FAQ

Who are you? Who is Dr. Sketchy?

The Toronto chapter is coordinated and run by Brett Despotovich, Katherine Piro, and Brynne Kennedy. Dr Sketchy's was originally conceived by Molly Crabapple in Brooklyn, New York in 2005. There is no one named Dr Sketchy.

How is Dr. Sketchy's Toronto different from other life drawing sessions?

We at Dr Sketchy's go to great lengths to bring you amazing models from the local burlesque, club, and alternative scenes. The models we schedule come with unique attitudes, personalities and stage presence. We host our events in venues that serve alcohol, namely the Cameron House, so our events are strictly 19+. In the regular venues we aren’t able to feature nude models, so our artists are faced with the challenge of drawing models in various stages of undress, or the occasional body-paint!

In our three-hour sessions we divide the night into three one hour sets, each with a new ‘look’. Sets are broken up by contests for great prizes and brief intermissions.

Why isn't the model naked? I thought this was figure drawing class!

At the request of our gracious host venue, we are not permitted any nudity (permit legalities…).
Generally our models strip down to no less than a thong and pasties. Other minimal forms of dress have included trombone, top hat, body paint, pile of Tribbles, eye-patch, glitter blood… you get the idea. Despite this we’ve seen many a bit slip out in our time!

What mediums can I use? What should I bring?

All dry mediums are okay, as are dip pens and a neat watercolour sets. Oil paints, messy mediums and stinky mediums are not okay. Please don't make a mess. You can bring your sketchpads, drawing boards, tablet PC, or whatever, but please keep the size under 18" x 24"

Are there easels? Tables? Sketchpads?

The Cameron House has no room for portable easels, but most seats come with access to a table space. All drawing materials you need should be brought with you.

I loved the music! Do you post the event play lists anywhere?

We don't really, but will soon. If you have something stuck in your head and want to know what it is, just send us an email!

Can I reserve a seat in advance?

We do not have an advance seat reservation system in place, so please respect the first-come-first-served nature of the event. We do, on occasion, reach capacity, which is around 50 sketchers. On these nights we, regrettably, are forced to turn away patrons.
Doors at the venue open up in advance of the events, so feel free to come early and grab a seat.

I’m a model and I’m looking good. How can I model for Dr. Sketchy's?

Our modeling schedule is somewhat ‘curated’. We want to keep our sketchers on their toes so we try to mix it up from session to session. What we're looking for from you is the ability to take the stage and keep still poses. The more personality you come with the better the drawings will be! Interesting costumes are a big plus as well.

To apply, send a brief bio, a photo or two and a link to your website to drsketchytoronto@gmail.com

We pay our models $100 for the three hour session.

You seem to have access to a unique market. How can I get my product out to your patrons?

We're always looking for sponsors for our art contests. Donations of cash, art related goods, or weird stuff is happily acceptable. In return we will feature your logo and a link to your website on our page, as well as include logos and mentions on mailing for the session participated in.

As of September 2009 we have a mailing list of approximately 1000 subscribers. Event attendance is regularly in the range of 40-50 sketchers.

Email drsketchytoronto@gmail.com if you'd like to know more.

Dr. Sketchy's Toronto looks awesome, but I live somewhere else. What do I do?

First make sure there isn't one in your home town already. Go to the Dr Sketchy's headquarters here and check the links. Still no luck? Start your own Dr. Sketchy's. Click your way over to the Start Your Own Dr. Sketchy's page.

Can I come to Dr. Sketchy's and hit on the hot models?

No. No you can't.

I don't really draw. Can I just pay the cover and watch from the back?

Sorry, but the answer is ‘no’. We’ve put a lot of work into hosting a dream event for life sketchers. If you're insistent just make the effort to bring a sketchpad and a pencil and look busy. Who knows - you might discover a hidden talent!

I did a great drawing at Dr. Sketchy's. How can I share it with the Sketchy’s community?

We love seeing what you did during the events! The models love it too! Post them up on the Facebook page, and keep in mind that we do put together an annual Sketchy Retro Art Show, in conjunction with the Toronto Burlesque Festival.

I'm only 18. Will I be able to get in?

Nope. The Cameron House is a bar and bars can't let you in unless your 19 here in Ontario.

I'm a photographer. Can I shoot pictures of your hottie models?

Out of respect to our models, and the nature of the event we do not allow for photography.
Dr. Sketchy's official event photographer is Brynne Kennedy, and she's amazing! The only exception we will make is for any press writing a feature article on our little event!

I want to help with Dr. Sketchy's. Need any volunteers?

We would love your help! If you want to hang flyers, post on message boards, hand out postcards or spread the word, drop us an email.