Caricature/portrait artist for parties, corporate events, and festivals.
Also known as "The Toon Guy", Guy Staats is an Atlanta based cartoonist/caricaturist/illustrator. He earned his degree in Commercial Art at The University of Akron(Ohio) in 1983, and broke into professional caricature later that same year. Guy first spent several seasons at the Cedar Point theme park in Sandusky, Ohio. A move to Georgia followed in 1985, where Guy trained and supervised other artists at Six Flags Over Georgia, before launching his own business.
Although live caricature is his major specialty, Guy has done extensive work in the illustration/cartooning field, having been published in book, magazine, newspaper, and comics form. His corporate clients have included The Home Depot, Minolta, Unisys, Electrolux, and iHealth Technologies.
Warm, entertaining, and humorous, The Toon Guy exhibits a unique ability to connect to an audience and the people he draws. As the father of a developmentally delayed child, he often performs volunteer caricature/portrait sessions for those with learning disabilities.
Guy lives in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, Serena, and their two daughters.
Keywords: Caricature, artist, portrait, cartoon, artist, drawing, character, comics, convention artist
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 1983.
What is your primary product or service?
I draw caricatures and portraits at parties, corporate events, festivals, etc.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I've always had art talent, and have a dergee in art from the University of Akron. I paid my way through college drawing caricatures at amusement parks, then gravitated back to it as a business owner.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
I'm one-of-a-kind. I draw caricatures and portraits that look just like the subject, plus I'm engaging, entertaining, and funny.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
I am mobile, and perform my service onsite at your event.
Provide detailed directions to your location
I come to YOU.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash, check, money order or PayPal.
Which areas do you service?
Metro Atlanta, although I work the entire Southeast if travel expenses/accomodations are provided.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
I'm the owner, operator, and main employee.
What are your hours of operation?
I book in advance for personal experiences, with a 2 hour minimum.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
"That drawing looks JUST LIKE me!"
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
"There is no try, only DO." -Yoda