just wondering. . .

[chris]

if any of you guys that do this a whole lot, whether as a side job or whatever, if you have ever hurt someone's feelings by a drawing?

[corky]

You're bound to hurt someone's feelings along the way. I've done hundreds of on-the-street caricatures, and not everybody has a good enough self-image to handle seeing a caricature as an homage, instead of an insult. I am very careful about drawing over-exaggerated caricatures, though...especially with children, or someone who's handicapped. I really don't like to be nasty, so they get a cartoon, not a caricature. But if you draw someone the way you see them, and they don't like it, there's really not much you can do. One thing I've learned to say is, as I'm starting the caricature,
"I'm going to work really hard to capture your likeness as a caricature, and hopefully you'll have lots of fun with it, too." If, when they see it, they still aren't happy, then I say, "I'm really sorry you're not pleased. As an artist, this is how I see you in a caricature. People have different visions of themselves sometimes." That's all I say...never offer to redraw, or refund their money! All that will get you is a lot more work for a lot less money. If it's a friend, then you can redraw for them. People do need to understand that this is a way to make a living, but it's not a defective product. Do the best you can, but let people know that it is your vision, and you have full confidence in your own abilities!

[donpinsent]

only once. at least, only one person has ever openly expressed it to me. it was my wife's grandfather, and the reason he was offended was because he didn't understand what a caricature was. he said he wanted me to draw one of him, but he was expecting a portrait.