Branded merch, generic giftware and bottles of plonk are lovely and cheap however, if you are looking for a way to show genuine appreciation to colleagues and team members then nothing says it better than something unique and hand-made. From executive portraits to full-team illustrations, Corporate caricature commissions bring personality, humor, and warmth into professional spaces — with a touch of class!
What Is a Corporate Caricature Commission?
A corporate caricature commission is a custom illustration created specifically for a business or organization. Unlike quick event sketches, these pieces are carefully designed, and tailored to reflect:
- Individual personality
- Professional role
- Company branding
- Inside jokes or team culture
- Milestones or achievements
The result? A one off artwork that feels both personal and professional.
Why Businesses Love Corporate Caricatures
1. Unique Employee Recognition
Years-of-service awards and retirement gifts can feel routine. A custom caricature adds fun and storytelling. Here is a one I created for an outgoing, globetrotting CEO from Spencer Stuart. It’s meaningful, memorable, and proudly display-worthy.
2. Team Building & Morale
Caricatures celebrate individuality within a team. When everyone receives a custom illustration—especially as part of a company anniversary or holiday celebration—it fosters connection and laughter.
3. Executive & Leadership Gifts
Board members and executives are notoriously difficult to shop for. A refined caricature portrait—tastefully exaggerated, professionally styled—makes a thoughtful and distinctive gift.
4. Event & Conference Branding
Companies often commission group caricature artwork for:
- Trade show booths
- Corporate retreat materials
- Annual reports
- Internal presentations
- Social media campaigns
A cohesive illustrated team instantly draws attention and differentiates your brand.
Popular Occasions for Corporate Commissions
- Company anniversaries
- Product launches
- Retirement celebrations
- Mergers & acquisitions
- Holiday gifts
- Performance awards
- Team milestones
Many companies also use caricatures as part of onboarding kits to make new hires feel welcomed in a fun, engaging way.
How the Commission Process Works
- Discovery – A discussion of goals, budget, tone, number of subjects, deadlines.
- Reference Collection – Photos do not necessarily need to be amazing quality and often casual snapshots reveal the most personality!
- Concept Sketch – rough draft for feedback.
- Refinement – Adjustments to likeness, details, branding elements.
- Final Delivery – Original artwork or sometimes high resolution files. Printed copies can also be delivered for each member in a group caricature.
Clear communication ensures the final piece aligns with both brand standards and the subject’s personality.
Budget Considerations
Corporate caricature pricing depends on:
- Number of people illustrated
- Level of detail
- Background complexity
- Usage rights (internal vs. commercial)
- Rush deadlines
While costs vary, companies often find the return on morale, brand personality, and memorability far outweighs the investment.
The Lasting Impact
Unlike many corporate gifts that are used once and forgotten, a caricature becomes:
- Office décor
- A LinkedIn profile image
- A framed keepsake at home
- A conversation starter
It humanizes the workplace and preserves company stories in visual form.
Final Thoughts
Corporate caricature commissions are a great way to celebrate people, to reinforce brand culture, and to enrich the workplace environment.
In a business world full of templated gestures, a custom illustration says something different:
We see you. We appreciate you. And we’re not afraid to have a little fun along the way.
If you’re looking for a distinctive way to honor your team or elevate your next company milestone, a corporate caricature might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.