Why Live Portrait Illustration is perfect for your event
I illustrate at weddings, but did you know I also illustrate at events? What kind of events, I hear you ask? Well, let me tell you about some of the different types of events I've illustrated at over the last year...
Press & influencer opening event for a winter wonderland themed venue - I painted guest portraits as gifts for attendees.
Football club derby day match - I sketched the players during gameplay, the mascot and the manager, capturing the energy of the day, to create a celebratory print used as gifts to sponsors.
An open mic night at an independent bar, where I sketched a portrait of each artist live whilst they were performing.
A black tie celebratory dinner for a corporate business anniversary - I painted guest portraits as part of the evening's entertainment as gifts for attendees.
A gala luncheon where attendees where guests could pose for a portrait, donate to the hosting charity and leave with a personal memento of a fabulous afternoon.
A community group who meet for a weekly 'snack and chat' where I illustrated portraits of attendees as a quirky gift - instead of a portrait some asked for illustrations of their dogs, their grandkids and even a sheep!
A session hosted by a neonatal support charity, which gave them the opportunity to come together and celebrate their journeys in a truly special way - by having their portraits painted.
The grand opening event for a new factory, where the company celebrated the successes of staff with a fun afternoon of food, music, and live portraits.
All these events had something similar - they celebrated people, and they wanted to treat their attendees to a different kind of experience.
"Working with Leela was an absolute pleasure. Having her as a live illustrator at our Alpine Tipi press and influencer event added a truly unique and memorable element to the evening. Guests and influencers alike loved the opportunity to have their portraits illustrated, and watching the artwork come to life in real time created such a special atmosphere. Her illustrations added a beautiful, personal touch to an already magical evening" The Tempus at Charlton Hall Estate
What kind of event are you planning? I'd love to chat to you to find out whether live illustration can elevate your thing!
If you still need some convincing, here are ten reasons why live illustration is perfect for your event...
A gift no one else will give - it's about the most personal of gifts. Much better than a branded pen.
A talking point - an ice breaker, a point of interest - the gallery I create gets attendees chatting, laughing, photographing and sharing.
A sense of occasion - live art is the new luxury. In a world stuffed full of AI, it's refreshing to be able to appreciate true skill and artistry being performed live.
Memories made to be shared - even if you've only asked your guests to wait until the end of your event to take their portrait, I'm always asked 'can I take a photo of it now?'. Pair that portrait with your branding, and eyeballs are going to be on it when it's shared.
A touch of personality - demonstrate your business's values through your event. Is it pet friendly? I can illustrate our four-legged friends too!
Inclusive - there's no barrier to being illustrated - no knowledge of tech required by your participants, no instructions to have to follow. Every single person can - and should! - be celebrated for their unique beauty.
Quick - I can paint a portrait in as little as 5 minutes per person.
A frameable keepsake - they might enjoy burning your branded candle, but eventually they'll have to chuck it out. A portrait can be framed, kept and proudly displayed.
A reason to stay - portraits are quick but not instant. It's an activity that draws people in and keeps them coming back to see the gallery progress and spot new faces.
Generates smiles - in a world where we could all do with a little more joy in our lives, live illustration results in big smiles and 'look at this!' moments.
Have any questions? I'll always design my performance around your unique event requirements.
I work at events across the North East and North Yorkshire (sometimes further if it works for us both). If you'd like to enquire, head on over to my enquiry form on my events page. I'd love to hear from you!
