Perfect Gift for a Geek

The Tech Geek caricature is now finished and available for purchase at www.DrawMe.com.au.

Colours in this caricature can be customised to your liking.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

This caricature started life as a rough sketch before being produced as a high quality line art image.

Next came the colouring process and final touches before adding a sample face to the design.

ORDER YOUR OWN CARICATURE

If you wish to order your very own customised caricature drawn by hand from your submitted photos then simply visit my website at www.DrawMe.com.au.

Once you have placed your order and submitted your photos and description I will contact you to confirm everything before the order commences.  I may even suggest some minor changes or additions in order to get the very best final artwork produced.

WHAT OTHERS SAY

I have received countless 1000s of feedback messages from customers all over the world, including from some of the biggest companies such as Stella Artois, Smiths, UK Parliament, Qantas, Arnotts, Sanitarium, Tetley, Ernst and Young, Manchester Airport, Budweiser and many, many more!

Read some of the customer feedback messages here: http://www.drawme.com.au/customer-feedback.php

Best Man Gift

If you are looking for that perfect Best Man gift then look no further!

Head on over to www.DrawMe.com.au and order a caricature.

You can have your caricature designed exactly as you want and include many of the funny things that your best man gets up to.

All I need is a photo of the face to be drawn and a description of what you would like to include in the background.  It can be as funny or as serious as you want it to be.

The best man wedding caricature is one of the favourites over at DrawMe and it's easy to see why.

It can be difficult to shop for a gift for a best man...something totally unique and says that you have thought about it.

A caricature allows you to include many personal memories, items, dates, etc in an image that is totally unique and will delight your best man.

The caricatures are all hand drawn and have an amazing likeness to the person being drawn.

There are various options when it comes to the size and finish of the caricature.  You can opt for a print, canvas, mounted, framed, or electronic versions.  Each is produced in full colour (or black and white if you wish) and finished in a professional lab (no cheap inkjet prints!) to ensure your caricature will last for years.

Meticulous detail goes into every caricature to ensure a top quality product that will be a treasure hanging on any wall.

Many wedding couples also opt for a wedding caricature of themselves and use this as a signing in image...guests can sign on the mount used within the frame.

Other couples have used caricatures as wedding newspapers with details of how they met.  This could also be done for the best man caricature.

So, head on over to www.DrawMe.com.au and order your caricature now.

Facial Expression

FACIAL EXPRESSION IS THE KEY
TO A REALLY GREAT CARICATURE

When sending in your photos to have your caricature produced by www.Drawme.com.au it is important to think about the background theme and the facial expression required as this will add impact to the finished caricature.

The caricature on the left shows how the facial expression can really make a caricature come to life.  Imagine if the couple were not as expressive...perhaps not even smiling!  Do you think the caricature would look the same?

The photos that the customer sent in originally did not show these expressions so I advised him to think about the facial expressions they would have if they were on a roller-coaster.  He came back with new photos...ones which added that impact and made for a much more fun caricature.

It is also important that your photos are in-focus, of a good size, well-lit, and actually look like the person to be drawn.  You would be amazed at the number of photos I receive where 2 photos of the same person look totally different!

When you take your photo remember that I need an image taken of the subject facing the camera.  Side shots of the face do not make for great caricatures.

Likewise, do not take the photo from above (make the nose seem big) or from below (gives a double chin!).

Once you have taken your photo then send it to me at full size i.e. do NOT resize for sending the photo via email.

Over the past couple of years I have noticed an increase in the customers trying to use images taken from Facebook profiles.  These are usually far too small to work from.

If you want the caricature to have the best resemblance then a digital camera image is usually the best option.

If you have any questions then feel free to contact me via my website at www.Drawme.com.au.

Rock Star Caricature

The rock star caricature is one of the most recent additions to the standard caricature bodies completed.  It joins a whole host of bodies and backgrounds available over at www.DrawMe.com.au.

I will take you through the process of drawing the body so you can see the level of thought and detail that goes into the production of these highly sought-after caricatures and portraits.

Remember that my work is not the quick sketch style of caricature but rather a detailed piece of artwork in full colour (or black and white) which is produced to an outstanding level of detail and with a likeness to the person being drawn that is rarely seen.


STAGE 1: THE ROUGH SKETCH
The rock star caricature started life as a hand drawn rough sketch using a pencil on paper as you can see from the image to the left.

The idea was to produce a fairly punk type of rock star / singer with a mix of gold chains, ripped jeans, big boots, studded wrist bands etc.  A bit of a fusion of the different things many of us would associate with a rock star or modern day singer.

This is the stage where the body proportions are identified and concepts tested.

STAGE 2: THE LINE ART
The next step in the production is to produce the clean line art.  I use either Photoshop or Illustrator as my main tool.

Both programs are used extensively during the production process but it must be pointed out that, at no stage, are photo manipulations used.  This work is all hand drawn and painted.

The finished line art is now ready for the colouring process.


STAGE 3: COLOURING
This process is where the caricature body begins to spring to life.

The addition of colour and shading adds depth to the image.  Identifying source lighting, shading areas, highlights, hue, saturation, amongst others helps to give some character to the image.

I use Photoshop as my main colouring tool.

Each individual area of the caricature body is treated separately so that colour change in the future is very easy to do.  This means that a client can request a colour change to any part of the image e.g. changing the jeans to red or the shirt to blue.


STAGE 4: ADDING THE HEAD
Once the colouring has been completed it is time to add the head.  See my previous post here for details on how I produce the head.

The head is placed in an appropriate position to match the body pose.

It is important that you send in a good photo when ordering your caricature.  Identify a photo with a good expression.  Ensure the photo is of a good size, is in focus and is lit well.  A front facing photo will provide a much easier option when it comes to body choice...I can do much more with it.

STAGE 5: THE BACKGROUND
When you place your order you can specify the background you would like to see in the caricature.  This can be anything you wish.

Some customers opt for very busy backgrounds with lots of elements associated with the person.  Other customers opt for a very clean background so that the emphasis is on the caricature body and face.

Think about what you would like in your caricature background.  Feel free to ask questions if you are unsure.


STAGE 6: THE FINISHING TOUCHES
The final stage of the caricature production usually involves some final touches.

I add some shadows to the caricature and fix up any areas that need a few tweaks.

The caricature is now ready for printing.


STAGE 7: PRINTING
After final checks have been completed the caricature artwork is sent off to a professional print lab for printing and any mounting required.  Framing options are also available with all frames coming from a professional framing shop which produces exhibition quality frames.

I do not produce prints in-house as I can't match the professional quality of the external print lab.

So, order your caricature now and get ready to receive your very own stunning piece of artwork.

Head on over to www.DrawMe.com.au to order your very own caricature, a stunning piece of artwork ready to grace any wall in your home.

Unique Christmas Gift

Looking for a unique Christmas gift?

When it comes to the gift of giving it seems that everyone wants to give a unique gift and show that at least some thought has gone into it.

However, the yearly handkerchiefs, sweaters, socks, perfumes .... can all stink (pun intended) of desperation.

A caricature is a unique gift that requires some thought on your part.  You decide on what you would like in the background and have an opportunity to come up with something really unusual that will be the talk of the Christmas parties and family get-togethers.

All you need to supply is a photo of the person to be painted and a description of what you would like in the background.

In order to make the caricature really 'pop' you should include various references to special items, words, places that are commonly associated with the person being featured.

Does the person wear any particular clothing (or lack of clothing!)?

Do they have a favourite colour?

What job do they do?

What are their hobbies?

Have they been involved in any funny situations or accidents?

Have a really good think about the things you would like to see in the caricature and help make it a really personal and unique gift.

I will then begin the production of your unique caricature using your references.

Once the caricature artwork has been completed it can be printed, mounted, framed, or even put onto canvas...the decision is yours.

Order your caricature today at www.DrawMe.com.au.

Brad and Angelina Caricatures

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie caricatures...probably one of the most recognisable Hollywood couples around today and definite Hollywood A-listers.

Celebrity gossip suggests that the couple will be travelling the world this Christmas...along with their six children.

The couple only have a couple of weeks to squeeze in their tour and that not the only thing they may be squeezing in.

Rumour around Hollywood circles is that the couple will be saying 'I do' somewhere along the way.  That's right, Brad and Angelina may be getting married.

Good luck to the couple if they do get hitched.

If you are looking for your very own exaggerated caricatures for your own wedding couple then head on over to www.DrawMe.com.au.

You can specify anything you want in the background so let your imagination run riot.

All I require in order to produce your caricatures is a good quality head shot of each person to be painted.

So, don't delay...order your unique gift now at www.DrawMe.com.au and know that your wedding gift will be the talk of the town.

The Girl Who Has Everything

It is quite easy to come up with something a little amusing but not too offensive when producing my extremely popular caricatures.  

It's usually that little gem of a sentence in the description that sparks the creative juices and helps develop a theme. 

This one was created for the typical girl who has everything.

She was about to embark on a camping / hiking trip and, for a girl like this, it is important to bring along those essential items: shoes, clothes, makeup.  I am sure that everyone knows a girl just like this!

However, a girl such as this should never be expected to carry her own bag...or in this case...9 bags.  She's only bringing the essentials after all!  I do worry about those white shoes in all that mud though.

So she has some 'volunteers' to help her.  They look happy, don't they!

If you are after a caricature for someone such as this then I can definitely come up with something suitable.  It's easy to get your message across in a fun way.

The caricatures are hand drawn from a photo you email in.  It is important to send in a photo that captures the expression you want in the final caricature.  As you can see from this example the girl looks very happy.  And why wouldn't she be...after all, she has the guys doing all the work.

Once you send in your photo and description work will begin on producing your caricature.  You can request anything you want in the background and the more things that are particular to the 'victim' the more the caricature will have that personal touch and say that you have truly thought about this unique gift.

Once the artwork has been completed you can request a proof to be sent via email before the final print is produced.

These caricatures can be printed any size up to about 1 metre although some customers have printed larger and one has actually used theirs in a cinema as part of some advertising.

The caricature prints can be finished in various ways including professional print (all prints are completed by a professional lab ...these are not cheap inkjet prints), mounted print, framed (the frame is made-to-measure with full mount), acrylic block, canvas, and other products on request.

All products are shipped via Express Post across Australia and through your preferred carrier when shipped worldwide.

Order your caricature now over at www.DrawMe.com.au and delight someone you care about with a truly unique gift that everyone will be talking about.

Star Wars Caricatures

Star Wars caricatures are always a firm favourite over at www.DrawMe.com.au.

The caricature above was created for a family of 4 and shows the stunning clarity and attention to detail.

Whether you want to be features as Luke Skywalker from Episode IV:  A New Hope or the Dark Lord himself, Darth Vader, the choice is yours.

I can still remember watching Star Wars for the first time at the cinema.  That opening scene was just epic.

Now you can capture some of that magic and have your very own caricature created in the Star Wars type theme.

All I require is a good quality photo of the person to be drawn and a description of what you would like in the background.

Disney had now purchased the rights to the Star Wars franchise and work is underway on the latest version of Star Wars Episode VII.

Order your caricature today at www.DrawMe.com.au

Couples caricatures

I frequently get asked to produce caricatures for couples and for many reasons including weddings, engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, friendships etc.

Sometimes I am asked to include a car, pet, or other notable item in the scene.  No problem.

The caricature above was created to celebrate a wedding.  The client advised that the car, A Ford Falcon GT, was being used at the wedding.  The pet dog was also required in the final caricature.

Any items can be included in a caricature design.  All that is required is a little imagination and a description of what is required.

The turnaround time for a caricature can be as little as a few hours although it is always a good idea to order in plenty of time before the big day.

DrawMe.com.au is an established business and has earned a reputation for producing high quality caricatures and portraits, not only with individual clients but also with other caricature artists.  

Caricature artwork can be used in many ways.  A digital form can be used on websites, emails, blogs, social network sites etc.  Prints can be framed or mounted or even printed in smaller versions and used as gifts at weddings...what a great momento!

Many clients become repeat customers.  Remember that once a face has been drawn it can be used again in another scene.  So, many customers come back at Christmas for Christmas designs.

Order your caricature today.

Dr Who Caricature

The Dr Who caricature is one of the popular caricatures produced over at www.DrawMe.com.au.

Many customers opt to include the TARDIS and even a dalek as shown in the caricature above.

Anything can be included in the background.

All I require is a good quality photo of the face to be drawn and a description of what you would like in the background.

The caricature is then hand drawn to very high standards and with amazing likeness to the original photo.

Below you can see the overlay (click on it to enlarge) of the original photo all the way to the finished caricature.  Remember, these are hand drawn and not photo manipulations.

There are many sizes and finishes available including electronic print, canvas, standard print, mounted, framed, acrylic block, etc

Most customers opt for the popular 12" x 18" or 16" x 24" although absolutely any custom size can be created for you.

Order your caricature today at www.DrawMe.com.au

Wedding Caricatures

I get asked to produce wedding caricatures all the time over at www.DrawMe.com.au.  There are many styles available and anything can be drawn in the background.

This example wedding caricature was completed recently for a couple who wanted to include the wedding car in the caricature.

I often get requests to include the wedding car and this is not a problem.

This particular caricature was actually for their 1st wedding anniversary.  As you may recall the first wedding anniversary is represented by paper.

Many couples use a caricature as a signing board as guests arrive.  The usual thing is to produce the caricature in a frame with white mount and get the guests to sign the mount.

Some other couples use their wedding caricature as small gifts on the tables.  Simply request smaller prints to be produced and you can give these out at the wedding to guests.  

All I need in order to complete your wedding caricature is a good quality photo of the bride and groom and a description of what you would like to be drawn in the background.

Remember that these also make great gifts for the best man, bridesmaids, or anyone else who is part of the big day.

Some couples opt for a 'fun' caricature theme and have themselves doing crazy things in the artwork...not necessarily drawn wearing the usual wedding attire.  Anything is possible.

So, head on over to www.DrawMe.com.au and order your very own wedding caricature today.

Tetley Tea Bags Caricature

I was just sorting through a few files when I came across a caricature I produced last year for Tetley (yes, the tea bag people).

The request was to produce one of their retiring workers as a Tetley Tea Man (do you remember the adverts?)

This was a simple caricature to do and I loved the nice clean lines and cartoon like feel of it.

The thing I remember about this one is that he was not wearing glasses so a request came back to add them in...I think it was a good move as it just sets of the caricature nicely.

Remember that any theme can be drawn and you are not limited to those shown on the website (www.DrawMe.com.au)

All I require is a good quality head shot to work from and a description of what you would like in the background.

All artwork is hand drawn from scratch and is produced to professional standards.

Mounted Prints

Looking for a special way to display your prints?  Mounted prints are proving to be very popular due to the high quality and protection provided for the print.

This soccer themed graduation caricature was produced for a customer who wanted to recognise her brother's achievements in graduating from his pharmacy course.

The description was as follows:

Hope you are well! Just wanted to order a caricature for my brother. His is graduating from university this year. 

I would like him to be in a Manchester United soccer kit kicking a soccer ball. I would like him to be wearing a graduation hat and in one hand a book (with pharmacy graduate written on it) and in the other hand the FIFA world cup trophy.   He has dark brown eyes.    

Thanks heaps.

The final caricature is displayed above (click to enlarge).

All caricatures are drawn by hand to a high level of detail and can then be produced in various finishes including print, canvas, mounted, framed, acrylic block, etc

This customer chose the mounted caricature print which has a stunning finish to it.  The print is produced in the normal way and is then mounted onto 20mm foamcore and then protected with a special textured layer which protects the print from UV, scratching etc.  The mounted prints are a fantastic way to finish off any caricature.  All mounted prints come ready to hang and do not require any framing although a frame can be added if required.

The mounted prints are also very light and do not have any glare associated with other mounting processes.

All I require in order to draw your caricature is a photo of the person to be drawn and a description of what you require in the caricature.

Before the print is produced you will have an opportunity to review a pre-print electronic copy for any final amendments.

Once you are happy with the caricature the printing and mounting process will commence.

The final mounted print is sent via Express Post.

You can see an example of the mounted print below.

You have a choice of a black or white central core.  A mounting hanger is attached to the rear of the core allowing for easy hanging of your masterpiece!

Various sizes are available from the small 6" x 4" right through to 24" x 36".

Order your mounted print today over at www.Drawme.com.au

Unique Christmas Gift

Looking for that unique Christmas gift?  Something that says you have thought about it?  Something that no-one else will think of?

A caricature from www.DrawMe.com.au is the way to go.

These stunning full colour caricatures have delighted customers from all over the world for many years.

A caricature is unique and will be treasured long after the chocolates, Christmas turkey, and New Year's diet are all but a distant memory.

All you need is a photo of the person to be drawn.  Send it to Patrick over at www.DrawMe.com.au along with a description of what you require and he will hand draw a totally unique Christmas gift.

You can specify anything you want to be drawn and the price includes body and full background.

The caricatures can be printed to any size and are available in many finishes including: electronic, print, canvas, mounted, framed, acrylic block etc.

Patrick achieves an amazing photo-likeness in his work and the prints looks absolutely stunning at 12" x 18" or larger.

New Caricature Bodies

Muscleman Caricature

Work has begun on a series of new and quite funny bodies for the caricatures.

I often find that some customers do not know what sort of theme or body they want for their caricature.  I have therefore started work on producing some standard bodies and backgrounds which clients will be able to select for their commissioned work.

There are some great ones coming soon but I thought I would share a sneak preview of what is just around the corner.

The one shown is for a body builder or muscle man.

The body has been drawn extremely large with lots of muscle definition.

The large weights signify the man's strength.

At the bottom you can see a small bird trying to lift the huge weight.

This caricature would suit someone who thinks he is a real strongman or body builder.  It would actually be quite funny for a really skinny bloke too!

The actual head for the caricature will be hand drawn as usual...and too extremely high standards (as always!).  It would actually be cool if the guy was looking down at the bird in disbelief.

Rough Concepts

The caricature outline started life as a series of rough concept sketches as you can see here.  These were later refined and more detail added before the final line-art was produced.

The next stage will be to colour the caricature and then it is ready to accept a head.  Would you like to be the first to own this unique caricature?

There are many more new and exciting developments happening at DrawMe.com.au signifying why it is one of the top caricature websites on the net.

If you are interested in having your very own custom caricature designed then please contact Patrick at DrawMe.com.au.

Caricatures from Photos

Expression is everything. Some people make my life so much simpler when they send me great photos to use.

When I draw caricatures from photos the result can be enhanced by having a starting image which captures the expression wanted in the final caricature.

As you can see from the caricature on the left the couple deliberately captured fantastic expressions which have then enhanced the mood of the final caricature.

Remember, all caricatures from photos are hand drawn.

Send in your photos and order a caricature online today.