BLOG

Always an annual tradition….

By Robert Bauer | August 18, 2016 |

15 years ago, I decided to make a full-time business out of drawing caricatures for a living. This was no small task.

Very few people make their entire living based on the art of caricature but I already wasn’t making enough as a freelance artist to support a family and the idea of working a full-time job was too depressing to consider. So, I took a breath and dove right in.

One of the first places I decided to try out was at our local annual art festival in Rochester, MI called Art & Apples. It’s been around for 50 years and was close enough to my home to risk seeing if I could make it work.  The first year was in 2004 and I didn’t even own a tent. However, me and fellow artist, Ben Pierrot stayed busy enough over the 3-day weekend to come back the following year. The next year, I had a tent and my business grew. Then I started opening other caricature stands in different locations throughout the U.S. I have had as many as 9 retail stands  coast to coast over the past 12 years. And each year, I would return as a sponsor at Art & Apples and each September, another artist and me would draw for 3 straight days.

We became a crowd favorite at the festival. Customers looked forward to seeing us each September and we became a tradition. Heck, 2 years ago, I drew a couple at the festival who decided to hire 3 of us to draw at the wedding. A year later they came back to Art & Apples for another caricature. This time, they wanted one showing that the couple was expecting their first child! They handed me an envelope that showed if it was going to be a boy or a girl. “Whatever you do, don’t tell us! We want it to be a surprise until next week when we use your caricature for the official announcement.” There were many special moments like that one. I always looked forward to drawing friends and family each September. I enjoyed working with several different artists over the years. We always had fun even though we weren’t making a fortune. I was always able to cover all my costs and pay my artists who helped out. That, plus the annual exposure, justified all our efforts.

In 2016, we decided not to participate as a sponsor of Art & Apples due to a significant increase in the sponsorship fee. It was the first time in 12 years that we were not drawing at Art & Apples. We were not there in 2017 either. However, in 2018, Paint Creek Center for the Arts, the producer of Art & Apples, approached us about returning at our original location and sponsorship fee. We accepted.  I have always looked forward to drawing in my hometown but I also liked the spirit of community I felt from my involvement with the local festival. Even though we have caricature stands in Tampa, Los Angeles, Denver and other locations around the country, I considered Art & apples to be the place where it all started. And fortunately, it now continues!  We just wrapped on our weekend at Art & Apples in 2019 and we were busier than ever. Looking forward to 2020!

Make Every Visit Unforgettable with Goofy Faces

Make Every Visit Unforgettable with Goofy Faces When it comes to creating memorable experiences for visitors, few things are as engaging as a caricature artist and face painting. Whether you're...

Amaze & Entertain Your Graduation Party Guests with Goofy Faces!

Amaze & Entertain Your Graduation Party Guests with Goofy Faces! Graduation is a milestone that calls for a celebration! Whether you're honoring a high school graduate or a college graduate, the...

The Best Birthday Entertainment? Goofy Faces Has You Covered!

The Best Birthday Entertainment? Goofy Faces Has You Covered! A birthday party is more than just cake and candles it’s about creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. Whether you're...

Top 5 Reasons Goofy Faces Elevates Prom Entertainment

Top 5 Reasons Goofy Faces Elevates Prom Entertainment Planning the perfect prom involves creating a memorable experience for everyone involved, and entertainment is one of the key factors in ensuring...

Celebrating Milestones in 2025 with Goofy Faces Custom Caricatures

Celebrating Milestones in 2025 with Goofy Faces Custom Caricatures As we approach the milestone-filled year of 2025, it’s time to consider how to make those special moments even more unforgettable....

2024 Holiday Party: 6 Reasons Goofy Faces Will Make Yours Shine!

5 Reasons to Hire Goofy Faces for Senior All-Night and Graduation Party Entertainment While it might only be December, it’s never too early to start planning for our 2025 graduates!...

2024 Holiday Party: 6 Reasons Goofy Faces Will Make Yours Shine!

5 Facts Every Holiday Shopper Should Know in 2024 In a world overflowing with mass-produced gifts, there’s nothing quite like the joy of giving something truly unique. A custom caricature...

2024 Holiday Party: 6 Reasons Goofy Faces Will Make Yours Shine!

6 Reasons Goofy Faces Will Make Your 2024 Holiday Party Shine! The 2024 holiday season is fast approaching and it’s time to start planning your company’s celebrations! Whether you’re organizing...

Fall Events: 8 Creative Ways to Elevate Them with Goofy Faces

Fall Events: 8 Creative Ways to Elevate Them with Goofy Faces As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to turn, it’s the perfect time to plan...