Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Jensen
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
For seven years, I struggled with severe agoraphobia—crippling panic attacks that kept me from leaving the house. Eventually, I had enough and decided to take control through exposure therapy. One of my biggest challenges was simply sitting in a restaurant. I’d get dizzy, panic, and leave. To cope, I was encouraged to journal while I was there—but instead, I found myself looking around, noticing people and their unique faces. That’s when I started sketching them.
Once I started drawing, I became immersed in the process. I was so focused that I stayed far beyond my scheduled exposure therapy time, something that had felt impossible before. From that moment on, I always carried a sketchbook, sketching faces wherever I went and dreaming of becoming a caricature artist.
As my confidence and skills grew, I took another leap—I started drawing caricatures for tips around the Gwinnett area. That path led me to meet Bobby Morris, who would later become my co-owner of The ToonHeadz Caricature Co. Together, we traveled across the Southeast, drawing at hundreds of festivals in Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, North and South Carolina.
That adventure also took me to ISCA (International Society of Caricature Artists),where I earned awards recognizing me as one of the world’s top caricature artists.
At the same time, I was sharing everything I learned through my YouTube channel, creating tutorial videos to help other artists improve their skills.
www.youtube.com/thetoonheadz
Bobby and I continued to build The ToonHeadz, expanding the team to over 25 caricature artists and booking events all over Georgia. Now, we entertain at birthdays, weddings, corporate gatherings, city festivals—and even one funeral. (That was the stillest model I’ve ever had.)
Every year, The ToonHeadz keeps growing, and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth roads don’t have memorable adventures. Every challenge I faced—whether it was overcoming severe anxiety, learning to engage with people, building a business, teaching and hiring artists, managing bookings, or showcasing my passion to complete strangers—shaped the artist and person I am today. The struggles made the victories even more rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a caricature artist, business owner, and content creator focused on bringing people together through art. As the co-owner of The ToonHeadz Caricature Co., I specialize in live caricatures at festivals, corporate events, private parties, and more. Beyond that, I create YouTube videos to share my knowledge and experiences, helping other artists refine their craft and navigate the world of live caricature.
What I’m most proud of is how The ToonHeadz has grown—from just a couple of artists drawing at small events to a team of over 25 caricature artists working across Georgia and beyond. We’ve entertained at everything from city festivals to weddings. Our business has even won Best of Gwinnett twice. Seeing how far we’ve come and the opportunities we’ve created for other artists is something that really drives me.
What sets me apart is that my journey into caricature started as a personal challenge—overcoming severe agoraphobia through drawing. That experience shaped my approach to art and business. I know firsthand how powerful art can be, not just as a career but as a way to connect with people, overcome obstacles, and create lasting memories.
At the end of the day, my goal is to push caricature as an art form, build a strong community of artists, and keep creating new opportunities for The ToonHeadz team. And, of course, to keep drawing as many faces as possible along the way.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Be persistent and stay excited about your journey as an artist. Every line you draw and every person you meet is an opportunity to grow and improve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toonheadz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajtoonheadz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thetoonheadz
