PLATTSBURGH — Joe Ferris, local artist from Willsboro, achieved a life-long ambition by opening his first art shop and studio Downtown, offering guests a unique experience creating portraits live and on-the-spot.
“The Caricature Shop”, located on Margaret Street, officially opened on Dec. 1 and now offers clients a live-illustration in the form of a caricature, family or pet portrait from photo.
These portraits are available in black and white or watercolor, and a frame and mat is also included with each portrait, assembled at the studio.
According to Ferris, the shop operates similar to a tattoo parlor or barbershop, by appointment only.
Ferris studied art at the Center for Cartoon Studies graduate program in Hartford, Vt.
FROM CARTOONS TO CARICATURES
When he was 16 years old, Ferris had dreams of one day opening and running his very own visual arts studio.
“The idea came to me back when I was also into woodworking and other visual arts, like watercoloring,” he said.
Originally, his interests were in the creation and illustration of comic books but eventually found himself drawn to a more interactive artform: caricature portraits.
No more than two years ago, he was balancing a full-time job with his art career when he made the decision to become a full-time artist.
This was a journey that he wants people to know is not impossible, for anyone.
“What I’ve done here is not at all impossible for anybody else, I have found a career path that fits my personality,” Ferris said.
“A message for anyone who feels trapped in a job, or life, you can pave your own way and you can find satisfaction with what you do with your time.”
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
Ferris said that sometimes it requires embracing the fear and uncertainty to take the step you need to take.
“I assume there will be some periods where the shop doesn’t make so much money, there will be tough times, much like any small business. But part of the fun as an entrepreneur is riding the waves; it might be successful,” he said.
“If anyone out there thinks of taking that big step, there will be ups and there will be downs, but going through those ups and downs is far better than staying on the sidelines.”
He does not want to let his own fears or anxieties determine his journey for him.
“My advice for anyone would be to do it, and to do it with fear,” he said.
“There have been so many things in life I could have, where I let fear and anxiety keep me from reaching towards what I am trying to do. I think a better way of living is moving forward while shaking in your boots.”
PARTNERING WITH EVENTS
Since then, Ferris has made appearances at county fairs, various community events and private parties including birthdays and weddings, offering his talents to create caricatures of the guests and attendees.
Ferris also collaborated with community agencies to organize a bullying awareness event during National Bullying Awareness Month, and in 2023 he was selected to participate in the Xavier McKinney’s Back to School Bash in Clifton, New Jersey.
He plans to continue participation in community events and offering his services to private events, but now he can do that with a “homebase,” to operate out of.
“I think it feels good, as a person who has dealt with anxiety, there is a comfort in having a homebase,” Ferris said.
“It feels more like a foundation beneath me, to have my own space to offer art from.”
DOWNTOWN LOCATION
According to Ferris, there were several possible locations for the shop; he ultimately choose a space on Margaret Street for the “community vibe,” that Downtown offers.
“The idea lends itself to a downtown location, I think it brings a community vibe.”
One of the biggest challenges faced when opening the new location was the uncertainty.
“I don’t think there has ever been a caricature shop Downtown, so to take up space Downtown, there will be people who think it won’t work or won’t be successful,” Ferris said.
“That mindset can be a challenge and a benefit, I like to think the naysayers push me to do better, they push me to go farther despite the challenges.”
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
According to Ferris, window space is important for small businesses in terms of exposure and displaying what is offered.
“Finding window space was also a challenge and that is so important for any business Downtown. People walking by may see it in the corner of their eye and ask ‘what is this place,’” He said.
As a member of the community Ferris wants to get more involved and “give back,” during the month of December, he will offer one free caricature to anyone who collects 15 pieces of garbage around Downtown Plattsburgh, and posts each piece to Facebook or Instagram.
“One thing, I would like to get more involved with the community, and to give back,” Ferris said
“I noticed there’s been a lot of litter downtown recently, So during the month of December, if somebody picks up 15 pieces of trash, and posts each of them on Facebook or Instagram, they can come get one free caricature.”
Limit is one per person only through the month of December.
Another goal Ferris has one day for the shop is to organize and host an art convention for the community.
“What I have thought of is, competition isn’t the right word, but hosting some sort of convention, a cartooning convention, for people from all over to come and learn for a weekend and really dedicate themselves to the artform. Then at the end, Share it with each other, the piece they worked on during the weekend.” Ferris said.
“Something for people to come together and socialize,”
For more information visit www.joeferrisart.com, or his facebook and instagram @joeferrisart, or email joeferrisart@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.