Bernie Tennis

Caricaturist from Madison, WI - Will travel up to 500 miles

115 VERIFIED BOOKINGS

MEMBER SINCE 2010

ACCEPTS ONLINE PAYMENTS

BOOKED {{daysSinceLastBookingText()}}

BACKGROUND VERIFIED

$100 - $150 per hour

ACCEPTS ONLINE PAYMENTS

Hello, and thanks for checking out my Caricature page! I have been drawing caricatures live at all types of events throughout the Midwest (WI, IL, IA, MN, MI) for over 18 years.
My goals are speed and likeness. I try to produce drawings the subjects would wish to frame and hang. An important part of my performance is in the process, the show, and so I work large, 18X24, with a vertical easel set up for easy viewing by onlookers and those in line. My location usually becomes a gathering spot for socializing. People will crowd around to see the show, line up, and joke and laugh with their friends. It's an opportunity for guests to converse and enjoy a shared activity, a focal point that prompts them to move around and mingle.
My style may be described as 'portrait with a bit of caricature'. I treat people with respect, often engaging them in conversation to elicit natural expressions and keep them at ease. I do my best to see that everyone has a good time and gets a GREAT drawing.
I use Caran d'Ache Neocolor painting crayons, which produce charcoal-like drawings in B/W, but are not dusty and are permanent when applied (no smearing occurs and no fixative spray is required). This medium lends itself to live caricature since large detailed drawings can be produced very quickly (4-5 minutes per person in B/W). I use broad strokes to define large areas, and detailed lines and marks to finish the drawing.

I will travel anywhere in the Midwest: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Chicago, Milwaukee, Rockford, Quad-cities, Minneapolis/St Paul, and more. I am also available further afield for longer bookings.

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Professionalism

Accommodating

Overall Talent

Recommend

I set out to do something special for my wife's 40th birthday party that she would expect. Simply said, I couldn't have asked for anything more than Bernie provided. Our guests were raving at how talented he was. It was clear that all our guests were going to leave with something special. Bernie was very accommodating when it was obvious that we wouldn't be able to get all done in the amount of time I requested. I am so thankful that he was not booked after us and could be hired for more time. Bernie brought smiles to both kids and adults; I couldn't ask for more! Thanks!

(more) Review by Shawn L. from Roscoe, IL on 2/10/2018

Professionalism

Accommodating

Overall Talent

Recommend

We hired Bernie for our corporate Christmas party as something different for our guests. He was extremely easy to work with from the moment we hired him, he arrived on time and even stayed later than we contracted him for since he was busy and had a line of people waiting. His work was spot on, very accurate portrayals of his subjects and so fun to watch work! We would definitely recommend his services to anyone looking for something different at their next event, as we also have him on our list of wants for our next party!

(more) Review by Tara W. from Lake Geneva, WI on 1/20/2018

Professionalism

Accommodating

Overall Talent

Recommend

We hired Bernie for a corporate holiday party and he was a hit! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the detail he puts into his drawings. Added bonus - he uses a chalk that does not smudge! He was quick, and it was a lot of fun having groups of people getting a drawing done together.

(more) Review by Kara C. from Brookfield, WI on 1/18/2018

PAST EVENTS

FUTURE EVENTS

GIGMASTERS VERIFIED BOOKING

2018

Apr
28

Prom

Warren, IL
12:00 AM - 2:30 AM

2018

Apr
28

Prom

Stockton, IL
11:30 PM - 2:30 AM

2018

May
6

Prom

Pearl City, IL
1:00 AM - 3:00 AM

2018

Jun
16

Wedding Reception

Davenport, IA
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

2018

Jun
23

Wedding Reception

Waupaca, WI
7:30 PM - 10:30 PM

2018

Sep
29

Wedding Reception

Edgerton, WI
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

2018

Mar
24

Wedding Reception

Princeton, IL
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

2018

Feb
14

Community Event

Vermillion, SD
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

2018

Feb
10

Birthday Party (Adult)

Roscoe, IL
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

2018

Jan
20

Corporate Function

Lake Geneva, WI
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

2018

Jan
18

Corporate Function

Brookfield, WI
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM

2018

Jan
6

Christmas Party

Rockford, IL
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Caricaturist

Proms

Bar Mitzvahs

Happy Hours

Picnic

Bridal Showers

Bachelor Parties

Banquets

Conventions

Festivals

Halloween Parties

Meetings

Birthday Parties (Adult)

First Communions

Wedding Receptions

Engagement Parties

Family Reunions

Rehearsal Dinners

Christmas Parties

Grand Openings

Graduation Parties

Holiday Parties

Trade Shows

Memorial Services

Private Parties

Super Bowl Parties

Kentucky Derby Parties

Mardi Gras Party

Sweet 16 Parties

Valentine's Day Parties

Anniversaries

Please note Bernie Tennis will also travel to Cottage Grove, Mc Farland, Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Windsor, De Forest, Middleton, Deerfield, Morrisonville, Oregon, Stoughton, Dane, Marshall, Verona, Arlington, Cross Plains, Cambridge, Brooklyn, Waterloo, Belleville, Lodi, Lake Mills, Black Earth, Poynette, Columbus, Edgerton, Evansville, Mazomanie, Mount Horeb, Rio.