Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in supplies, understanding the business fundamentals and artistic principles will help you position yourself competitively. These books cover everything from the technical skills you’ll need to the marketing mindset that turns caricature art into a sustainable income.
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
This classic teaches you how to see and draw what’s actually in front of you rather than what your brain thinks it should see. For caricature artists, this skill is foundational—you need to observe facial proportions accurately before you can exaggerate them effectively. Edwards’ exercises have trained thousands of artists to overcome the mental blocks that prevent accurate observation.
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Portrait Drawing Atelier by Suzette Roworth
This book focuses specifically on portrait fundamentals—proportions, anatomy, values, and expression. Since caricatures are exaggerated portraits, mastering the basic rules first makes your caricatures stronger and more recognizable. The atelier approach teaches you through demonstration and structured exercises rather than theory alone.
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Exaggeration and Caricature by Christopher Hart
Hart breaks down exactly how to identify and amplify distinguishing features to create successful caricatures. This book shows you which facial characteristics to push and which to play down, with clear examples. It’s practical instruction from someone who understands how caricature works as both art and entertainment.
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The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Your caricature business succeeds when you test your service offerings, pricing, and marketing with real customers and adjust based on results. Ries teaches the methodology behind rapid testing and iteration, which saves you money and time building a business nobody wants. This mindset prevents you from investing heavily in the wrong direction.
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Equipment You Need
Caricature art requires minimal equipment compared to many businesses. Your startup costs stay reasonable because you’re selling a service and physical product that relies on skill and observation, not expensive machinery. Start simple and add specialized tools as your business grows and you understand your preferences.
Drawing Supplies
- Graphite pencils: A range of hardnesses (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B) for sketching and shading at different stages
- Colored pencils: Quality brands like Prismacolors or Caran d’Ache for finished caricatures if color is part of your service
- Fine-tip markers: For bold line work and permanent finishes on event drawings
- Charcoal and blending stumps: For softer shading and dramatic effects
- Erasers: Both kneaded erasers (for light correction) and regular erasers (for clean removal)
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Paper and Surfaces
- Sketch paper pads: Medium-weight paper (80-100 lb) for practice and initial sketches
- Bristol board: Smooth, heavyweight paper ideal for finished caricatures and details
- Newsprint pads: Inexpensive paper for practice and rapid event drawings
- Specialty paper: Consider toned paper (tan, gray) if you want to explore mid-tone backgrounds
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Drawing Board and Support
- Portable drawing board: A lightweight lap desk or clipboard for working at events and in various settings
- Desktop easel or stand: For studio work where you want to view your drawing at an angle
- Tape and clips: To secure paper to your board while drawing
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Photography and Reference Tools
- Smartphone or camera: To photograph clients at events for reference, or to build a reference library
- Lighting: If doing studio portraits, consistent lighting prevents shadows that distort facial features
- Printed references: Celebrity photos, face studies, and anatomy reference books for your workspace
Optional Digital Tools
- Graphics tablet and stylus: For creating digital caricatures or scanning and enhancing hand-drawn work
- Tablet or iPad with stylus: For live digital caricatures at events (higher investment but modern service option)
- Basic design software: To enhance, frame, or prepare images for printing or sharing
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What to Buy First vs Later
Your priorities should match the caricature services you’ll offer first. Start lean and expand your toolkit as you confirm customer demand and refine your process.
- First: One set of quality graphite pencils (HB through 6B), a pad of Bristol board, and a basic drawing board. These cost under $50 combined and let you practice and start taking gigs immediately.
- First: A smartphone camera if you don’t have one. Reference photos are essential for accuracy and for documenting your work for a portfolio.
- Second: Colored pencils or markers once you’ve done enough events to know whether clients prefer color. If 80% of requests are color, invest in quality colored pencils.
- Second: A portable easel or better lighting setup once you’re doing studio sessions regularly and the investment pays for itself quickly.
- Later: Digital tools. These make sense only after you’re booked consistently and have confirmed that digital caricatures fit your business model and client base.
New vs Used Equipment
For caricature art, your priority is tools that feel good in your hand and perform reliably. Buy new for drawing implements—pencils wear down, erasers lose effectiveness, and markers dry out. You can’t reliably control quality or lifespan with used pencils and pens. New supplies cost $100–$200 to start well.
Used equipment makes sense for larger items like easels, drawing boards, and lighting stands. These don’t wear out and function identically whether new or five years old. Check secondhand marketplaces and art supply stores’ clearance sections. However, buy new paper and drawing media. Used or damaged paper, even minor creasing, affects your final work quality and your professional reputation. Never cut corners on the materials clients see in your finished caricatures.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Convenient, fast shipping, good selection of pencil sets and paper pads. Useful for starting supplies and replenishing stock.
- Blick Art Materials: Industry-standard art supply retailer with physical locations in many cities. Staff can advise on quality and feel. Prices comparable to Amazon.
- Local art supply stores: Support your community and get immediate access to supplies without waiting for shipping. Staff often have expertise in specific products.
- Jerry’s Artarama: Online retailer with competitive pricing and frequent sales on bulk orders. Good for stocking up on basics.
- Costco or Sam’s Club: Occasional quality pencil and paper sets at discounted prices if you have a membership. Limited selection but worth checking.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: For used easels, drawing boards, and lighting equipment. Always meet in person and inspect before buying.