Exploring Makayla

Leighann's daughter, Makayla is having a birthday soon. Her mommy and daddy wanted something for a party invitation. Makayla wanted a "Dora the Explorer" birthday. Leighann asked me to draw an illustration that had the both of them exploring together. She was a bit worried about copy right issues. I figured that (and hoped) that Dora wouldn't come exploring for me with her legal representation.

Leighann sent me this photo of her daughter. She's an adorable child and I wanted to get it right for her. This is want I came up with. (Sorry - eggless)

Unfortunately, this was the response I got from Leighann...

"Rick, I have to be honest, I like the drawing itself, but I don't think the face looks anything like Makayla."

I hate to admit it, but I feared that could be her response. I worked very hard to try and capture her face, but I wasn't sure that I had actually captured it. So, I wasn't totally surprised by her reaction.

I asked her if I could get some different photos for a second attempt. Sometimes getting just the right photo helps a lot. She kindly sent me several and this shot was among them.



Despite the fact that I had prac- tically "Dora" myself silly with the first one, I went back to work on a second caricature.

This is my second attempt. Leighann's response was totally different (thank the Lord)...

"LOVE IT! You picked a good photo to go by. I love the bracelet you put on her! We are having the kids make thier own "Dora bracelet" at the party... so that is really cool!"

That was the response I was looking for. Another happy customer.

Thanks Leighann for choosing me to help celebrate your daughter. She looks like a precious child. Give my birthday wishes to her. I hope that she likes it.