A Tale of Two Artists: Caricaturist Andy Campbell on Maintaining Mental Health During a Pandemic

Coronavirus brought the world to a standstill months ago, giving artists like Andy Campbell the opportunity to focus on doing what he loves most — creating.

His Instagram account (@classicalcaricatures) showcases his work that portrays prominent figures in history, horror, sci-fi and fantasy.

You’ll recognize familiar faces on Campbell’s page, from the notable rulers and composers you learned about in history class to your favorite musicians, movie / TV characters, filmmakers and even pro-wrestlers.

“Even though caricature is considered by some to be a ‘lesser’ art form, I could not disagree more,” Campbell said. “Painting someone as they are, you tend to focus on what makes someone beautiful and focus on that…with caricature, you instead focus on — not what makes someone ugly — but what makes someone unique and focus on that.”

Campbell became drawn to caricatures once he started reading Mad Magazine in the fifth grade. Heavily influenced by the great Mort Drucker’s creations, he picked up caricature drawing himself.

He began his artistic journey by referencing Drucker’s iconic style and recreating caricatures. Once his friends expressed how his were uncannily similar to the originals, he decided to take his talent to the next level and caricature his classmates. (In a Drucker fashion, of course.)

“They were a hit, but I felt a bit like a fraud,” Campbell said. “I got a book on caricatures, and I got to explore in depth the styles of many artists. Not only that…I got to read about the different kinds of careers these artists had, and it got me dreaming.”

The following years gave Campbell the chance to hone and refine his style, taking inspiration from David Levine and party caricature methods.

Campbell drew caricatures for the yearbook and school paper in high school. He considered his most ambitious project at the time to be when he spontaneously caricatured a teacher on the whiteboard after taking the AP U.S. history test. His classmates requested he caricature others, which eventually led to drawings of every teacher and staff member on the whiteboard by the end of the year.

As the years passed, Campbell went from receiving praise from classmates to receiving praise from his famous subjects.

He has attended conventions and shown his work to icons like Carrie Fisher (Star Wars), Doug Bradley (Hellraiser) and Lisa and Louise Burns (The Shining)  —  all of whom were flattered and created a memorable experience for Campbell through their acclamation, conversation, or autograph inscription.

The vast majority, he said, have “absolutely loved” his depictions. Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols on the other hand, “notably hated hers”, he lightheartedly added. 

Being able to connect with others on any sort of level through his art is what motivates Campbell to keep creating. All it takes is a mere shared interest.

“‘Look, this guy likes the same show we like, and he made a fun drawing of it.’ Then it’s on their wall, and it becomes a topic of conversation with company, or simply just something that puts a smile on someone’s face as they walk by,” Campbell said. “Don’t downplay that — those smiles add up.”

In a period filled with uncertainty and sorrow, many are looking for a reason to smile, even Campbell at times.

He acknowledged having more time on his hands has been a double-edged sword.

“Sheltering in place means that I have never been so productive with my art, but it also means that my depression has been a constant companion,” Campbell said.

Campbell referred to the relation between the mental impact brought on by COVID-19 and his creative process as a “titanic struggle.”

“Depression has been the bane of my art since as long as I can remember. It has a way of stomping out my muse and making me give up,” he said. “It seems almost counter-intuitive then that the thing that helps me combat depression the best is my art.”

Last year, Campbell created his Instagram initially as a tool to help with his depression. He has since posted a new piece of art every single day. This, he said, has helped hold himself accountable to create even when he’s not feeling his best.

Campbell has committed to projects and goals in the past to battle his depression. Seeing what he’s created in the best of times and worst of times gives him pride and is ultimately what gets him through the fog.

Even while the changes brought on by the pandemic has made the world seemingly crumble around him, he has stayed focused and continued to create due to the system he’s devoted himself to.

Social media has helped provide Campbell with a sense of support and drive during months of isolation.

“The Instagram platform has allowed me to connect with a bunch of other artists around the world, and they also inspire me to keep creating and expand my horizons,” Campbell said. 

“Right now, I’m just trying to focus on creating, marketing and connecting. And while I know my depression will never go away entirely, I have been able to stay positive, happy and productive despite everything.”

Campbell is currently working on a book series where he merges his passion for caricatures, history and writing. He also has plans to sell his art online in the near future.

Want to see your favorite pop culture figure in caricature form?

Contact Campbell on Instagram: @classicalcaricatures

To contact me or stay up-to-date with my latest work, follow me on social media @yvonnevwrites!

Yvonne Villasenorart, caricature, coronavirus, covid-19Comment