Q: What defines a caricature vs. a cartoon, or is it one of those things that all caricatures are cartoons, but not vice versa? What actually makes a caricature!?
A: Many people lump them together including many artists. They are very similar and interchangeable in some cases but there are distinct differences between the two. A cartoon is a simplified illustration that has a quick, whimsical style to it. Anything can be drawn as a cartoon whether it’s a person, animal or scenery. A caricature is specifically an illustration of a person drawn in an exaggerated style to play up their distinctive features. Some may argue that an animal or even a car or a house can be drawn as a caricature. But unless you have an original point of reference or know the animal, house or car in question, it’s hard to call it a caricature. When you see a famous face as a caricature and recognize it even without a photo to compare it with, that is a successful caricature. The term, caricature, itself has grown to embody the definition of exaggerated and two-dimensional. “Jack Nicholson now acts like a caricature of himself” is an example of how the word has morphed to mean anything that is over-the-top exaggerated. Although many caricatures are drawn in a cartoon style, many can be very detailed or painted in a serious fashion. Below are two samples of caricatures of me which demonstrate a very cartoon style drawing vs. a more rendered approach.
The detailed painting on the left of me by illustrator, Jason Seiler, is a good example of a caricature that is not a cartoon style while the sketch of me on the right, drawn by character designer, Steve Silver, can easily be considered a cartoon style drawing. But in both cases they are considered to be caricatures.
Hats on for Healthcare
Recently Goofy Faces ventured across the border into Windsor, Canada to help out at Windsor Regional Hospital's annual fund-raiser called Hats on for Healthcare. This event raises money for different local,...
Happy 60th Birthday, Sherry
Here is a recent gift order for a longtime neighbor of mine. She recently celebrated turning 60 this month so to celebrate, I thought it would be appropriate to present...
Bridal Show Season!
January and February are popular months for Bridal Shows. It's a great opportunity for brides and grooms to see what's available out there to enhance their wedding. They can see...
More Gift Orders
Here are a few of my favorite caricatures I drew for our customers in 2014. I'm ready for more in 2015! Come on, folks, Valentine's Day is only 19 days...
Tigerfest 2015
Thousands of Tiger Fans showed up in freezing temps for the annual winter celebration of everything Tigers this past weekend at Comerica Park. This is their chance to meet actual...
Happy New Year!
Welcome to 2015! January tends to be a quieter month for bookings but there are always a few good ones due to so many trade shows like the CES in...
Q: What's the difference between a cartoon & a caricature?
Q: What defines a caricature vs. a cartoon, or is it one of those things that all caricatures are cartoons, but not vice versa? What actually makes a caricature!? A: Many people...
