Making others feel good about themselves is my superpower. I don’t do it consciously - it’s more of a part of who and what I am.
I’m Larime Taylor, and I was born with Arthrogryposis, a condition that leaves me with little use of my arms and legs. I draw with my mouth. I’m a caricature artist and comic book cartoonist (that’s the fancy term for creators who write AND draw their own stories). I've lived in poverty on Social Security for most of the last 14 years, and only after moving to Las Vegas in June on ‘14 have I really had a means of making a living.
I draw caricatures for tips 4-5 nights a week in front of the Bellagio fountains on the Strip. I say ‘for tips’ because we’reconsidered street performers and cannot by law charge money. We get whatever people feel like giving us when we’re done drawing them.
And yes, I’ve drawn someone for less than a buck in change. I’ve also been given a $100 bill on some occasions. It has it’s ups and downs.
I tend to get a crowd watching me for fairly obvious reasons, and sometimes the people watching tip. Many don’t. That’s life. I only get annoyed when they’re taking photos and videos without asking or tipping. If I’m that entertaining, put something in the jar, you know?
But one of the things that really frustrates me is when people say things like the above cartoon - that I’m awesome or inspiring, but don’t bother to tip. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the compliments - I do.
But compliments don’t pay my bills. Even a buck, or a few quarters, does.
It comes down to the idea that I’m there to teach them something, to motivate them, to inspire them. I’m a prop. I’m a life lesson in their life. It makes them feel good to say that. But I’m not out there to teach lessons or make people feel warm and fuzzy. I’m there to make a living. I’m a person with costs and needs, and those don’t magically go away because you feel inspired.
If you really want to show me that you appreciate me or whatever I mean in your life at that moment? Tip me.
Today’s caricature is Tom Hiddleston as Loki! Want to get a caricature of yourself? Message me! Put a few bucks in my virtual tip jar by donating via Paypal to xlarimex(at)gmail.