Chris previously launched his career as a caricaturist during the summer before graduation.  It all began when caricaturist Steve Brodner came as a guest speaker to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where Chris was attending as an illustration major.  After viewing Brodner's caricatures, Chris became inspired and decided that he wanted to study the art of caricature.  As luck would have it, Chris noticed an 'Artists Wanted' flyer seeking individuals to draw caricatures at a nearby theme park.  Realizing the position would be an opportunity for him to learn how to draw caricatures, Chris applied for a summer job as a caricaturist at Valleyfair Theme Park in Shakopee, Minnesota.  While employed there, he received lessons and hands-on training under the instruction of MAD Magazine artist Tom Richmond, manager of the caricature concession.  With determination and lots of practice, Chris developed the technical skills involved with drawing live caricatures.

    Following his college graduation, Chris returned to work two additional summers at Valleyfair, becoming the Caricature Concession Assistant-Manager his third and final summer there.  During the off-seasons, Chris was contracted by several entertainment agencies to perform as a party caricaturist, in which he would draw for entertainment purposes at corporate events, private parties, school functions and friendly gatherings.  Instead of returning for a fourth summer at Valleyfair, Chris decided to try another venue and began drawing caricatures at several state and county fairs for Charlie Wilder, owner of Wildman Caricatures.  He traveled with Wildman Caricatures for a while, drawing at fairs located throughout the nation.  After a sufficient amount of traveling from state to state, Chris decided that he had enough of the "Carny" routine, so he decreased the amount of fairs he worked per year.  As a replacement for income, Chris began operating his own caricature kiosks inside local shopping malls in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Simultaneously, Chris established his business name, Exaggerated Entertainment, and marketed himself independently as a party caricaturist for event entertainment purposes.  Since, he has personally drawn thousands of caricatures at hundreds of events.  In fact, Chris estimates drawing at least 30,000 live caricatures of people at amusement parks, fairs, malls, and events.  Chris has even traveled half-way around the world to draw live caricatures.  He was invited to visit Tokyo, JAPAN by Central West, Inc. to draw caricatures during Japan's Golden Week holiday in 2004.  During his week stay, Chris drew hundreds of caricatures at various shopping malls and amusement parks located in Tokyo.

    Chris is a member of the National Caricaturist Network (NCN).  Among winning the top honored "Golden Nosey" award, Chris has won many other awards during the past seven years by competing in several contests at past NCN's conventions.  Chris is also a nationally published illustrator.  His caricatures have been published inside issues of popular magazines, such as PLAYBOY, FHM & FLEX.  The art directors of these magazines commissioned Chris to draw caricatures for use in their publications.  You can see these published caricatures by viewing his portfolio.

    Currently, Chris Rommel resides in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and works as a party caricaturist and freelance illustrator.  His main career goal is to keep improving as a caricaturist.  Although long-term goals are still undetermined, Chris plans to continue drawing live caricatures.  He really enjoys entertaining people with his talent and continues his dedication towards making quality artwork with every single caricature that he draws.