Caricature Book Kickstarter!

I usually do not promote crowd-sourcing projects here, but as my artwork is involved with this one and part of the proceeds go to a very good cause, I’m making an exception.

Caricaturist (and recent Golden Nosey winner) Manny Avetisyan is looking to produce a very unique book via Kickstarter that gives fifteen people (and five couples) the opportunity to be subjects in the book, getting drawn by as many as 27 (and possibly a few more) of the best live caricaturists on Planet Earth. That’s right, YOU can be one of the models, with page after page of caricatures of YOU from a massively diverse group of live caricaturists.

The book is called “Likeness is Just the Beginning“, and it is an examination of the art of live caricature showcasing the subjects drawn in a mind-boggling array of different styles from mild to wild, illustrative to abstract to downright bizarre. Here’s the video pitch:

I’m one of 27 (so far) artists participating. We won’t each draw everybody, but each subject is going to be drawn by most of the group. Those who pledge as a model will send in a 5-10 minute video and some photos the artists will work from. This is supposed to be a showcase of LIVE caricature work, so all techniques and (presumably) time involved should be reflective of a live style. I’ll be doing my graphite and airbrush technique. For an extra pledge, you can also get all the original artwork drawn of you! That might be as many as 27 original drawings by artists from all over the world!

The best part? Part of the proceeds from the book will go to benefit Glenn Ferguson. Glenn is the very talented, award winning caricaturist I’ve written about here many times who was brutally attacked by a deranged co-worker at Universal Studios Florida a little over two years ago. Stabbed in the head with a pair of scissors, Glenn survived but sustained brain damage that has left him greatly impaired and unable to draw. Glenn and his wonderful wife JoAnn can still use a LOT of help, so this book is a great thing to have happen.

So, do you want to be immortalized by two dozen or so of the best live caricaturists in the business in a book that is sure to be a classic? Short of that, do you just want to get a copy of the book? How about a sketch of you by one of the participating artists? There are lots of options. This is an “all or nothing” Kickstarter, so if they do not reach the goal there will be no book and you will not have to pay your pledge. Check out all the details here!