Ever had a time when you were so nervous your hands shook? Imagine then having to draw…and not only draw but do it well! That is how I usually feel when doing a live event.
For my first event, I was producing zigzags for straight lines. Even now, I still need to psych myself up before drawing live caricatures.
Here’s how I prepare myself, beforehand.
- Practice drawing caricatures -using photographs for reference. I concentrate on one feature repetitively e.g. eyes, noses or mouths
- Gather together equipment – pads of paper, pencils, rubber, drawing board etc
- Practice quick drawings using images from magazines. I use these to experiment.
Like with Marilyn here. I thought I’d play with the lips, not sure it really works. The “doe caught in headlights” look is accurate and I’m loving the body!
- Practice some more. ( Do you see a theme emerging here?)
- Practice drawing real people by press ganging family members. It’s usually accompanied by phrases such as “Go away, I don’t want to be drawn!” “ Pleeeeeese leave me alone!”… @@@@@@@@ (This stage doesn’t tend to go too well as my family are wise to all my strategies!!- NB Must devise some more cunning plans!)
- Practice some more. Here I might concentrate on body positions. It’s a good idea to have a stock of poses that you can draw comfortably. You know, like a ballerina, footballer, artist, musician,… I could go on!
- Go into blind panic that I’m never going to be ready and it will all turn out to be a disaster!
- Practice yet again…
- Concentrate on practicing 5 minute sketching with marker pens!
- Check my equipment and pack up the car.
- Pray!!! Maybe I should do that earlier in future?
On the day I aim to
- Arrive early and get set up.
- Think positive. i.e. keep telling yourself you’ll do well not I’m going to get the noses wrong!
- Try to make the sitter at ease when I’m actually doing a caricature. It usually that helps steady my nerves! Usually I’m fine once I’ve started drawing.
So, what do I do after the event?
- Pack everything away
- Collapse on the sofa with a bottle of wine vowing NEVER EVER to do THAT again!
Do you have any suggestions for remaining calm before a live event?
