My first high school art teacher was Mr. Pelleran. He told me I should draw caricatures because it would help my art skills.
I thought he was…
Out.
Of.
His.
Mind…
He may as well told me to ride a unicycle on a tight rope between two three story buildings. I was 15 or 16 and I drew comics all the time but I never drew a live person on the spot. In front of other people no less.
And what did Mr. Pelleran know anyway? He was the drawing and painting teacher but he was actually a ceramics major so he couldn’t draw. I’m afraid that killed some of his credibility with my teen self…
But I briefly took his advice. I drew caricatures for a school fundraiser. I didn’t enjoy doing it but I was happy I survived the experience.
Fast forward 20 years later when I wanted to plant my feet in character design. I didn’t know where to begin and artist Stephen Silver recommended drawing caricatures in one of his old podcasts. So, I started down my caricature path.
Keep in mind, I thought Silver was nuts too. But since he was a character designer he had more credibility than my high school teacher. But keep in mind, Mr. Pelleran was right. Caricature was clearly part of my life’s direction.
Oprah Winfrey talks about hearing whispers. Sometimes inspiration and ideas speak to you quietly. And sometimes it’s a podcast or your high school art teacher chattering at you.
Adam