Group caricatures for Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs & Temasek Holdings

Client's brief:-
"Dear Jit,

I am in charge of putting together a caricature as a small gift for our client. My colleague in Hong Kong, Hui Ling Poon, told me about your drawing skills and highly recommended you for the job. I saw some of your past cartoons and liked them a lot.....

The caricature will be just one page (not a story) and the situation you should be trying to portray is basically an all-women team, hardworking, serious, very focused.
We don't have any particular theme/setting in mind, so we leave it to your imagination. It would be nice if it was a bit funny in some way, but not too much - i.e., it should please the client, possibly ellicit some smiles, but not make fun of them.

The main person of those 9 is Leong Wai Leng, so if you could somehow make that apparent.....the caricature will be a gift to the client for the occasion of closing of a transaction...

if you could somehow draw a theme depicted as "building a curve". It is a financial term and the curve basically means a line in a financial chart - if you could think of a theme that resembles that and the team of women symbolically 'building' the curve somehow, that would be perfect."


Building a curve??!! I can't find any relevant financial curve online.
Upon discussion with the client, she suggested a literal curve.
I proposed a curve table, with 2 axis - vertical and horizontal.

Her feedback:-
"here is the brief summary of our comments on the first draft:

1. Please show Lena Chia with lots of documents/files in front of her (she's the legal person taking care of all the docs)

2. Show two markers on the curve for "10year" and "30year"

3. Make the curve upward sloping

4. Add 3 neutral figures with identical clothes and faces building the curve with their hands and worker tools. The figures should have a tag on their back, one saying "MS", second one "DB", and third one saying "GS"

5. Add an empty text bubble coming from Lena - we will add a particular phrase later"


Another draft:-

Her feedback:-
"We have a few last comments to the layout:

1. Please add a text bubble to Wai Leng
2. Please make the 3 DB, MS, GS figures smaller, maybe 50% of current size, and spread out along the curve, not clustered together
3. There are more files in front of Lena Chia now, which is good, but half of them look like as if they were in front of the person next to her, not exactly in front of her -> please shift them a bit so that a big pile of files is in front of Lena Chia
4. Move the 10year and 30year away from the beginning- and end-points of the curve towards the middle part of the curve
5. Please take out the boxes/houses in the background. Maybe we could have some graphical representation of the Temasek Holdings logo or just have a neutral background
6. Let's try to make the curve look a bit less like a table by reducing the "height" of the table (=make the curve less thick)
7. Please, make the 10year and 30year into the form of a table name tag or a small flag with the 10year/30year inscription instead of just "10years/30years" words floating there
8. Lastly, please note the following "sitting order" of the people: Middle front - Wai Leng (you currently have it correctly done). On the left side of the picture, please put Lena Chia, Theodora, Joanne and Jamie, starting with Lena Chia closest to Wai Leng, Jamie furthest on the left. On the right side of the picture, please have Alyssa right next to Wai Leng, then Grace, Hui Min and Bey Fen as the last one on the right. All people sitting, only Wai Leng standing in front. Basically, Lena Chia and Alyssa are two key people (right after Wai Leng), so we want to put them next to Wai Leng to make them more visible. "


Last draft.


The client added in a guy when was doing the pencil sketch.


Adding in the colours to the inked caricatures.


Done.


The client requested to add in another lady, when everything was done. Thank goodness there's still space left.

Her reaction upon seeing this caricature:-
"Wow!"

Subsequent email from her:-
"Hi Jit,

I wanted to thank you for the caricature you made. We gave it to the client yesterday and everyone was very pleased. Their whole team kept looking at it for a long time talking about how well it is done :)
So, thank you!"

Caricature live sketching for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Another event for GSK product launch - Panaflex, by the same event organiser.
It was an 2 hour event, at Upper Club, CHIJMES.
Initial booking was from 3:30pm - 5:30pm, but was pushed back by 35 minutes, due to the speech.
They need 2 caricaturists. Thus, I got Reggie to partner me again.:D



The event organiser told me that we will have a better lighting now, not so dim, but the light comes from the spotlight on the right, not ambiet light. It was rather glaring, but was really considered better. Hahaha... The ceiling has 'falling knifes' hanging down. Thus my bounce flash doesn't work well in this case.


I used the in-built flash, direct, not so nice, but sharp and clear.




She looked like a doll in this caricature, maybe because of her big bright eyes and fringe.



The guests can recognise her in the caricature, even when she's not around.



I think these 2 caricatures were pretty good.


The surrounding guests think this really looks like him. Thanks.


She doesn't want to show her face.


Second one for him. He wanted to try out 2 styles and designs of the 2 caricaturists, he told his friend.


Another 'doll':D


The boss.


Last one, the guests have all left, as the event ended around 5:30pm.

Caricature for Unilever

Client's brief:-
"As spoken, it’s a colour with full body caricature (paper in A2 size, the drawing in A4 so that enough space to write comments around her), to collect on 14 Jan 3pm at AMK. I will like to have the design of her wearing Singapore Airlines uniform (Sarong Kebaya) with background Singapore’s landmark (like merlion, Singapore Flyer, Esplanada, etc)"

3 portraits of a lady in pencil

This client wanted 2 portraits drawn with frames behind the main portrait of the same girl, in simple pencil sketch, A2 size. He already prepared the layout draft.
I just draw it out for him, even though I highlighted to him that it doesn't really look good visually and graphically.

HOwever, he's happy with the outcome.
"That's very nice!"

Shooting for Knockout

Did a shooting with Hoods for the Knockout, which will be telecasted on Mediacorp's Okto Channel sometime around 15th March 2010, 8:30pm.

Brief:-
"KNOCKOUT is a brand new high energy series that aims to make the arts and creative fields accessible to the new generation. Starring our two adult hosts (Sheikh Haikel and Annabelle Francis) and two Generation Z hosts (Nigel Chew and Jermaine Leong), the series will feature "it's OK TO be creative" sketches, primate puppets (OoBoo & BooBoo) who will guide you in a "how to" segment, plus our cat and dog puppets (Arty & Farty) giving you all the arts events you must not miss, the series is filled with segments that will be as entertaining as it is educational.

The main staple of KNOCKOUT is the reality show styled BATTLE OF THE GENERATIONS. Here, our four hosts learn a new arts skill every week, then compete against each other to see which generation is better at the art form (featuring a wide range of creative arenas, from classical ballet to martial arts to caricature, architecture, fashion and cultural pursuits) to further to reinforce (or dispel) age biases as they attempt to out-wit, out-work and out-art each other.

KNOCKOUT telecasts from 1st February to 19th July 2010 on MediaCorp's okto.

Just to give you a rough idea, here’s the flow of how it will be carried out:
- Interview with artist (we will provide you with the list of questions before the shoot)
- Artist teaches hosts the basics techniques fo caricature (we’ll need to trouble you for the steps that will be involved in the learning process/ how you would like to carry out the mentorship)
- Hosts practice the art form
- Hosts battle it out and artist/judges comment and pick a winner

This segment usually requires about 3 to 4 hours of shoot. We are currently planning to schedule the shoot on 9 Jan 2010. Do feel free to share with us your thoughts and let us know what’s best and we’ll try our best to work around it."


I was told to bring some of my artworks for display in the background.
Brought my 'kacang' along, with my trolley which I used in my early days in Clarke Quay.


The shooting was done at Schoolhouse By The Bay @ Katong C.C.
Initially, they suggested to do it at my studio.
But it is just too small too squeeze in so many people (about 13 - 14 people).


The shooting of the hosts at the playground outside the studio.


I doodled these caricatures last night (Annabelle did one Michael Jackson on this paper during the shooting interval.), thinking of what's the best and yet easiest way to teach these hosts who have only limited drawing skills. What to look out for, what unique features to capture.... It is easy for me, but not for them. It is easy to draw a smiling face in cartoon form, but not easy to draw a smiling face of someone in caricature form with resemblance, even for someone who has basic drawing skills. Headche.....


I did a fast sketch of Mr Bean caricature before the shooting, while they are setting up.


Another one in black marker.
This is to let them choose what medium the hosts want to use during the shooting.

This one was done upon the requests of the director- when you failed to capture the essence of that person, in this case - Mr Bean. When one goes wrong, everything will go wrong too. It will affect your mood for the rest of the drawing.


The hosts chose the pencil medium. I handhold them during the sketching process. They followed step by step. I have to simplify and lower to their level (sorry) so that they can get it easier. End up, this Mr Bean caricature looked rather out, to me. Hahaha......
This was done during the shooting with two adult hosts, Sheikh Haikel and Annabelle Francis.
Took quite some time.


Thus, they requested me to speed up the process when shooting with two Generation Z hosts, Nigel Chew and Jermaine Leong.


Photos taken with Nigel Chew, Jermaine Leong, Sheikh Haikel and Annabelle Francis (From left to right)

There will be 2 more shootings, whereby I need to be present for the ending bit.
Sweat... Was rather nervous when they requested me to speak in front of the camera. Not my forte at all. Hahahah.....

"Hi Jit,

We would like to extend a big THANK YOU for the support in yesterday’s shoot. Hope you had as much fun as we did.:)

Once again, thank you for your time and support.

Have a great week ahead!
Cheers,
Felicia"

Caricature theme - cheerleader with macaroons

Client brief:-
"She's a cheerleader and is a flyer.Was thinking if you could draw her being tossed in the air by a bull, like those bull in the traditional spanish bullfight. The background will be iconic structures in europe as we went on a holiday together and some of her fav things.

her details:
-Could she do a spilt in the air while being tossed up, side or front spilt whichever look nicer.
- wearing a typical pretty cheerleading outfit with the words MED on the front of the top.
-a stethoscope around her neck coz we are studying to be docs.
-one hand outstretched holding med notes and many shopping bags hanging from that outstretched hand. the typical black paper bag with the brands 'bottega veneta' in front, followed by 'Coach', 'Burberry', Prada Gucci depending on how many can fit.
- then the other hand eating a macaroon which she took from a pyramid of macaroons on a plate somewhere.
- can i request for her arms and face to be skinnier if possible

Background
- a pyramid of macaroons!
-eiffel tower
- the lourve
-leaning tower of pisa
-the colosseum(attached)
- a street of shops (i've attached the picture) the shop names are all the super branded ones!"


Such a long list of requests.
Of course can't squeeze in all.
I selectively chosen some of them.

Of the two photos provided by the client, I have chosen this "happy and naughty" look.
The result was pretty good.
Wonder of a fun expression!

Guy portrait in watercolour

Client's brief:-
"Hi Jit,

I would like to get a portrait drawn for my friend for his 40th birthday. The photo is attached.
I would like it in black and white, but the choice of medium you have on your site is bewildering.
I am going to ask for your advice - based on the photo, which medium do you think it would look best in? I have a slight preference for black and white watercolour or detailed pencil drawing but since you are the expert, I would like your opinion. I am OK with the prices that you have quoted.

I would need to have the picture framed as well. I would need the picture ready around 6th to 8th January 2010.....

I hope you can capture the shading and expression on the picture. Antony is usually quite a loud person and fills up the room with his personality but this captures him in a quiet moment very well. "


Looking at the photo, I think the details and the mood of the drawing should come out better in watercolour.

Client's response:-
"Oh, that's very nice!"

Caricature for Facebook profile

Client's brief:-
"Hi I would like to have a caricature of myself for my FB profile pic. Here is a pic of me.
I would like to have it in marker, colour with the body , in sleeveless running top and shorts and sports shoes, with a cap. Also, with some hair showing (ie, two ponytail at the side)."


SMS from the client:-
"Jit, Janet here. My profile pic caused alot of buzz from my friends. Alot of them like it n askme 4 your contact. I must charge u referal commission liao. haha."

Wonder how it will turned out on her Facebook profile.....:)

Caricature theme - soccer player

Second order from this client.

Portrait illustration in colourpencil for a game mock-up

Client's brief:-
"Instructions for the mock-up
1. Mockup is meant for screen with resolution of 1024*768 pixels
2. Style to be used is a combination of landscape sketch and portrait sketch.
3. Meeting with the game character (Pictures to be attached) is happening in a bar.
4. Background is a characteristic French road side bar / Holland Village type setting.
5. Character is facing the player and is seen waist up with arms on the table.
6. Hands of the character are pointing in the direction of the player as if he is trying to make a point.
7. Background colors are orange yellowish
8. Positioning of various elements is shown in the diagram below.
9. Navigation bar, action bar, help are semi transparent."


I was given the photo of this gentleman, but not in this posture.
Thus, I have to imagine on the hand postures.
This is not a caricature, as lighting is one of the important factors in portrait illustration.
These hands are my hands.:D That's the easiest source.
Photos are taken by my wife and son.
I chose the better one.
Wine glass, plate and table cloth was added in, based on photos online and imagination. The latter was not so important.


This is the background. Photo was provided by the client.
I sketched it out in pencil.

Scanned both of the above illustrations into digital copy.
Added in colours in Photoshop (Hand-painted too, just different medium).
I opted for a more sketchy style for the background, in contrast with the foreground portrait, which was more refined and detail.
Did some digital editing to the suit, and wine glass (in the transparency)

I have added in watermark for this illustration to protect the client's interest.
I would say - this is not an easy job. Lots of effort have been put into the execution.
Phew!. It was finally done, and looks quite good to me.
The client will need to animate this portrait - talking?!
I am trying to imagine how they can do it with 1 single frame of illustration.......

Caricatures for Fullerton

Client's brief:-
"Hi Jit
As mentioned, we would like to do a colour caricature of 4 persons sitting on a tiger. This picture should be in a digital format (i think) as we would use it to design our electronic invitation to our clients for an investment seminar. We would also like a printed copy to keep in the office. "


Reason why the client requested for 4 of them riding on a tiger was that it will be the Year of Tiger for the coming Chinese Lunar New Year.
I was quite anxious to see how the tiger will turn out.
I composed the tiger out of diferent photos of tiger head, body found online.
Not really sure if it will turn out good.
Before finished teh pencil sketch, I started inking the tiger.
I intentionally hide the hind legs with the grass and rocks, as I can't find any related photos on these parts online.:D Instead of having them look awkward, mightas well don't show them.


I added in the colour even before I have finished inking the faces, as now I am more excited. Can't wait to see how it will turn out.
Looking good.


The actual colour was more vibrant.
However, the colour was adjusted on another PC, after I have scanned the original drawing into digital copy.

Feedback from the client:-
"Hi Jit
Thanks for the caricature - everyone in the office liked it very much! "

Caricature live sketching for a birthday party

Initially an hour event, but was extended for another 15 minutes.
Venue is Costa Sands Resorts at Pasir Ris.


The rest of the guests were not here. I started with these 2 ladies.


This little girl just came out from the pool. Wet hair with wet look in the caricature.


Show me your muscles!:D


The lady in the caricature was not around.


She's back!


The birthday boy with his girlfriend (who engaged my service)!


Last one, and a good one too.:)

Caricature theme - dancing @ Las Vegas casino

Client's brief:-
"Here's the photo of the couple that's celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary. The theme should be something that's related to travel, jackpot, dancing. How about backdrop of Las Vegas, and the gentleman has a cowboy hat and the lady in her ballroom dancing gear?"


I have just tried a starry dark blue night sky few days ago.
Let me try a starry black night night sky.
Which is nicer?

Client's response:-
"Oh, cool!!!"