Last November I received the call from Brad Pitt’s PA, saying how much they loved my Pulp Fiction caricature and that they would like to commission me to draw Brad Pitt’s caricature for his 50th birthday gift!
I jumped at the chance and headed south to the set of his latest movie ‘FURY’, which was being shot in the UK. I spent the most exhilarating day with Brad and his film crew, on set, watching the explosions and drama unfold before the cameras, while I snapped a few shots and drew the crew’s caricatures.
I toiled away at the composition, which included his Personal Team (hairdresser, lookalike, PA, driver, dresser) for over a week and when it was finished I had the honor of presenting it to Brad Pitt on set on his birthday in December. Unfortunately he decided to shoot a ‘closed set’ on his birthday and so I did not get to see his reaction to the artwork, but he must’ve liked it because he asked for a copy of my Fight Club caricature poster too!!
Unfortunately I signed a non-disclosure waiver, which means that I cannot impart any details, but as I retain original copyright, I assume I can now share the caricature with the public.
It was a joy to be on set with Brad Pitt and an honor to be chosen as his caricaturist. Best day of last year for sure 🙂
DOWNINGS was a satirical strip based in a fictitious restaurant, dealing with weekly political issues. George hand drew weekly satirical caricatures published in an online publication called The First Post, from 2006 – 2009, a selection from the Downings archives are shown here.
George organised a team of 12 caricaturists to follow the Olympic Flame around the UK, entertaining the masses at each celebration location. They drew colour caricatures on  Samsung Galaxy Note phones, sponsored by Samsung and covered the entire build up to the games. George is proud to have done his part for the UK Olympics!
George is one of a rare breed of full time professional live caricaturists or ENTERTAINERS, but there are other caricaturists such as RETAILERS and HOBBYISTS available for hire. The choice is yours;
The Entertainer will charge for their time and pack those few hours with laughter and fun. Their aim is to dazzle your guests, mingling, raising a laugh or even applause, using drawing skills, whit and charm. The caricatures may be more exaggerated, but your guests will marvel at the likeness and the atmosphere is usually electric!
The Retailer will offer a competitive quote or may even charge your guests at your event. They will work hard, head down, seated at an easel as if on a street corner, producing the same sweet likeness over and over. Their aim is to flatter their subject for extra gratuities, but entertainment is rarely on the agenda.
The Hobbyist is usually unqualified, they may charge mere pennies, then turn up in inappropriate attire to disappoint your guests, while learning their trade at your expense. Quality and reliability are not guaranteed, indeed many part time artists have a choice of whether they turn up or not!
Be sure you hire the right artist for your event, simply ask a few questions;
Is your artist a full time professional caricaturist or part time?
Is your Artist qualified or trained, with experience?
Will they entertain or sit at an easel in a corner?
Will your artist be charging your guests?
Will they let you down should a better paid job arise?
Remember, the less money you pay, the less quality, reliability and entertainment you will receive. Much the same as when choosing a good Restaurant, that little more will leave you recommending it to friends, but the cheaper the dish, the more bitter the after taste for all your guests.
Just wanted to drop you a line, now we’re back from honeymooning, to say that Jane and I thought your drawings were fantastic. They caused a great stir among our guests and your skill was greatly received and appreciated; and the drawings made unique gifts for our guests. It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope you have similar feelings about the job. Once again George, many thanks.
p.s. the numerous ones being done outside the Uffizi Gallery in Florence weren’t a patch on yours!! – Ciao!
Phil & Jane Green. Longnor
We both just wanted to thank you for Saturday, we were both gutted because we did not get an opportunity to say thank you and goodbye on the night, it was lovely meeting you and we can both see why you are so well regarded. It is a great complement when your guest continue to talk about your special day, that is definitely in part due to you, your caricatures are a great reminder of the days events and again we just wanted to say a BIG thank you. We wish you all the best for the future but from what we have seen of you, you are a star already.
