Recognizing Facial Feature Types
Any caricaturist who has worked on a number of faces will admit that she keeps a running library of body parts. Each time a new one is encountered, it gets memorized. Later, when that feature appears on a different face, it's a simple case of applying it — and adapting it, if necessary — to the new caricature. Therefore, it's useful for you to stock up on some types of facial features before you start caricaturing.
Head Shape
The jaw line is generally the dominant factor in determining the shape of the head. Above the ears, the head usually is a fairly consistent dome. Don't forget to identify structures like the cheekbones and chin when observing the jaw line — they play a big part in the overall personality of the jaw.
Jaws can be square, round, or pointy. Cheekbones are usually less prominent on round faces. A dominant chin can result in what some call a lantern jaw. Look for the presence or absence of a cleft in the chin.
In the few cases where the upper half of the head is dominant, it's usually because of a receding hairline or very short hair. The visual effect of this is to emphasize the forehead. The jaw line can still be definitive, but it won't be as dominant.
It's best to practice caricature on live models, but you won't always have volunteers willing to pose for you. Photographs are the next best option. However, try not to base a caricature on just one photo. Try to get several different photos of a subject and study them all before attempting a caricature.
Nose and Eyes
The nose and eyes are also definitive features. The nose can be long, short, narrow, or wide. It can be smooth and straight or it can be crooked and bent. Furthermore, the nostrils can help indicate a nose that points down or one that tilts up.
Eyes come in many sizes and shapes, but you'll find that the defining factors of the eyes are the types of skin around them. Eyelids and eye bags, eyebrows and crow's feet tend to be the identifying characteristics of eyes. Aside from that, eyes become individualized in their size and spacing on the face.
Mouth and Lips
The mouth can be wide or small. The lips can be full or thin. More importantly, the mouth can help accentuate a weak chin when the bottom lip hangs over. Pay particular attention to teeth. Even a small gap between teeth can be exploited into a huge chasm without losing familiarity. Also notice the smile lines and cheek lines — are they pronounced enough to be amplified?
Ears and Hairline
The size of the ears is the most easily exploited feature on the head. However, ears can help define the head in other ways. Don't forget the shape and angle to the head.
Hair should be amplified only when it helps to make the face recognizable. Don't emphasize hair that really doesn't add to the overall effect. Furthermore, don't stop at rendering a hairstyle. Take the texture, thickness, and neatness into account, exaggerating those as well when called for.
Here are a few examples of the many diff erent types of exaggerated head shapes, eyes, noses, ears, and mouths.
