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.
Your Road Map to Goofy Faces Retail Stands
Your Road Map to Goofy Faces Retail Stands With several retail locations throughout the United States, Goofy Faces is excited to provide you with your own personal guide to finding...
Showing Appreciation for Employees in 2022
Showing Appreciation for Employees in 2022 Showing Appreciation for Employees in 2022 Uncertainty, stress, anxiety, pressure. Unprecedented demands and challenges. Your employees have been through that...
Time to Celebrate the Class of 2022!
Time to Celebrate the Class of 2022! Who can forget that feeling of “senioritis”? The home stretch, the final semester before graduation. The feeling that a chapter of life is...
Time to Celebrate the Class of 2022!
Time to Celebrate the Class of 2022! Who can forget that feeling of “senioritis”? The home stretch, the final semester before graduation. The feeling that a chapter of life is...
‘Tis The Season To Be Goofy!
‘Tis The Season To Be Goofy! We're Expert Gift Givers! The warm glow of Holiday lights fills the air and even though you can’t imagine eating...
Wedding Trends of a Century – Now, It’s All Changed
Wedding Trends of a Century - Now, It's All Changed The wedding industry is powerful. On average weddings in the United States generate 60 billion dollars and that’s not even...
The Holiday Season is on the Horizon – Make Your Party Perfect!
The Holiday Season is on the Horizon - Make Your Party Perfect! Now that summer has come to a close many begin looking forward to the holiday season. The anticipation...
