Just about everyone has at least a vague idea of what caricature is. The broad definition usually goes something like this: exaggeration by means of  ludicrous distortion of the characteristics of human anatomy; particularly the parts of the human face. Whether you think of it as a comical or grotesque imitation of the real live subject matter, ludicrous mockery of the prominent features of someone’s face, or just a fun jab at how someone looks, we all can agree that it involves poking fun at someone with a drawing, often at the behest of the subject.  If you’ve been a keen observer of different caricature artists at your local state fair, for instance, you will notice that they all have their own individual styles. For example, you will see some who choose to do more of a portrait rather than humorous exaggeration of the subject’s features. Some caricaturists will carry the exaggeration to the extreme, sometimes to the point of insult.  And there are those artists who fall somewhere in between. Sometimes people will gravitate more to the artist who produces drawings closer to realistic likenesses and proportions and vice versa. That’s why it’s a good idea to either take a look at a particular artist’s samples before having him/her draw you or stand by and watch how they draw someone else. Whatever caricaturist you choose, getting a caricature drawing of yourself or a loved one can be one of the most entertaining things you can do.