What is your most memorable wedding?
My own, when I got married to my wife way back in 2003! Definitely one of the best days of my life. That's why it's so important to plan things in advance and book the right people to come and help you make your day extra special.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Stylish, fast, funny, friendly, memorable
What about your business are you most proud of?
I genuinely love what I do for a living and look forward to each and every event I get hired for. For me, drawing is a lifelong passion which is in my blood. Getting paid to draw funny faces all day is the best job in the world and I never get bored of it! I've always been fascinated by faces and the quirky individual differences that make us all unique as human beings. It's striving to capture this individual 'uniqueness' with every drawing that keeps things fascinating and entertaining for both the audience and me. It's almost like we're on a journey together as each drawing unfolds until the 'moment of truth' is revealed and the sitter gets to see their caricature for the first time! The priceless looks on the faces of the guests....the laughter and banter that follows...the good vibes all go to create a magical, positive, happy, energy buzz that is truly special! This experience is memorable for guests at your event and the 'buzz' remains long after the party has ended! And I get an enormous amount of pleasure and job satisfaction from that!
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Punctuality. Please try your best to be on time on the big day! I've been to so many weddings where unfortunately the Bride has turned up an hour late or so, which can cause chaos and forces your wedding suppliers to rush around like mad trying to do as much as they can within a limited space of time. In the busy, summer wedding season months, it's not unusual for me to be booked for 2 weddings in one day - so please note, I may not be able to extend my afternoon time for you because you were late if I have to go off and draw at another wedding reception across town that evening!
Describe your typical process with a couple.
A couple will usually contact me via email or phone call after viewing my artwork and prices displayed online on my website. If I am available for hire on the Wedding date, I will ask for some details and also a small up front deposit from the couple to secure the date. The remaining balance is usually paid within a week or 2 in advance of the wedding. I accept cheques or BACS payments (bank transfers). On the day, I will arrive at the venue, smartly dressed, slightly earlier than my booking time to set up my easel and gear etc, so I am ready to start drawing at precisely the requested time and I will endeavour to draw as many people as I possibly can within my booking time.
What is your No. 1 top tip for keeping a crowd entertained?
Hire me to come and caricature your guests!
Where is the most memorable place you have performed?
Skibo Castle near Inverness (where Madonna got married to Guy Ritchie) a few years ago. A truly stunning venue surrounded by majestic scenery.
Have you had any interesting surprises at a wedding?
No, it's usually me who is the 'surprise' for the guests!
What is your party trick?
Drawing amazing, hilarious caricatures of your wedding guests!