Meet Christina DeChellis of Caricatures by Christina in Santa Clarita

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina DeChellis.

Christina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a self-taught Artist. I took my first Art Workshop at the age of five, and I knew immediately that art would be my life.

At eighteen, I landed a gig as a Portrait/Caricature Artist at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I was lucky enough to study under Jess Rubio, an Artist and close friend of Walt Disney. He trained me in the methodology of Pastel Portraiture, which put my career into motion. I sent the next eleven years working at Disney, developing my technique, and drawing people of all ages, from all over the world.

Upon moving to Los Angeles in 2010, I tried working at various theme parks, but nothing compared to Disney World. So, I went off on my own and started my own company, and signed on with various agents throughout L.A. County. Now, I travel to various events, festivals, and private parties drawing caricatures. I am a one woman show.

The knowledge and experience that I gained at Disney prepared me for my solo career. Going off on my own was the best thing I ever did.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. It was not easy at first. It took a lot of researching, and networking with other artists and businesses. The main struggle was getting my name out there, and getting gigs. The first few years, the gigs were few and far between.

However, once people saw my work, I got more work. I took photos of all of the caricatures I drew, and eventually had enough to create my own website. Once my website was running, Caricatures by Christina really began to take off. I also began using my profits for investments in my company, like purchasing business cards, which I began handing out at every event. I also got into social networking, as signed up for various sites such as Yelp and Party Pop, and before I knew it my phone was ringing off the hook.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am best known for my Caricatures. But I also do commissioned paintings, portraits, murals, signs, displays, face painting, pet portraits, and silhouettes.

I am most proud of my professionalism, my excellent reputation, and my top quality work.

I take my work very seriously, and I provide great customer service. People really get their money’s worth when they hire me, because I am punctual, reliable, and fast. My caricatures are exceptional. They actually look like the subjects, and because of my Disney training, my caricatures are unique in that they have a portrait quality.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is the ideal place for this type of business, because of the many neighborhoods and surrounding cities. The beautiful weather allows me to cover many outdoor events, year round. L.A. is a creative town, where creative people are appreciated.

If someone was starting out, I would highly recommend they start here.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christinasartworld.com
• Phone: (661) 414-2038
• Email: corem1214@yahoo.com
• Yelp: Caricatures by Chrisitna
• Facebook: Caricatures SCV