What's in Your Bag? with Dave "Bippy" Boyer
Article Transcript
Page 21 text
Note from the editor: One thing I pride myself on is traveling light when working events. But it seems I may in be the minority! Dave "Bippy" Boyer must have been a Boy Scout because he goes to gigs über prepared. This engineer turned caricature artist is prepared for any situation that may arise in the art world when drawing on site. Are you?
Generally speaking, the above photo shows the overall contents I bring to my caricature gigs in the USA. In Japan, where I sometimes also draw caricatures, it would have very different contents.
Everything fits in this reinforced carry bag. The weight is about 20 pounds (9 Kg).
Page 22 text
I offer two sizes of card stock: 11x14 inch and 8½ x 11 inch, because the smaller size helps me get more caricatures drawn at a special event. I don’t roll up my art. I put it in crystal clear self-seal bags.
My fave drawing medium in the USA is Prismacolor Art Stix and various waterproof marker pens. In Japan I might use watercolor paints on illustration board.
I always bring samples of previous art to show guests what my drawing style is like. The more samples the better, especially in Japan.
Can I have your attention? I use toys and a simple finger puppet to attract kids’ attention. (This works with pets too!) Wearing a name tag solves the problem of a guest not knowing or forgetting the artist’s name and the mark of a professional.
From my published EF “Health-a-Chure” series years ago, artist comfort and confidence at a gig is essential. Insect repellant, sunblock, tissues, medicine, hearing protectors for loud music to avoid tinnitus, and fresh water to stay hydrated. The tip money is to give to valet parking, or a server who brings a beverage to the hard working gig artist.
Page 23 text
Small laminated signs help guests know what I can or need to do. I found that a list of suggestions to give to younger guests helps them decide how to be drawn if they want to be drawn doing their favorite hobby.
I will sometimes do a digital caricature gig. Guests rave at seeing art done electronically and sent directly to their smart phones. So there’s no paper or markers to carry. This brings instant gratification for the guests. And social media bragging rights to their Facebook pages or Instagram. Shown is the latest Apple iPad Pro 9.7 inch, the Apple Pencil, and some spare styluses.
I travel everywhere with my trademark solar powered beanie hat. A unique accessory like this really makes a different personal connection between the guest and the gig artist. I first invented it in Tokyo in the year 2000, using my electrical engineering experience from components I bought in Akihabara, Tokyo. This is the third revision. (Patent pending).
It is my hope that by seeing my “bag of tricks,” we realize how much work we put into being our best at parties and special event gigs. And it is hoped this will elevate the art of caricature to the general public. That was one of the original mission points of the early NCN, later to become ISCA.
This Navigation box may not show up on mobile browsers. Please see Exaggerated Features Issue 2016.4 for the full contents of this issue if the navigation box does not display.
 |
| | |
| |||
| |||
