Today we’d like to introduce you to Dennis Romero.
Hi Dennis, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got my Bachelors of Fine Arts back in 2009 from IADT. However, I really only shared my gift for drawing with my closest friends and family. I was very shy and protective about letting people see my work. This being the case, art wasn’t my career for a long time. I was serving, working in retail, and teaching children in public school with special needs. None of which were fulfilling or making ends meet.
Finally, in 2017, I’d had enough of jobs draining me of time and stressing me out. I started watching YouTube videos of how to make art your career and I stumbled across some videos of how to become a caricature artist!
I found some events through Craigslist who needed entertainment and they took a chance on me; a very inexperienced, fledgling entertainer. It went great and I followed this by landing a job at the place every one always told me I belonged, Disney! After a month of training with retailer Angies Arts!
I’ve been there ever since part time as that was all that was available. I continued serving and working banquets; a comfortable safety net that had been there for me since I’m 18. In the spring of 2018, I found that Leoz Arts at Icon Park was looking for caricature artists and I jumped at the chance to leave serving behind forever!
Also at this time my supplemental career as an event entertainer was also flourishing! I was doing weddings, birthday parties, conventions, and even working farmers markets!
Art was finally my living! I was able to upgrade my car; something important as these events were popping up all over Florida. My 2007 Camry wasn’t cutting it with the amount of driving required. I’ve also ditched the roommates and bought a place of my own in Orlando. All things that were impossible with the jobs I worked before art!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I was very depressed before I gave into my calling of arts and entertainment. I was keeping questionable company and burning a lot of bridges. Looking for cheap thrills and all around unfulfillment. My family and the few friends I had for me through it. They saw me at my worst and brought out my best. I’m very grateful for the village it took to show me the light.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work in the media of caricature. I was trained at Disney and focus on the beauty of each of my subjects. Some caricature artists out there will exaggerate your worst features but I don’t want my subjects paying for something like that. My style is inspired by the Disney style, Hanna-Barbera cartooning, and Archie comics.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising about me is that to this day, I watch cartoons both classic and new. My mind’s eye soaks it up and it keeps my art looking fresh. I live Scooby-Doo, classic Disney movies like 101 Dalmatians, and newer shows like HBOs Harley Quinn. I have a huge DVD and Blu-Ray collection consisting of animation.
Pricing:
- Digital Caricature – $35/Person
- Live Black and White Caricature Event – $75/Hour
- Live Color Caricature Event – $100/Hour
Contact Info:
- Email: Dennisdrawsorlando@gmail.com
- Website: www.DennisDraws.com
- Instagram: @dennisdrawsorlando
- Facebook: @dennisdrawsorlando
- Twitter: @dennisdraws407
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC70XLSopnhhZXT-YOHQXMAw
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