Position Details
Job Title:
- Retail Caricature Artist – CNE
Job Location:
Employement Type
- Full-time, Short term, Seasonal
Dates And Times
- August 21st - September 7th
Compensation
- Artists earn $17.60 CAD/hour, plus 15% commission on all sales, plus 100% of tips.
What You'll Be Doing
The Toon Goons Art Team is seeking dynamic and skilled artists to join our retail operations at the 2027 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). This role combines live artistic performance with retail excellence, providing guests with a unique, personalized memento of their visit to Canada’s largest annual fair.
Role Overview
Stationed at our high-traffic booth within the CNE grounds, you will be responsible for producing high-quality, high-energy caricature portraits in a fast-paced environment. You will translate the personality and "fair-day flair" of each guest into a playful work of art, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the Midway.
Key Responsibilities
- Live Art Production: Execute rapid-fire caricature drawings that capture guest likenesses and interests (e.g., favorite rides, food, or CNE landmarks) with professional technique and a playful spirit.
- Guest Engagement: Proactively welcome families and visitors to the booth. Provide expert recommendations on product enhancements, including custom framing and protective travel tubes to ensure the longevity of their artwork.
- Transaction Management: Maintain accuracy in sales by processing cash and digital payments through our point-of-sale (POS) system.
- Booth Operations: Ensure the workspace remains professional, organized, and hygienic. You will be responsible for maintaining your supplies and ensuring the booth is "show-ready" for every guest.
Candidate Requirements
- Technical Proficiency: Strong foundational skills in drawing and caricature with the ability to work quickly under observation.
- Professionalism: A polished, inviting demeanor and the ability to handle high-volume crowds with poise.
- Reliability: Full commitment to the CNE’s 18-day seasonal run, including weekends and holidays.
Schedule & CompensationShifts are scheduled in accordance with the CNE’s 2027 operating hours. We offer flexible scheduling, though priority will be given to candidates with full availability during peak periods (weekends and Labour Day Weekend).
Join the Toon Goons next summer and help us illustrate the magic of the Ex!
Soft Skills
Who we're looking for:
- Outgoing Personality: Comfortable interacting with excited kids and families in a high-traffic environment.
- Professionalism: Dependable, punctual, and able to represent the brand well.
- Team Spirit: A desire to work effectively within a collaborative, fast-paced team.
Artistic Skills
- Required: Strong drawing fundamentals. You must be able to demonstrate a proficient to high-level drawing ability via a portfolio or art samples.
- Valued (But Not Required): Experience in caricature/ portraiture, life drawing, or anatomy.
- Note: Never drawn a caricature? No problem! We provide a training program to teach you everything you need to know about retail caricature.
General Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 16 years of age or older.
- Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Applicants must be able to stand for extended periods of time, as the role involves working on your feet for prolonged durations during events or retail shifts.
- Applicants must be located in or around Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area.
- Applicants must have a cell phone with a working cellular data plan
What We'll Need From You
Please submit your resume as a .pdf, .jpg, .png or .docx file (cover letters are not required.)
Please provide us with some examples of your artwork, either by linking your portfolio, art-related social media, or website within your resume, or uploading a sample of your artwork as a .pdf file alongside your application. (
Please note that while caricature art samples are a welcome addition to your application, they are not required.)
Ready to get drawing?
Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you shortly! 
