Frequently Asked Questions About Corporate Caricature Artwork
This page answers common questions about commissioning corporate caricature artwork for business milestones, including completed deals, team achievements and retirement gifts. The information below is intended for financial, real estate and professional services firms considering caricature as a professional corporate memento.
What is a corporate caricature and how is it typically used?
A corporate caricature is a personalised illustrated artwork created to celebrate professional milestones such as completed deals, team achievements, client appreciation, and retirements. In financial, real estate, and professional services environments, caricatures are commonly used as framed office artwork or commemorative gifts that mark a specific moment in a firm’s history.
Are your caricatures suitable for regulated industries such as finance and real estate?
Yes. Much of my work is commissioned by investment banks, private equity firms, asset managers, law firms, and commercial real estate companies. My caricatures are intentionally mild, respectful, and professional, making them suitable for client-facing environments and regulated industries.
How are your caricatures created?
I personally paint all figures and backgrounds in pen and watercolour. I do not trace photographs, use third-party caricature factories, or rely on AI-generated artwork. Watercolour provides a softer, more organic finish that looks better when framed and displayed.
Digital tools are used only at the finishing stage to assemble the artwork and, where required, add text, logos, dates, or other subtle embellishments. This hybrid approach combines craftsmanship with flexibility.
How many people can be included in one artwork?
In theory, there is no limit. Most team or deal-related artworks feature between 10 and 50 people. Finished pieces are commonly printed at A3 size, but larger formats are available for bigger teams or statement pieces.
Can you work with confidential information or under an NDA?
Yes. I regularly work with confidential deal information and senior individuals. I am happy to operate under non-disclosure agreements where required.
How much does a corporate caricature cost?
Pricing is based on a standard formula that considers the number of people illustrated and the complexity of the background. Once I have this information, I can provide a clear quotation.
The artwork itself is priced separately from framed prints. If you let me know the required frame size, quantity, and delivery locations, I can include this in the quote.
I’m familiar with procurement processes and corporate gift pricing thresholds, particularly within financial and professional services firms, and can usually structure pricing to fit within these limits.
Who owns the artwork once it is completed?
Once the artwork has been approved, invoiced, and paid for, full ownership transfers to the client.
I reserve the right to use completed artwork for my own promotional purposes unless specifically asked not to. When artwork is used in this way, names and sensitive details are redacted. Digital copies are retained so that additional prints can be ordered in the future.
If I commission a caricature, how does the process work?
Commissioning a corporate caricature is a collaborative, step-by-step process designed to ensure the final artwork is appropriate, accurate, and fully approved.
If the artwork is celebrating a deal, we can create an industry-relevant background or scenario in which the characters are acting. Often clients already have an idea in mind, but if not, I’m happy to suggest concepts once I’m given a brief on the deal or milestone.
For retirement pieces, the artwork may feature just the retiree with meaningful props and scenery depicting their career journey, or the retiree together with colleagues.
The process begins with a rough pencil sketch of the overall concept. This stage can go back and forth until the client is completely satisfied. Only once the sketch is approved do I proceed to the full colour painting.
Are your caricatures insulting or exaggerated?
No. My caricatures are designed to be amusing rather than exaggerated or derogatory. There is a point where caricature stops being flattering and becomes disrespectful, which is not appropriate for corporate gifts or client mementoes. My style ensures people recognise themselves while still feeling comfortable displaying the artwork in a professional setting.
Do you need photographs of the people being illustrated?
Yes. Clear, reasonably up-to-date photographs are essential to achieve a recognisable and professional likeness. Photos can be emailed to me securely.
If a significant appearance change (such as a new beard or glasses) is requested after a face has already been painted, a redraw fee may apply.
How long does a commission usually take?
Timescales depend on the number of people in the artwork and my current workload. Most commissions are completed within 3–4 weeks from receipt of all reference material and approval of the initial sketch.
If you are working to a tight deadline, please get in touch and I will advise whether an accelerated schedule is possible.
Can you include company branding, logos, or deal details?
Yes. Company logos, deal titles, dates, and other discreet branding elements can be incorporated during the digital finishing stage, ensuring the artwork aligns with corporate identity guidelines.
Do you offer digital files as well as printed artwork?
Yes. Clients can receive high-resolution digital files in addition to, or instead of, printed and framed artwork, depending on how the piece will be used.
Where are you based and who do you work with?
My business is based in London, UK, and I work primarily with UK and European companies. I also create artwork for international clients worldwide. When dispatching framed artwork to Europe or the United States, shipping logistics, customs and tax stipulations require careful management.
If your question isn’t covered here, or you’d like to discuss a confidential brief, please get in touch.