Live Illustration for Events
Guest portraits & watercolour scenes in London, Kent & across the UK
Watercolour storytelling unfolding in front of your eyes to surprise and delight your guests
There's something really amazing about watching an illustration come together in front of you. People glance over, then take a second longer look, move closer, often nudge the person next to them, they point and whisper (or squeal in delight). When someone sees their own portrait, or recognises a friend or colleague next to them, it's so fun to see. There is so much excitement and joy! Usually they take a photo, they show other people, suggest they get one, they leave with something so personal to keep as a beautiful little reminder of that moment in that evening.
“Imogen was an absolute pleasure to work with and such a lovely addition to our event. Our guests absolutely loved the illustrations - they added such a special touch to the evening. She was so easy to work with and incredibly talented. Thank you so much!”
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.
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?
The clients who invest in live illustration at their events usually do it because they want their guests to really feel something. Not just attending, but being part of it, extending and enhancing that experience. It tells people that you value craft, creativity and human connection, and it's something people remember and talk about afterwards.
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.
“Imogen and I collaborated on my book launch and her portraiture added such a unique, meaningful and memorable element to the event. Imogen brings more than just impeccable artistic skill, her warmth and presence create a beautiful energetic. Imogen is a rare gem, I whole heartedly recommend that you engage her services.”
Live illustration in action — Brasserie Angelica, London
At the opening night of Brasserie Angelica in London, live illustration was woven into the brand from the very start. I captured monochrome guest portraits on the night, atmospheric scene capturing, and an illustration that now features on the A-board outside the restaurant every day. It's a reminder that beautiful work created quickly and in the moment can have a life well beyond the event itself. Read the full story on my blog here
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
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 £1200 + travel
A great choice for smaller activations, portraits or single-scene illustrations.Full Day (up to 6 hours) from £2200 + travel
Includes detailed scenes or multiple sketches, with post-event digital scans available.Bespoke Activations / Multi-Day Events POA (from £2000/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
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
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Live illustration is the art of creating illustration in real time at an event, in my case in ink and watercolour. Whether that's fun, quick guest portraits or atmospheric scenes capturing the event, the space and mood as it unfolds. It's a performance itself, as well as the outcomes created, it draws people in, and guests leave with something handmade and personal to take home, or something memorable for your brand and marketing. Read more in this blog: What is Live Illustration - a guide for event planners and brands.
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It depends on the style you choose. With ink & watercolour live illustration (8–10 mins each), I can usually do about 5 portraits per hour. With the monochrome portrait style (2–5 mins each), I can capture about 10 guests per hour. Numbers can vary depending on the flow of the event.
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Absolutely. I can add printed logos, stamps, or stickers to each A5 or A6 illustration page so the portraits have a branded touch. We can discuss and agree on any details prior to the event.
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A table, a chair, good lighting (or let me know if I need to bring my clip light), access to water for filling and emptying dirty paint water. I’ll bring everything else.
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Yes, I work across the UK. Travel and accommodation costs are added if needed.
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Caricature exaggerates features for comic effect. Live illustration is different, it captures people warmly and beautifully, with a loose, expressive style that feels like a keepsake rather than a joke.
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Not at all. Portraits can be done from observation while guests mingle naturally or guests can come up and request a portrait. I can snap a photo of them and then work from that. So they are able to move around and enjoy the event. They offer a slightly different feel and we can talk through what approach would be right for your event.
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Yes absolutely. Outdoor events, garden parties, and festival settings all work beautifully. All I need is reasonable light and a stable surface to work from (and ideally good weather - wind and rain are not my friends!!).
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Yes I can use a clipboard instead of a table or easel and walk amongst guests if you prefer. However it is useful to have a base for packing up illustrations into eco-cello bags, keeping spare paper and materials.
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Yes. I'm based in Tonbridge in Kent and work regularly in London. Although I take live illustration commissions across the UK and further afield. Travel and accommodation costs are added for events further afield.
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.
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.
