By Nick Christophers
The art of drawing is a rare talent that needs to be honed for years until it reaches perfection. It is an old art form that has been replaced by technology that does not have the essence that a true artist has. There are a few old school artists still out there and one of them is caricaturist Ken Fallin. As far as he can recall he was always interested in drawing and it became second nature to him. Ken grew up with the Sunday newspaper comics, Saturday morning cartoons, and MAD magazine which inspired him. It was only a matter of time before he would be creating his own pieces.
“I laughingly think of myself as a “dinosaur” and a colleague recently called me “The Last of the Mohicans” in that I still use a steel quill pen. In truth, my only use of technology is the scanner and PhotoShop. I’m thrilled to report that my clients who want to commission a portrait seem to now place an even higher value on an actual piece of art conceived and created by a fellow human being and not a robot.”
While attending school he found himself drawing caricatures of teachers and classmates. It is interesting to note that Ken’s first love was acting but drawing took over. He studied at Parsons in Manhattan and took classes in illustration and cartooning. This soon developed into a passion, and it evolved into what he has become. His career took root in 1983 when he began by illustrating all of the ads for “Forbidden Broadway”. The idea was to pay homage to the talented theatrical caricaturist Al Hirschfeld.
“I read an article in TIME magazine about an Off-Broadway show called, “Forbidden Broadway”. I decided to write to the creator of the show, Gerard Alessandrini, and include some of my Hirschfeld inspired drawings. Several months later, I received a letter from Gerard telling me that they were planning a new ad campaign for the show, and they wanted me to do the art.”
Ken was most influenced by Al Hirschfeld whose style he has emulated into his own. In addition, artists like David Levine, Aubrey Beardsley, Ben Shahn, Al Frueh and many of the illustrators at MAD magazine were also important inspirations. This was a springboard of what would be an avalanche of assignments for Ken. He was soon receiving orders from The Boston Herald, The Wall Street Journal, In Style Magazine, The New Yorker Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, Inc. Magazine, Politico.com, The Ladies Home Journal, and Playbill. For the Wall Street Journal, he has created pieces of Warren Buffett to King Charles to Lady Gaga and hundreds more.
Ken would soon expand his work to such heavyweights like HBO, Showtime, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Opera Company, American Express, Belvedere Vodka, CBS News, Walt Disney Productions, The Peter Norton Foundation, and Microsoft.
“My illustrations for these organizations were mostly of performers from each field that were used for promotion and print ads. One of my favorites was a drawing I made of Bette Midler to promote an HBO film festival of her films.”
It was only a matter of time that his work would result in an award or two. He would receive and Emmy Award nomination for his animated commercial for CNBC’s “Squawk Box” show. He also has many posters in the permanent poster collection at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. At the Players Club his drawings grace the walls and at the New World Stages in New York City a permanent collection of his original drawings and prints are on display. It is interesting to note that Ken has always loved theater, and his work is represented regularly on BroadwayWorld.com.
Ken’s key focus is on private commissions and has accumulated a list of private collectors like Angela Lansbury, Kelli O’Hara, Stephen Schwartz, Warren Buffett, Barbra Streisand, Jason Wu, Jonas Kaufman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Darren Criss, Bernadette Peters, Sarah Paulson, Bradley Cooper, Sir Patrick Stewart, Harold Prince, and Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
He is still busy doing assignments for the Wall Street Journal and has currently accepted an assignment to illustrate a new book on the history of Broadway due out in Fall of 2027. It is important to take note that he has been a regular contributor to the WSJ since 1984. Ken is planning on having a reception for a new exhibit this fall at New World Stages in New York City. Ken’s work is impressive and an old art form that may be making a comeback. To keep abreast of his work, check the link below.
