StorySpark Caricatures

I set up with an easel so guests behind me can watch the drawing come to life as I work. That visibility is part of what makes it work. Guests gather, a line builds, and the gap between what the audience can see and what the subject can't yet see creates real anticipation. It gets a party atmosphere going quickly and keeps it going.

Each portrait takes roughly 5 to 8 minutes. While I draw, I have a real conversation with the subject. I'm genuinely curious about the person in front of me, and a little conversation brings out personality that shows up in the drawing.

Standard portraits are black and white, heads only, on 11x14 cardstock that holds up and lasts. Color is available with advance notice but takes longer per person, which reduces how many guests I can draw. I mostly draw heads rather than full figures because the face is where everything interesting lives, and it keeps the pace moving so more guests get their portrait.

Subjects consistently tell me they're amazed by how much the drawing looks like them. That never gets old.

I spent four years drawing caricatures full-time at SeaWorld- 60 to 80 people a day. That's where I learned to work fast without cutting corners, and where I drew thousands of different faces from every background imaginable. More than 5,000 character portraits later, I still love sitting down across from a new subject.

I'm a professional illustrator trained at the Columbus College of Art and Design, where I earned my degree in illustration. I've been working professionally as an artist for 30 years; drawing, painting murals, illustrating books, and developing concepts for themed entertainment experiences. I co-founded Stratos Innovation Group 13 years ago, a business consultancy helping companies create new value for their customers through research, strategy, and design for new products and services.

My style sits at the flattering end of the caricature spectrum. If you imagine a scale from "very funny but barely looks like them" to "portrait-accurate with a touch of character," I'm on the portrait end. People are often genuinely surprised by how much the drawing looks like them. That reaction is the whole point.

I believe every person is the hero of their own story. When someone sits down in front of me, I'm looking for what makes them genuinely themselves- and I put that on paper.

Standard character portraits (caricatures) are black and white, heads only, on 11x14 cardstock. I bring all my own supplies: markers, paper, and board. No setup costs, no rental equipment.

Color portraits are available if requested before the event. Because color takes longer, it reduces the number of guests I can draw per hour. If color matters to your event, mention it when you book.

I draw approximately 8 to 10 people per hour in standard black and white. Speed varies slightly because some faces invite more detail than others.

No electricity or audio equipment needed.