HOW AN ARTIST SURVIVED VALENTINE'S DAY

It's one of those days again where people can choose to either dust themselves with the potion of love or just lament bitterly about loneliness. Me? I choose to work it off and remain opportunistic. Lately my mind seems to be gearing towards its business side. So to celebrate valentine's day, I announced to receive orders for caricatures for people who wants to give a little memento to their loved ones as a sign of affection. A sudden choice that I hope will not dilute the quality my artwork at any cost. In any case,  I have been doing these kind of caricature since I was in secondary school as a side job. It was hard back then because the material cost sometimes exceed the selling price and I was always. It's still hard to complete one now, but Photoshop and Wacom are real life savior that allows quick editing and painting without much regards for pictorial accuracy.

That being said, the response was luke warm. Within 10 hours of the application period I managed to only secure 5. Not sure if its because lack of sample, unsuitable pricing, or simply that people around me are all just single. (HA!). Still, it was a good attempt to dip my fingers in the market.  Besides, I will not be able to finish everything on time if set up a website or at least an official facebook page with a proper marketing campaign for the V day caricature drive. There was just too much commitment with AIESEC, Stereonesia, and Teritori. Anyway, here are the samples of works I have done for the lovely orders I've got from friends. :)

I'm just happy for you guys. Dammit. Ninjas please stop cutting onions. Happy couples, happy couples everywhere.  Nah but seriously, may all of you live long and prosper. :)

And these were the samples I shown to attract the initial orders. It was initially ordered for teacher's day to celebrate the Senior Admin's service to my high school back in Singapore, the proud standing ACS (Independent). Turns out this can be useful as well because all the samples of caricature I did back in Medan are usually given to clients because they exist in hard copy. 

Fortunately all the clients are satisfied with the work so that is a huge relief off my chest. In any case, caricatures are a great way to fill in some excitement amidst the boredom of constantly grinding over normal posters and flyers and even illustration. So I'll be happy to take on one anytime anybody needs a quick birthday gift or special event present for their loved ones at any time of the year. Just send your picture and character you desire to be portrayed as to james.rotanson@yahoo.com and you'll receive it within 1 working day. Well then, gotta go to work at my favorite chocolate bar and see all the couples frolicking over each other now. Oh wait. I survived!