Live Portrait Illustration for Weddings & Events
If you’re looking for a unique, personal, and interactive touch to your event, live portrait illustration is a brilliant choice. I draw quick, expressive portraits from life while guests relax and chat with a drink or canapé. It’s a fun and interactive experience, and they get a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Much better than a selfie!
What I do
I draw fast and from life rather than photos, so that guests can enjoy the process and see the magic happen first-hand. I illustrate individuals, couples, and small groups, and enjoy capturing their individual characteristics. My friendly and playful portraits are whimsical illustrations, like something from a picture-book.
Using mixed media - brush pens, watercolour pastels, and coloured pencils - I mix colours directly on the page for a spontaneous, textured effect. The result is a vibrant, personal portrait that can’t help but make people smile.
How it works
I work on A6 art-grade paper - perfect for individuals, couples, and parents with babies. Larger groups can split into twos or threes to make for faster, uncluttered portraits.
Portraits take approximately 5 minutes per person, and are head-and-shoulders only, so I can focus on faces, and really capture their personalities.
Each portrait is packaged in a protective sleeve with a branded backing card to keep it safe throughout the event.
Every portrait is an original artwork, created for personal enjoyment. (Copyright remains with me as the artist, so portraits may not be reproduced or used commercially without permission.)
What I Need From You
I bring all my own art materials, displays, and packaging. All I require is:
a well-lit, sheltered space with a table and a few chairs - either indoors or outside. (If your event is within driving distance for me, I can bring my own table and gazebo.)
maybe a heater if it gets chilly…
a detailed schedule of the event may also be helpful.
Also, please don’t place me too near the band! It's best if guests can relax and chat while I draw, and I’ll need to hear their answers to my inevitable question, “what colour are your eyes exactly?”
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Packages & Pricing
Whether it's The Big Day, a golden anniversary, or a corporate retreat, I have a price option suitable for your event (because no celebration is complete without an eccentric illustrator).
Half-Day Event Package: £350
Suitable for all parties and events where you need me there for a set block of time.
Book me for any time between 9am and 8pm
I’ll arrive at least 40 minutes early to set up
I’ll spend up to 3 hours drawing portraits
During that time I can draw approx. 15 – 25 portraits
Each portrait will be neatly packaged in a protective sleeve.
Full-Day Event Package: £650
Best for longer celebrations and events, especially if the drawing sessions need to occur throughout the day.
Book me for any 6 hours between 9am and 9pm
I will arrive and set up at a time that suits you best
The flexible schedule allows portrait sessions to be split up throughout the day
Approximately 30 – 50 portraits created in that time
Each portrait will be carefully and attractively packaged.
With this option, you don’t have to watch the clock. I’ll be there for the day, and you can make the most of my time. Just relax and enjoy it, while I draw as many portraits as possible!
Travel and Accommodation:
There’s no extra cost for events within a 40 mile radius of Street, Somerset. For somewhere further afield, I charge 20p per mile. If I need to stay over somewhere, I won’t add more than £60 per night to your bill.
Fancy Extras?
You can opt for bespoke paper headers (perfect for wedding stationery). Let me know if you'd like to use your own design, or if you’d like me to create one for you. The cost would vary, so do get in touch to discuss options.
Booking & Payment
A non-refundable deposit of 25% is required to secure your date.
You’re welcome to pay more up front if you like, but 50% of the total fee must be paid at least 1 week before the event, to cover all the preparations.
The final balance is due within 2 weeks after the event (unless otherwise agreed). I’m happy to chat about payment plans if needed, and I don’t charge interest unless payment becomes overdue.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
I set aside the agreed date and time exclusively for your event, prepare bespoke materials, and often turn down other bookings once your event is confirmed. To ensure fairness:
If you cancel far in advance - 6 months or more before the event - I will be able to refund the full amount.
If you cancel less than 6 months but more than 1 week before the event, 50% of the total fee will still be charged.
If you cancel within 1 week of the event, the full fee will still be charged. This is because I will have done preparation work already and won't be able to rebook the date at short notice.
If you need to reschedule, let me know as soon as possible and I’ll do my best to accommodate a new date at no extra charge, provided I have availability. The deposit will be transferred to the new date. If I am unavailable, the cancellation terms above will apply.
If I Need to Cancel:
If I am unable to attend your event or complete your commission due to illness or an emergency:
I will let you know as soon as possible.
If I can, I’ll help you find another illustrator from my network who may be able to step in (though I can’t guarantee availability).
Of course, you’ll receive a full refund of any payments already made.
I do my best to plan ahead and stay healthy, but if something unexpected happens, I’ll always prioritise clear communication and fairness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can guests reserve a slot for their portrait?
At busy events, I work on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if you’d like a reservation system in place, we can discuss how to manage it.
What if it creates a long queue?
I understand that you may not want your guests standing in line instead of grooving on the dance-floor! That’s why I make sure to keep things moving with speedy portraits. I also recommend scheduling the illustration session during natural lulls in the day, like the drinks reception, or while guests are waiting between courses or speeches.
Can you draw larger groups?
I recommend groups of two or three people per portrait so I can work quickly and keep the artwork uncluttered.
If you’d like a special group portrait, of the bridal party for example, I’d be happy to create one! This needs to be booked in advance for an additional cost that reflects the extra time and detail involved.
Do you only do weddings and parties?
Not at all! I also illustrate portraits live at corporate events, festivals, church away-days, and other special occasions. If you’re planning something special, I’d love to hear about it.
Can you match my party’s colour scheme or theme?
I use my signature bright, expressive colours, but if you'd like custom touches, such as a specific backing card colour or custom headed paper, that would be lovely. Let’s chat about it!
