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case study_2
Context
I create these entertaining caricature cartoons on commission for an Ibiza-based businessman whenever political decisions negatively affect his business interests (regardless of the governing party’s ideology). They are also produced for awareness-raising and social protection purposes. I have drawn around 200 of these cartoons, presented under the generic name Caricaturasibiza, and they have achieved various levels of exposure, with some being published simultaneously in all print and digital editions of Ibiza’s most important newspapers.
In this case study, I briefly discuss and analyze a cartoon created in November 2025, as it is one of the most complex, detailed, and profitable pieces. I also outline the general principles and guidelines I consistently follow when creating these illustrations.
Challenge
In general, I am always expected to create illustrations of these pieces, write engaging and humorous copy, and come up with funny situations and interactions based on the simple texts, current information, and basic visual references provided by the client.
The challenge is to effectively convey the political and social satire message promoted by my client, while also:
• Creating highly detailed and funny full-color digital illustrations
• Involving the client throughout the creative and artistic process by providing sketches that allow them to visualize and supervise the work from the outset
• Effectively moderating the satire to ensure legal safety (I recommended never referring to the caricatured individuals by name)
• Achieving a strong facial likeness based solely on basic photographic references (I have never met the subjects in person)
• Producing versatile, complex compositions that allow me to implement modifications easily, including adapting them to different formats and layouts.
My Rol
I have established a series of graphic style characteristics that clearly distinguish my caricature cartoons. I am always required to perform the following tasks:
• Researching news and analyzing visual reference materials
• Fully conceptualizing and producing hand-drawn sketches until client approval is obtained
• Digital inking using a graphic color palette, applying enhanced line weight to character silhouettes and other relevant elements
• Creating caricatures (large heads/small bodies) and performing facial exaggerations without losing the subject’s likeness, using photographic references
• Developing a color base that includes photomontages, photographic textures, and the creation of volume through the application of light and shadow
• Final composition, editing and integration of text into speech bubbles, and application of graphic design elements common to all Caricaturasibiza cartoons
Action
Specific Case: A group of savage american indian-politicians attack Ibiza, which is depicted as an impregnable fortress defended by my client (who often requests to be caricatured and included in the illustrations). The cartoon criticizes those responsible for Ibiza’s healthcare system, the creation of waiting lists, and the transfer of patients to Palma de Mallorca, even though they could be conveniently treated in Ibiza.
Concept and Sketch Phase: Initial planning of the composition, assigning appropriate space to each character, incorporating key elements necessary for the overall understanding of the piece (e.g., a recognizable section of Ibiza Town and a flag to establish the setting), and proposing satirical and humorous dialogue and captions.
Digital Production: The approved sketch was scanned and used as the base reference in Photoshop. Separate layer groups were created for each character’s linework. A specific sunset atmosphere was designed, and consistent lighting and shadows were painted using exposure and shading tools.
Final Integration: I researched numerous photographic references of historically accurate Native American ornaments and weapons (such as flint knives and bone arrowheads). Facial paint was added as a finishing touch. The text was written to imitate stereotypical Native American speech patterns, using verbs in the infinitive form.
Result
A piece of graphic humor that remains accurate to my artistic style and to the spirit of Caricaturasibiza, featuring a harmonious color palette, with high level of detail, and a tone that is both highly amusing, while delivering direct and biting satire. After the illustration had been completed, my client requested to be included in the piece, and later asked for a Da Vinci surgical robot to be added as well. I successfully implemented these modifications, even redesigning the format of the composition to preserve adequate visual space between all elements. The production time for these cartoons ranges from 6 to 16 hours, depending on the requested revisions, format adaptations, overall complexity and number of characters involved.
Caricaturasibiza celebrates +13 years!
The first Caricaturasibiza cartoons were published in 2013. They were introduced by “Zopenka” a charming Slovak sheep who often intervenes with her amusing accent and bold personality. Initially, the cartoons were published on a weekly basis, although there have also been periods of biweekly or monthly publication, as well as occasional breaks. To this day… the project remains alive! The cartoons have been published on social media and in newspapers including Prensa Pitiusa, Diario de Ibiza, and the local edition of El Mundo. These are exceptional works that proudly bear my signature. Long live Caricaturasibiza!
