I have been sitting on this blog post for weeks. I was trying to think about what every caricature artists' mission should be. That was foolish of me. Every person is different. We are all motivated by different factors; driven by different emotions. So how could I know what every caricature artist thinks? I decided to share with you MY mission as a caricature artist.
Every great business has a mission statement-a formal summary that describes what that business stands for. It is the foundation of how that company operates and what drives each person within that company forward. The mission statement of Adam Belmares Caricatures is: Making the world laugh one face at a time!
The opportunity to entertain as a caricature artist allows me to visit
many places and meet with people from all walks of life. Each person I draw, is an opportunity for positive human connection. Within the short time I sit face to face with a person, we communicate a story, we share our interests and we bond through laughter.
Each time I draw a caricature, I am creating an experience; a memory from which they will have a physical memento to associate that memory. It is my mission that drives me to create a positive experience from start to finish. Not everyone feels comfortable to sit in front of me to get drawn. For some, it makes them very nervous to be the center of attention; knowing that others are watching them and possibly "being made fun of". They tell me things like, "draw me pretty" or "make me look handsome". I feel that it is my responsibility in that moment to make them feel as comfortable as possible. I let them know that they are already beautiful. I genuinely believe this. Those "facial flaws" are what makes each one unique and beautiful. Although it is a caricature artists' job to emphasize those unique features, I do so in a fun and flattering way, ending the experience with a great laugh from that person. It warms my heart every single time.
When I first started doing live caricatures, I have to admit, I was very nervous and afraid. However, If I had allowed those feelings to stop me, I would not have been able to fulfill my mission. Whether we admit it or not, we all have our insecurities. In order to move forward, we need to get pass them. A mission will help you do this.
I believe all of us are given different gifts. Whatever they may be, we should not keep them to ourselves. It is our duty to share it with the world. Ask yourself: What is your mission? and: Do you choose to accept it? If you do it with love and integrity, you will always achieve your mission. It will keep you moving forward. It may even change the world for the better.