Reflecting on Creativity, Connections, and Caricature: Insights from Caricature Conversations

Welcome to the latest issue of Caricature Conversations! As I continue to curate and expand this series of interviews, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the common questions that have emerged over the past two and a half years since I started the LinkedIn caricature series and the past few months since introducing Caricature Conversations. It has been an incredible journey filled with creativity, connections, and thought-provoking conversations. In this issue, we delve into the questions that have shaped the series, exploring the inspirations behind my caricature work, the impact it has had on both myself and the individuals featured, and the balance between professional responsibilities and creative pursuits. Join me as we delve into these insights and explore the wonderful world of caricature and its power to connect and inspire.

What inspired you to start creating caricatures of inspiring individuals on LinkedIn?

During the pandemic, when the world went into lockdown and remote work became the norm, I found myself confined to my home with limited opportunities for in-person interaction outside of my household. As the fall of 2020 approached, the reality of isolation still loomed large, and the constant solitude began to take a toll on me. It was during this challenging time that my colleague and friend at Integer, Marcela Naranjo, encouraged me to reignite my passion for art.

I had always had a background in art, having been drawing since the age of three. I pursued my love for art in college and earned a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design. I began my career as a graphic designer at various design and advertising agencies before transitioning to corporate in-house design for the first seven years of my professional life. However, when I made the shift to marketing communications and later pursued an MBA, followed by a transition into product management, I had gradually set aside my artistic pursuits, particularly drawing, for over a decade.

In the midst of this prolonged state of isolation, it dawned on me that others must be experiencing the same emotions and longing for connection. That's when I decided to pick up my drawing tools as a means to reach out and connect with others. I was drawn to the idea of caricatures, particularly inspired by the work of Al Hirschfeld, a renowned artist known for his distinctive style and innovative use of caricature as a method of character study. His ability to spotlight individuals in a positive and engaging way resonated deeply with me.

I sought to adapt my drawing style to align more closely with Hirschfeld's, capturing the essence and personality of the people I depicted. It started with creating caricatures of my colleagues at Integer, a way to let them know that despite the physical distance, I was thinking of them and wanted to provide a sense of connection and reprieve from the isolation we were all enduring.

Through these caricatures, I aimed to bring some much-needed joy and positivity into our lives during those uncertain times. It was a way to celebrate the unique qualities and contributions of the inspiring individuals around me, while also expressing my artistic creativity.?

How do you believe caricatures can be an effective way to feature and highlight individuals on a professional platform like LinkedIn?

I have found caricatures to be an effective way to feature and highlight individuals on a professional platform like LinkedIn for several reasons. My experience with creating caricatures within my immediate circle of friends and colleagues at Integer demonstrated the positive reception they received. People appreciated having a caricature made of themselves and given to them, to the extent that it created a sense of camaraderie and curiosity within our inner circle. This realization made me consider the potential of using caricatures as a non-salesy way to connect and network on LinkedIn.

Initially, I had concerns that this approach might backfire, but upon further analysis, I found it to be a systematically sound approach. Al Hirschfeld, the artist who inspired me, had successfully employed caricatures to feature individuals in the world of Broadway and Hollywood. Almost without exception, those who were featured in his caricatures felt thrilled and honored by the portrayal. In some cases, they even cherished the caricature more than other accolades, such as a Tony Award. Drawing from this model, my goal became leveraging caricatures to spotlight my industry, the medtech industry, in a similar way that Hirschfeld spotlighted Broadway.

Even still, to my surprise, the response to my caricatures on LinkedIn has been overwhelmingly positive. It has proven to be an incredible icebreaker, enabling me to connect with people I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to know. As an introvert with a tendency towards shyness, the caricature series has allowed me to leverage my strength in art to overcome this potential weakness. It provides a conversation starter and a unique way to engage with others. Through the caricature series, I have become more comfortable meeting and engaging with people, both virtually and even in the physical world, without the need for the caricature as a lead-in.

Can you explain your method for creating caricatures? Do you have a specific process or style that you follow?

My method for creating caricatures is deeply rooted in my admiration for Al Hirschfeld, who has been a significant inspiration for me in using caricature as a way to spotlight individuals I admire, primarily on LinkedIn. My collection of books and items featuring Hirschfeld has grown alongside my appreciation for his work.

To begin my process, I take time to appreciate Hirschfeld's work. I openly acknowledge that Hirschfeld inspired me to delve into caricature, and my own style is heavily influenced by his unique approach. While some individuals can see the connection between his style and my own, I must emphasize that Hirschfeld was an unparalleled artist. He was not just a generational talent, but a one-of-a-kind artist who cannot be replicated. The quality, draftsmanship, and freshness of his style remain captivating even today, two decades after his passing. His ability to capture the essence, energy, and motion of the individuals he caricatured is beyond my reach as an artist.

In comparison to Hirschfeld's caricatures, I would describe my style as leaning more towards straight drawing. Hirschfeld had a remarkable talent for conveying the likeness and essence of the individuals he drew in caricature, creating portrayals that were simultaneously unique and fresh with each interpretation. His various caricatures of the actor John Lithgow exemplify this, reaching a pinnacle with his 1988 portrayal of Lithgow in "M. Butterfly," where he distilled the essence of the actor in a profound and stunning manner.

In my process, prior to picking up a pencil, I gather data on the individual(s) I wish to interpret in a caricature. This involves observing and digesting their LinkedIn content, with a preference for video as a source when available. This process allows me to absorb both conscious and subconscious data about the individual, which informs my hand when I begin the active drawing phase. I then focus on capturing the face alone, often redrawing it multiple times until I am satisfied that the sketch not only captures the physical likeness but also adds a unique voice to convey the person behind the physical appearance.

Once I am confident in the face, I move on to the broader composition, which includes the rest of the individual, the scene, and any elements I choose to incorporate into the caricature. I utilize a light table to save previous versions and iterate through the process, drawing on my experience as a graphic designer. This allows me to emulate the benefits of layers and the undo function in digital software like Adobe Photoshop in an analog, hand-drawn setting. I iterate towards a finished pencil sketch without fear of making mistakes or drawing lines too dark to erase. This process leads me to a final pencil sketch that becomes the blueprint for tracing with ink on a new sheet of paper using my light table.

Decoupling the penciling and inking stages creates a safe space for exploration and pushes me to challenge myself without the fear of irreparable mistakes. It also serves as insurance when mailing the drawing to the featured individual(s), as there is always a risk of it being lost in transit. I keep the pencil blueprint until the inked caricature reaches its intended recipient, ensuring the uniqueness of the final inked drawing. With rare exception, I dispose of the pencil drawing to preserve its exclusivity for the person it was gifted to.

What criteria do you use when selecting individuals to feature in your caricature series on LinkedIn?

The criteria I use when selecting individuals to feature in my caricature series on LinkedIn is relatively straightforward. I choose individuals who inspire me in some way, where I feel compelled to interpret their unique qualities through my artwork.

In some cases, the inspiration comes from a person's body of work. For example, David Leopold, the creative director at the Al Hirschfeld Foundation, has edited and written numerous books on Hirschfeld, lectures on his work, and plays a pivotal role in sharing Hirschfeld's art with the world. David Leopold's dedication to preserving and promoting artistic legacies, including those of Hirschfeld, Levine, and Berlin, has earned my admiration, prompting me to interpret his essence through caricature. These instances expand my appreciation for a broader world of art beyond visual art, encompassing mediums like music.

Other times, it may be a specific moment that catches my attention, such as when Mike Zimic, Una Tohill, or Daniel Gasser posted unique and personal videos on LinkedIn that sparked my imagination and compelled me to represent their essence in a caricature. It could also be someone whose impact on the medical device industry is remarkable and captivating, like Matthew Ray Scott, Joe Mullins, Dr. Sigmund, Holly Scott, and Joe Urban. Through the process of creating their caricatures and connecting with these individuals, I gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their contributions.

Ultimately, the selection is driven by a sense of inspiration. I choose individuals who I believe deserve to be represented and spotlighted in a caricature as a way to interpret and celebrate the dynamic and ever-growing world around me. I am grateful to the amazing individuals who graciously tolerate being depicted in this way, as it allows me to further appreciate their unique qualities and contributions.

How do you strike a balance between selecting well-known individuals and lesser-known individuals for your caricature series?

When it comes to selecting individuals for my caricature series, I do not seek to strike a balance between well-known and lesser-known individuals. The level of an individual's fame or recognition is not a determining factor for their inclusion. Instead, my selection process revolves around the unique qualities, personality, and impact that each individual has on me personally.

The individuals I choose for caricatures catch my attention through their distinctiveness and the way they approach the world around them. Their impact on me often coincides with their impact on others they interact with. I believe that everyone has a community, whether it's wide-scale or intimate, that admires and appreciates them for who they are and what they contribute.

What I have found is that the caricature series brings out the networks of friends and colleagues surrounding each individual. The response from the individual(s) own personal community is truly inspiring for me. It's heartening to witness their genuine excitement and appreciation when someone important in their life is interpreted and honored through a caricature.

The focus of my caricature series is not about balancing the recognition of well-known individuals with lesser-known ones. It's about acknowledging the uniqueness and significance of each person and their impact on the people around them. This approach creates a meaningful and inspiring output, as the caricatures foster a sense of celebration and recognition within the communities that surround the individuals featured.

Why did you decide to pivot the caricature series to include the Caricature Conversations newsletter? What value does it bring to your audience?

The decision to pivot the caricature series and introduce the Caricature Conversations newsletter was inspired by direct input from my friends and colleagues at Integer. This revelation occurred during the Senior Leadership offsite meeting in January 2023, which was the first large-scale in-person event at Integer since the start of the pandemic.

At the offsite, I discovered that a significant number of people within Integer followed the caricature series, which came as a delightful surprise to me. For the first time, I experienced no difficulties in meeting new people at an event. Around twenty to thirty colleagues proactively approached me to introduce themselves and engage in conversation primarily because they were familiar with and enjoyed the caricature series that had been running for over two years by that point.

During our interactions, several colleagues expressed their appreciation not only for the caricatures themselves but also for the additional information I shared about the individuals featured. As part of my process of showcasing the full caricature process, I would include text about the person, explaining why I selected them for a caricature and highlighting their contributions to the world around them. This added context allowed viewers to learn more about the individual being featured, particularly when the caricature showcased someone unfamiliar to them. Colleagues found this aspect of the series highly engaging and insightful.

This experience sparked a realization: there was an opportunity to delve even deeper into the lives and achievements of the individuals featured in the caricatures. That's when I came up with the idea of the Caricature Conversations newsletter, which would feature Q&A-style interviews with individuals previously showcased in the caricature series. The goal was to provide readers with a deeper view of the featured individuals, their work, and their impact.

Since launching the Caricature Conversations newsletter, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with many individuals having expressed how much they enjoy learning about new people and their outstanding work through the newsletter. It has become a valuable platform for shedding light on the incredible individuals who have been featured in the caricature series, allowing readers to gain deeper insights into their stories and accomplishments.

How do you approach the process of conducting a Caricature Conversation with the individuals you feature??

The process of conducting a Caricature Conversation is relatively simple. I begin by crafting a series of Q&A questions, typically consisting of around five questions. These questions are based on my own understanding of and curiosity about the individual being featured. My aim is to seek answers and gain insights from the person on specific topics that I find personally interesting.

However, it is crucial to me that the individuals participating in the Q&A have their own interests and voices represented. Therefore, before the interview takes place, they are given the opportunity to review the questions. They have full autonomy to suggest changes, redirect the interview in a different direction, or request alternative questions. It is important that they have agency and feel comfortable with the interview process.

Once the interview is conducted and transcribed, both the questions and answers are provided to the individuals featured. They have the full right to review and make any edits or modifications they deem necessary. This ensures that their unique perspective and voice are accurately represented in the final publication.

The Caricature Conversation is a collaborative duet, where the individual being interviewed has the final say on what is posted. My goal is to learn from them and showcase their unique insights without any misrepresentation or error. It is of utmost importance to me that they feel empowered and that their voice is accurately portrayed in the published newsletter.

What are your goals and objectives for these conversations?

My primary goal and objective for conducting these Caricature Conversations is centered around my burning desire to have my questions answered and to gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives and insights of the individuals featured. Every question I ask stems from my genuine curiosity and eagerness to know their answers, perspectives, and takes on the questions and the world around them.

Throughout the entire process, sincerity is paramount. I approach each conversation with a genuine desire to learn and grow from the individual who graciously dedicates their time, energy, expertise, wisdom, and unique perspective. I hold deep gratitude and honor for each person who shares their valuable time with me, allowing me to delve into their wonderfully unique experiences and views on the topics and questions discussed.

My ultimate goal is to foster meaningful and insightful discussions that not only shed light on the featured individuals but also provide valuable knowledge and perspectives for the readers of the Caricature Conversations newsletter. By sharing these conversations, I aim to create a platform for learning, inspiration, and connection.

Have you faced any resistance or skepticism from professionals about featuring caricatures on LinkedIn? If so, how do you address those concerns?

My approach has evolved to include checking in with the individual I want to represent in caricature out of respect for instances where professionals have expressed resistance or skepticism regarding featuring caricatures on LinkedIn. I firmly believe that this issue boils down to respecting personal boundaries.

When approaching individuals for their participation in a caricature and Q&A, some may choose not to respond to my inquiry or politely decline the offer. I fully respect their decision as it is their prerogative to exercise their right to publicity or privacy. It is important to acknowledge and honor the fact that every individual in this world has the right to decide how they want to be represented or showcased.

In light of this, I do not view it as my responsibility to address their concerns or try to persuade them otherwise. If an individual chooses not to respond or declines my offer, I accept their decision without seeking to overcome or pursue it further.

How do you measure the success or impact of your caricature series and Caricature Conversations? Are there any specific metrics or feedback that you pay attention to?

When it comes to measuring the success or impact of my caricature series and Caricature Conversations, I do not actively track specific metrics such as views, comments, or engagement. While these metrics can be interesting to observe, they are not the driving force behind my initiative, nor were they the inspiration for creating the series on LinkedIn.

The primary motivation behind my caricature series and Caricature Conversations was to enhance my networking abilities and establish meaningful relationships with new people. These goals cannot be accurately measured by the available metrics on LinkedIn.

However, I have been fortunate enough to make genuine connections and form wonderful friendships through this process. These personal connections are the true rewards I gain from the ongoing series. The ability to engage with individuals, learn from their unique perspectives, and build relationships based on shared interests and admiration is the ultimate measure of success and impact for me.

Are there any memorable moments or experiences you can share from your Caricature Conversations that have had a profound impact on you?

Certainly! I have had some truly memorable moments and experiences during my Caricature Conversations that have had a profound impact on me. One of the highlights was the opportunity to speak on the phone with David Leopold. As a fan of both Al Hirschfeld's work and David's extensive contributions to the art world, it was an unbelievable experience to have a conversation with him. David preferred speaking on the phone, which added an extra level of authenticity and connection to our interaction.

What made the experience even more delightful was David's sincerity and approachability throughout the process. From developing the questions to refining the final written Q&A, he was engaging and open to discussion. Months later, I had the privilege of traveling to New York with my son, Eli, to attend a lecture hosted by David at the Museum of Broadway. It was a pleasant surprise when David approached us before the event to meet in person and engage in casual conversation. We talked about our trip to New York, other things we planned to see, and exchanged ideas on other points of interest. As David mentioned in a LinkedIn comment and direct messages, it was a great opportunity to meet in person and make our connection more tangible. Meeting someone whose work I admire and being able to interact with them in such a down-to-earth manner was something I never expected but deeply appreciated. David's warm and welcoming demeanor made the experience even more memorable.

Another tremendously enjoyable experience was the caricature process and Q&A with Roger Reed, an extremely talented musician. Roger not only creates music across a broad range of instruments and genres, but he is also passionate about sharing his love for music, life experiences, and teaching others. Interacting with Roger throughout the process and even after has been amazing. His generosity in sharing interesting experiences and his personal point of view has been truly impactful. I've learned so much from him, and his depth of passion for life and the people around him shines through in every interaction. His engagement brings a genuine, personal, and profound perspective into the world he has lived in, both past and present.

These experiences with David and Roger, among others, have reinforced the value of personal connections and the impact they can have. They have shown me the power of meaningful interactions and the profound insights that can emerge from engaging with talented and genuine individuals. I am grateful for these experiences and look forward to further opportunities to meet and connect with the remarkable people I have connected with through this series.

How do you see your caricature series evolving in the future? Do you have any plans to expand or introduce new elements to the series?

As of now, I am not certain about the specific direction in which the caricature series will evolve in the future. The process has been organic, without extensive pre-planning. Each step has been sincerely and thoughtfully executed, considering the individuals involved and ensuring a respectful approach.

Any future evolution of the series will primarily focus on adding value for the individuals featured and the broader audience. The core essence of this series is to provide a positive spotlight and foster connections among people. It is important to ensure that any changes or additions to the series serve this purpose.

While the exact path of evolution may not be within my immediate talents and scope, I find the idea of a "day in the life" or a docuseries on the individuals featured in the Caricature Conversations newsletter to be compelling and enjoyable. Such an approach would place the emphasis on the people themselves rather than solely on the caricatures or my involvement in the process. This would allow for a deeper exploration of the individuals' stories and the impact they have on the world around them.

Ultimately, I believe the value of this series lies not solely in the caricatures as standalone art, but in the individuals featured and the connections formed with the people around them. The caricatures serve as a medium to facilitate these connections, shining a spotlight on a diverse range of individuals who hold their own unique value and influence in the world.

While I cannot provide a definitive roadmap for the future of the caricature series, I am committed to preserving the positive and personal nature of the series, continuously seeking ways to add value for both the individuals featured and the audience.

In your opinion, what role does creativity play in the professional world, especially in industries like medical device manufacturing?

Creativity plays a crucial role in the professional world, including industries like medical device manufacturing. It is important to recognize that creativity extends beyond the realm of visual artists, musicians, authors, and similar creative professions. Creativity permeates all aspects of our lives, including the professional sphere.

At its core, creativity involves defining a question, hypothesis, or problem and finding innovative solutions that are both effective and satisfying. This process of problem-solving and generating new ideas is indispensable in the professional world, particularly in industries like medical device manufacturing.

In the field of medical devices, creativity is necessary across multiple disciplines. In the clinical domain, creativity helps researchers and healthcare professionals identify new approaches to diagnostics, treatments, and patient care. In design and development, creativity enables engineers and designers to create innovative and user-friendly medical devices that improve patient outcomes. Creativity is also crucial in process development, ensuring efficient and safe manufacturing processes for medical devices. Moreover, creativity plays a role in commercial scale production and continuous improvement, as companies seek to enhance their products and operations throughout the device's lifecycle.

Embracing creativity allows professionals in the medical device industry to think outside the box, challenge conventional wisdom, and find novel solutions to complex problems. It fosters innovation, drives progress, and ultimately leads to advancements that benefit patients and healthcare providers.

Creativity encompasses problem-solving, innovation, and thinking beyond traditional boundaries. Embracing creativity across various disciplines enables professionals to address challenges, drive improvements, and make a positive impact on the industry and the lives of patients.

How do you balance your responsibilities as a product management leader with your creative pursuits, such as creating caricatures and conducting Caricature Conversations?

Balancing my responsibilities as a product management leader with my creative pursuits, including creating caricatures and conducting Caricature Conversations, is one where the series is in service (on my own personal time) to my responsibilities and objectives as a professional, furthermore the series as a task is subordinate to my role as a husband and father. It's important for me to ensure that these creative endeavors align with and support my primary responsibilities of providing for my family and being the best version of myself in my professional role at Integer.

To maintain a sustainable approach, I dedicate a limited amount of time each day to my caricature work, typically ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. As a result, the pace of creating caricatures tends to be around one per month. This allows me to manage my time effectively and prioritize my family and work commitments.

Family and work always take precedence, which means that the caricature series may need to take a back seat when necessary. For example, when my wife's mother, Roza, experienced a decline in health in 2021 and ultimately passed away, the caricature series was put on hold for six weeks to two months. During this time, our focus was on providing care for Roza, supporting my wife and family through the challenging period, and dealing with the aftermath of her passing. The same applies to work-related demands or the needs of my wife and children.

The purpose of the caricature series is to connect with people, but it is essential to remember that people always come first. Those around me who require support and care will always receive my unwavering attention, regardless of my creative pursuits. The caricature series is designed to be integrated into my life and work in a way that supports the bigger picture and my areas of responsibility. It is not meant to compete with or overshadow those responsibilities.

As a result, I intentionally avoid imposing a prescribed cadence or schedule for the series. This flexibility allows me to adapt to the demands of my family, work, and personal life, ensuring that the caricature series enhances and complements my overall responsibilities rather than becoming a source of conflict or stress.

What advice do you have for professionals who want to showcase their creativity on LinkedIn or other professional platforms?

My advice for professionals who want to showcase their creativity on LinkedIn or other professional platforms is to prioritize value, respect, and the positive impact on others throughout the process.

While expressing your creativity, always keep in mind the value you aim to bring to your audience. Consider how your content can educate, inspire, or entertain others. Focus on creating meaningful and insightful content that adds value to the professional community.

Respect is paramount when showcasing your creativity. Treat others with kindness, empathy, and professionalism in all your interactions. Engage in constructive conversations, actively listen to different perspectives, and be open to learning from others. Respectful engagement fosters a positive and supportive environment for your creative expression.

Remember that your creative work does not exist in isolation. It is created to connect with and impact others. Prioritize the positive impact your creativity can have on the lives and experiences of those who engage with your content. Strive to uplift, empower, and inspire others through your creative expression.

Recognize that collaboration and the exchange of ideas can enhance your creativity. Engage with other professionals in your field, share insights, and encourage dialogue. Embrace different perspectives and learn from the diverse experiences of your peers. Collaboration can lead to innovative ideas and the collective growth of the creative community.

Finally, maintain a genuine appreciation for the individuals involved in your creative process. Show gratitude to your audience for their support, feedback, and engagement. Value their time, contributions, and perspectives. A humble and grateful attitude fosters stronger connections and mutual respect within the professional community.

Lastly, what message or impact do you hope to achieve through your caricature series and Caricature Conversations?

Through my caricature series and Caricature Conversations, the message and impact I hope to achieve can be summed up in three key themes: connection, inspiration, and celebration.

Firstly, I aim to foster connection. I want to bring people together, whether it's by featuring individuals who inspire me or by engaging in conversations that highlight their unique perspectives and experiences. By sharing these caricatures and conversations, I hope to create a sense of connection between the featured individuals and the broader audience, sparking meaningful interactions and relationships.

Secondly, I strive to inspire. By showcasing the stories, achievements, and insights of remarkable individuals, I aim to inspire others to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact in their respective fields. I want my audience to feel motivated and empowered by the journeys and accomplishments of those featured, encouraging them to embrace their own creativity and potential.

Lastly, I intend to celebrate. My caricature series and Caricature Conversations are a tribute to the exceptional individuals who have made a difference in their industries and communities. Through these creative expressions, I celebrate their unique talents, contributions, and the positive impact they have on the world. It is my way of honoring and highlighting their remarkable achievements and sharing their stories with a wider audience.

Overall, my goal is to create a platform that promotes connection, inspiration, and celebration. I want the caricature series and Caricature Conversations to serve as a catalyst for meaningful interactions, personal growth, and a deeper appreciation of the remarkable individuals who shape our world. I hope that through these endeavors, I can contribute to a more connected and inspired professional community, where individuals are celebrated for their unique qualities and the positive impact they have on others.