my supplies. I can provide chairs if needed, or if your venue offers chairs, I can use those as well.
About
Francis Vallejo is an award-winning, Detroit native, Mexican-American artist whose works have been exhibited in major national publications, art galleries, and museums. Vallejo earned his Bachelor’s degree from Ringling College of Art + Design and his M.A. from Savannah College of Art + Design. He has since created artworks for a host of notable clients and exhibits. Vallejo’s Jazz Day, written by Roxane Orgill and published by Candlewick Press, was the recipient of the Boston Globe Horn Book award for Best Picture Book. His illustrated book, Anansi Boys, written by Neil Gaiman, and published by The Folio Society, has won Spectrum Gold, the D&AD Pencil, and other awards. He recently received a prestigious 2023 Kresge Visual Arts Fellowship.
He currently serves as Section Lead & Associate Professor of Illustration at the College for Creative Studies, and Chair of the Board for the nonprofit Art-ology.
Additional booking notes
If drawing in a darker areas, I can provide clip lights for my easel.
I ask to not be staged near speakers.
I do not need a table to work on.
Services offered
Upcoming booked events
November 2026
01
Sunday
Wedding Reception
12:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Detroit, MI
Past booked events
May 2026
05
Tuesday
Personal Occasion
5:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Macomb, MI
April 2026
11
Saturday
Children’s Birthday Party
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Royal Oak, MI
January 2026
25
Sunday
Birthday Party
12:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Birmingham, MI
November 2025
22
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 11:00pm
•
Chelsea, MI
July 2025
19
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Bloomfield Hills, MI
18
Friday
House Party
8:30pm - 10:00pm
•
Woodhaven, MI
Setup requirements
4 chairs