Jordan Callahan discovered an affinity for art at a young age."I always knew I loved to draw," Jordan said. "When I was in the Primary School I would trace stuff from comic books, but I was always fascinated by the guys at the malls and in the parks who could just make a show out of drawing a picture of someone's face in 5 minutes."
Now, as a senior enrolled in AP Studio Art/Drawing, Jordan has developed his drawing skills into an entrepreneurial endeavor, Caricatures by Callahan. He has been drawing caricatures for about three years.
"It is a unique job where I am not fixed to a specific schedule, but whenever a function or party needs an entertainer,” explained Jordan. “I've had the opportunity to caricature at festivals, libraries, theaters, parties, and school functions, like the 2014 Chartiers Valley Prom."
In developing his skills, Jordan took instruction from an artist he knew and started practicing with different types of markers and techniques. With additional instruction at CVHS and encouragement from art teacher Mr. Barzan, Jordan began networking and developing a clientele.
He began by volunteering to draw caricatures at events for schools or theaters. As his reputation grew, so did the demand for his caricatures services. Now Jordan has been able to turn his hobby into a part time job.
However, success wasn't instantaneous.
"To get to where I am now, I went through tons of paper," Jordan said. "I was drawing face after face and sketching daily while trying to find a style that worked for me.”
“It certainly wasn't easy at the start,” Jordan continued. “I would make glaring mistakes like drawing the chin through the mouth. Practice was one of the most important factors for me."
Jordan also appreciates the help and support he received from his teachers at Chartiers Valley, his art teacher, Mr. Barzan.
“Mr. Barzan really helped me a lot,” said Jordan. “He's always been there to look at my art and suggest opportunities and critiques."
Developing a rapport with his subjects was also a major component in growing as a caricaturist.
"I draw caricatures, which are essentially what I like to call half portrait-half cartoons," Jordan said. "Part of that is carrying on a conversation during the five minutes it takes me to draw a face to learn about a person's interests, habits and hobbies. What's kind of cool is I get to know the people I draw because I'm asking questions and trying to find things to add to the drawing."
Though he is able to charge up to $45 an hour for parties, Jordan finds some of his most enjoyable work comes through volunteering.
"I have volunteered my work with various organizations," he said. "One of my favorites is the Pittsburgh CureSearchWalk. Another is representing CV student Sydney Hawk in the Hope for Sydney events in 2014 and 2015."
Though caricaturing is not something Jordan plans on making a career out of, he would like to continue with it through his college years and continue to grow as an artist. He also hopes to expand his clientele so he can continue caricaturing to help raise money for college.
Jordan also encourages his peers to pursue their talents and interests.
“I believe everyone has gifts and talents and they are meant to be used,” said Jordan. “I would encourage students in this direction; art is a very rewarding field, and if it is something a student has a passion for, it is a sublime opportunity.”
“When I first started drawing caricatures, I had no idea I could make a business out of it,” he continued. “I have learned that hard work and a creative spirit pays off. That's the cool thing about it – if you work at something you love, it could get to the point where you can make a career out of it."
Jordan can be booked for parties and events through his website: www.caricaturesbycallahan.com.
