Live Illustration for Events

Guest portraits & watercolour scenes in London, Kent & across the UK

Watercolour storytelling unfolding in front of your very eyes to surprise and delight your guests

A close up of Imogen Partridge with a sketchbook in her lap drawing with a pencil. She sits cross legged and the photo focuses on her hands and sketchbook drawing a beautiful live illustration which is slightly blurred out

Photo by Katie Rhona Photography

Bring your event to life with live illustration. Whether it’s quick portraits of your guests or a watercolour sketch capturing the atmosphere, live illustration adds a unique and memorable touch. It's a kind of quiet performance that draws people in with creative curiosity. Guests leave with a keepsake to treasure, and your brand gains an unforgettable story to share.

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What I Offer for Live Illustration

Guest Portraits

Live illustrated portraits that guests can take away. Quick watercolour illustrations for guests to take home on the day. Each portrait takes 5–10 minutes, creating a personal, stylish memento and a wonderful talking point during your event.

Atmospheric Event Sketches

Live illustrations of your event while it's happening. Whether it’s a garden installation, pop-up venue or celebration. These are live hand painted watercolour scenes capturing the setting, details, and mood of your event. A lasting artwork your brand can frame, share on social media, or gift to clients.

Bespoke Brand Activations

Illustration woven into your campaign or activation, from sketching products packaging, to creating branded keepsakes with logos or stamps, even window painting for special pop-ups or events.

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Two Distinct Portrait Illustration Styles to Choose From:

  • Ink & Watercolour Portraits (8–10 mins per person)
     Colourful, lively watercolour illustrations, full of personality and charm, capturing the essence of your guests.

  • Monochrome Watercolour Line Portraits (2–5 mins per person)
    Looser, more minimal sketches using expressive brushstrokes in a single colour. Ideal for larger guest numbers or a refined, editorial feel.

Both styles can include your logo or branding for a personalised finish.

Why Choose Live Illustration?

Imogen Partridge painting outside for a live illustration commission for the Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival. An easel is setup with Imogen painting with a brush and holding a watercolour palette in her left hand. There is a sunny grassy backdrop

Live illustration for Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival

  • A creative experience and a conversation starter.

  • Guests leave with a meaningful, one-of-a-kind keepsake.

  • Shareable content for social media and PR.

  • A distinctive alternative to photography.

Live Illustration is Perfect For

  • Brand launches & pop-ups

  • Press days & activations

  • Conferences & corporate events

  • Seasonal celebrations & client parties

  • Weddings & private gatherings (on request)

Live Illustration Packages & Pricing

Live illustration at Chelsea Flower Show. Hand holding a mini clipboard with a beautiful sketch of a garden in pencil. the garden in blurred in the background beyond

Chelsea Flower Show live illustration of The Glasshouse show garden

Each event is unique and individually quoted, but here is a guide:

  • Half Day (up to 3 hours) from £650 + travel
    A great choice for smaller activations, portraits or single-scene illustrations.

  • Full Day (up to 6 hours) from £1200 + travel
    Includes detailed scenes or multiple sketches, with post-event digital scans available.

  • Bespoke Activations / Multi-Day Events POA (from £850/day)
    Looking for something more bespoke or long-term. Get in touch and we can discuss that together. 


All art materials provided. Travel within Kent/London included; further afield by arrangement.

Additional fees may apply for extended travel, framing, digital services or any special requirements.

Practicalities

Hand holding an A5 page with sketch live illustration of a couple in blue shirts and trousers. The man has his arm around the lady, they both have white skin, she has blonde hair and he has brown. They are smiling

Live illustration is designed to be simple and stress-free for you. I bring all my own paints, brushes, and high-quality paper, and guests can take their portraits home straight away. Event sketches are gifted to you afterwards as a lasting memory.

All I need from you on the day is:

  • A sturdy table and chair (or space for my easel, with a side table and chair)

  • Good lighting (a nearby plug socket is useful)

  • A safe spot where guests can gather and watch

For full-day bookings, I will take short breaks to keep energy fresh, but otherwise everything is taken care of, so you can relax and enjoy seeing your event captured in real time.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It depends on the style you choose. With ink & watercolour (8–10 mins each), I can usually do about 5-6 portraits per hour. With the monochrome style (2–5 mins each), I can capture 10–12 guests per hour.

  • Absolutely. I can add logos, stamps, or stickers to each A5 sheet so the portraits have a branded touch.

  • Just a table, a chair, and good lighting. I’ll bring everything else.

  • Yes, I work across the UK. Travel and accommodation costs are added if needed.

Book Live Illustration for Your Event

If you’d like to add something unforgettable to your event, I’d love to hear from you. Fill out the form below and I will get in touch to book a call and start discussing how we can make your event something really special.

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Other Services


Creative Workshops for Teams & Retreats — gentle creative sessions that bring calm, wellbeing, and connection to your team. Click here to find out more.

Bespoke Illustration — custom watercolour commissions for brands and private clients, from shopfronts and maps to house portraits. Click here to find out more.