A caricature is a portrait that exaggerates or distorts the essence of a person or thing to create an easily identifiable visual likeness. Caricatures can be insulting or complimentary and can serve a political purpose or be drawn solely for entertainment. Caricatures of politicians are commonly used in editorial cartoons, while caricatures of movie stars are often found in entertainment magazines. Today they are increasingly sourced as gifts.

If you are ordering a personal caricature online, it is important that you choose the right artist, so you will be happy with the result. Some things to consider include:

1. The output - is it airbrush finished or a scan of the final image? The choice is yours, but understand that it is not possible to always access the original art.

2. Artist style - a caricature is the ARTISTS INTERPRETATION of the victim. Sometimes this mat mean the artists style does not meet your expectations. Always look at their samples to see what sort of exaggerations they employ, useof color etc.

3. Resolution of the image - this can be important if you are going to print at a large size. Generally, the resolution of the supplied images is satisfactory for print sizes up to 14"x16"

4. Copyright - generally the artist retains the copyright, but will provide a release for the uses you have intended - it for printing etc.

5. Time frame for delivery - always let the artist know when you want the final product - and be kind and allow time for the job to be done!

Order a caricature from Caricature King

Wondering how to make the most from your caricature gift? Many of these suggestions can be followed through on our accessories suppliers page

1. PRINTED AND FRAMED
Our caricatures can be printed on any printer. Print at home on a color inkjet or laser printer, or take the file to your local digital camera shop to be printed on photo grade paper. You can even have it printed at a high end printer for even longer life.

When combined with an affordable frame, caricatures are a great gift for
* engagement presents
* wedding presents ('how the couple met' special caricatures are popular)
* for someone who is leaving or retiring from the workplace
* milestone gift
* award gift

Caricature prints can create an impressive point of interest in any home or office. Images print well at sizes even larger than A4. We offer specialist printing and framing services at up to poster size for USA customers.

2. EVERYDAY FUN
What a conversation starter! What greater way to provide some fun that to have the caricature printed on a mug or cup. What could be better than sitting back and enjoying a cup of coffee or tea than with a mug featuring a funny caricature. A unique way to put a smile into everyone's day.

3. YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR
Even more popular than mugs, are t-shirts with either just the caricature or even some great wording to go with it. We feature several providers on our accessories page who can provide a wide range of T-shirts, long and short sleeve, plus polo's and more. Get years of pleasure from your caricature t-shirt (plus the digital image can be used again and again so that even when the T becomes threadbare - howzat! another present taken care of!)

4. PHOTO GREETING CARDS - BORING! - CARICATURE - YIPPEE!
Dare to be different with your greeting cards by sending ones with a fun caricature. Using simple image editing software, you can mix and match caricatures of your family members. Use the images in greeting card software to create some zany creations!

5. GETTING ENGAGED OR MARRIED? GO ON...!
What better way to show of your future spouse than with a zany caricature. Engagement and wedding party invitations and date claimers ...send ones that will really get noticed! Some even use them in unique wine labels. Remember, because your caricatures are digital, you can use your personal caricature in a range of ways, not just once!

Want a caricature? Browse our Caricature A

We have given you 5 great ways to use your digital caricature - now here are 5 more!

6. A YEAR OF PLEASURE
Calendar software makes creating a calendar featuring your caricature a simple and fun way of giving a gift that lasts a full 12 months. Calendar software means it is really easy to make use of your digital caricature and is a great fundraiser idea.

7. I REMEMBER YOU!
In business, the person and their memorability is a crucial element of success. You can take advantage of this by putting your caricature on your business card! Not only does it lighten up the serious 'business' of business, but it will help distinguish you from the rest of the pack! Head/ shoulders or full body can be used.

8. POST YOUR FACE - LITERALLY!
In the USA it is possible to purchase legitimate postage stamps with your picture (our in our case, caricature) on it. Now that is a great idea for personal and business use.

9. IS THAT AN AVATAR I SEE?
One of the more mainstream ways to use your caricature is to use it as an avatar on forums, instant messenger services and VIOP services like Skype. Everyone I have had contact with who has used it in this way has had AWESOME feedback!

10. LOOK IN THE MIRROR....
Well maybe not really, but putting a caricature on the computer as a screensaver is one way to say "mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all..."

Want to get a caricature? Browse our Caricature artists

Getting the right caricaturist is important if you are to end up with a caricature picture that makes you happy.

Caricatures come in many styles, with the caricature artist's interpretation of the subject leading to quite diversified results. Some draw big heads on little bodies, others draw only in black and white, while others produce full colour caricatures.

Today caricatures drawn and airbrush coloured using programs such as photoshop are incrreasingly common and in demand. This is because a digital caricature can be used in a number of ways, while a caricature drawn on paper and delivered is great framed, but difficult to use any other way.

So when choosing a caricature artist, look to see how they interpret their subjects, the levels of recognisability they achieve, and in some cases if they put the character in a scene.

At Caricature King you will find a range of artists who draw in their own unique style. I am sure you will find one to suit your taste!

Another aspect to caricatures is cartooning, Cartoons can provide some interesting additional aspects in that they can be made animated.

One of our artists, Ethan creates great animated cartoons - see our animated cartoons page for examples.

These can be used for websites, greeting cards, presentations, conferences etc.

Here it is