How do you capture the essence of a person's character when creating a portrait or caricature?

Capturing a person’s essence in a portrait or caricature begins with understanding what makes them unique—whether it's their personality, quirks, or key features. I focus on the details that reflect who they are, like the warmth in their smile, the expression in their eyes, or their posture.

I also pay attention to their energy, mood, and style, translating those into the artwork in a way that feels natural and genuine. The goal is to create a piece that connects with the person, so anyone who looks at it sees more than just a face. Striking the right balance between anime stylization and the person’s key features is crucial to making sure the artwork feels both personal and true to their character.

I pay a lot of attention to  the eyes of the person. For me it's at least 70% success if I am able to catch the right expression of the eyes of each individual I draw. The rest is important, but secondary for me as an artist.