“Pic arrived Brendan its lovely thanks mil. I’ll be passing on your details to anyone who’s asking! Hope to have it on display at the reception!” - Áine
“That's perfect Brendan. We are delighted with it” - Ciara
“Yes it's perfect. I love it. Thanks for everything. Can’t wait to receive it” - Grainne
“Wow that is so good! Thanks a million!” - Katie
I received mostly engagement-themed orders in February. Customers asking for those tend to lean more towards wanting a "treasured keepsake" rather than "crazy cartoon". But I also got a few comedy requests - one running an Iron Man holding a selfie stick and bottle of Heineken, and one dressed up in SCUBA gear in front of a tractor on the beach.
Whatever the scenario is, if you can describe it (and it isn't too rude!) then we can usually get it into the cartoon.
“That looks perfect” - Janice
“Thanks so much Brendan. Brilliant” - John
Many thanks. It’s great” - Grace
“That's fantastic we love it thanks a million” - Orla
An example of a recent order.
The customer got in touch (via the enquiry form) and gave a rough outline of what she had in mind. Gift for a one year anniversary, bride from Inisbofin and groom from Colorado. Among the attached photos was one showing a good close-up of their faces and one "action shot" which had a dinosaur in the background. So these were an ideal selection of photos to work from.
I replied with the 1st draft of just the couple's faces.
Sometimes the faces take a few attempts, but on this occasion the customer was happy with the 1st draft. This was mainly down to the fact that the reference photo were very good.
“Yes they look great. I’d like if you could say on the picture ‘happy first anniversary’. Thanks, great job”
2nd draft -
I suggested at this point that we put in a signpost pointing to Colorado. After getting the ok from the customer I continued.
Final draft -
Customer replied
“Thanks so much, she's going to love this”
Order completed in 7 working days. This customer didn't need a frame, so the cartoon was printed onto HP Glossy Photo Paper A3 250g.
Everything goes out Express Post which is next day delivery, and a tracking number will be provided.
And the final pic ready to post -
This month I had my first ever request to include a drone flying over the wedding scene. I expect that will eventually be a popular element in the wedding cartoons as drone photography becomes a thing.
Also had the first order where the customer asked for a dinosaur in the background, stomping around on Inisbofin. More of a niche requirement that one it's fair to say.
As always, thanks to everyone who ordered cartoons. These were a joy to work on. I can't say I'm ever bored.
“Thanks so much, she's going to love this” - Emma
“I received it today Brendan. It’s brilliant, thanks for the great service and getting it to me today!” - Sandra
“Just wanted to let you know that Tom was absolutely delighted with the caricature”- Terri
“Hi Brendan. That’s very good. They will love it” -Eric
A few favourites that ended up in Christmas stockings or as Kris Kringle gifts.
“Hi Brendan. Picture received this morning, it’s perfect. Thanks again for everything: - Mark
“Thats perfect. Thanks a million” - Karl
“Caricature was a huge hit Christmas morning! Thanks a million” - Kate
“Thanks so much for the two Caricatures-they were beyond FAB” - Steph
Mostly wedding related orders this month, and a few birthday ones I thought turned out really well. Seemingly nobody in Ireland got engaged in November (According to my sample data).
“That's fantastic. How on earth do you do it!?” - Joanna
“It's perfect thanks a lot, I know they will love it!” - Liz
“Hi Brendan. Just to let you know they received the gift. They absolutely love it. Thanks again” - Marion
“Hi Brendan. Am pleased with final draft. Alan will enjoy the humour. Thanks again” - Patricia
An example of the process.
One advantage of waiting until after the wedding before ordering your cartoon is that we will have photos of the actual outfits, instead of needing to guess. The second advantage is that there is no longer a deadline and we can take our time to get it right.
The customer in this case got in touch via the [ENQUIRY page]
" ... a picture of the groom tipping his hat and the bride dancing. I have pictures from random people from the Internet in these poses, and then I have pictures of the actual couple on their wedding day which has already taken place”
After receiving the photos I started with this rough draft of just the faces. I assumed the headphones were to be included, but since the cartoons are all done digitally anyway it was easy to remove them and also show a version without headphones.
She wanted the version without headphones, plus a few changes - darker eyes and blonder hair for the bride, and a slimmer face for the groom. Those were easy tweaks so I sent back this update.
Customer okayed the above. Next I added the poses. The signpost was my suggestion. a signpost is usually a good way to include the name of the venue (venues are not always instantly recognisable in cartoon format) and the date.
Final suggestion from the customer was switching around the bride so that she is holding the flower away from the groom, and for the dress to be slightly longer and a lighter shade. Then after adding the background of the venue it was ready to transfer onto canvas.
This one was shipped directly to the couple with a note of congratulations attached, saying who it was from.
“Hi Brendan. Just to let you know they received the gift. They absolutely love it, thanks again” - Marion
“Thanks so much for all your hard work. You're very talented and I’ll definitely be recommending you for gift ideas” - Sinead
“This is perfect” - Melissa
“Received a few days ago and am very impressed with the finished product and the way it was packaged, so thank you” - Clodagh
“That is perfect ... she will love it! Thanks again, I'm delighted with it” - Eilis
“Thanks again for the canvases which arrived a few days ago, everyone who has seen them has loved them, and as I was recommended to you by a friend I will also be recommending your work.” -Donal
“Looks great, delighted with it, thank you.” - Niamh
“Just to say I got the caricature on Monday. It is absolutely fabulous and the bride and groom just loved it. I think it's been put on view at the reception. I will certainly be recommending you to other people. I am so happy with the service you provided. Sincere thanks again.” - Marie
“That’s fantastic! Thanks so much Brendan, I know they’ll love it!” - Sarah
“Thanks so much for all the effort. It’s fantastic” - Amanda
“I’m delighted with the print, thank you. The signpost you suggested was a brilliant idea. Thanks again, and for your prompt service” - Audrey
“I will definitely recommend you to others!” - Marian
“It’s perfect. Thanks a million” - Siobhan
