Live Sketching FAQs
What is live sketching?
Live Sketching is a means of entertainment while creating custom keepsakes for parties, weddings, events and activations where an artist is hired to create artwork live, in real time for the hosts and guests.
How long does it take to do a live sketch?
A live sketch takes about 10-15 minutes per person on A5 size paper and 4-7 minutes per person on A6 size paper, sketching either from a photo or from the person posing live.
Numbers will be capped according to the time frame allowance if the sketches are required to be finished by the end of the event.
If the sketches are not required to be finished by the end of 6 hours of sketching time on location or the end of the event, then arrangements can be made to complete them in my home studio and deliver them to the host after the event, or directly to the guests if there are only a few remaining.
What type of space and equipment is required?
I require a small table (minimum 1m in length) and chair at regular height in a well lit, undercover area. I can bring my own if needed.
Beside my table I setup a sign with instructions and a display for the completed sketches underneath.
If the subjects are posing live I'll need 3-4 meters of unobstructed space in front of my table where they can stand.
What materials do you use?
I use a pencil and a combination of watercolor, gouache, ink, and coloured pencils on art paper.
Your event information is printed onto the front or back of the paper at no extra cost.
If you choose to include the SCAN OPTION, a QR code is also printed on the back of the paper so guests may download a digital version of their sketch as well as the reference photo taken, available from one-two weeks following the event.
The sketches are packaged in clear cellophane envelopes for protection.
How many guests can you sketch at an event?
I can sketch up to 12 people per hour as A6, outfit colour sketches.
In 5 hours, I can sketch up to 60 people if there are no substantial delays.
Numbers can be capped according to the designated time frame, which means everyone interested may not be able to obtain a sketch, or if the sketches aren't required by the end of the event, I can finish a higher quantity of sketches later at my home studio using photo reference and have them delivered to the host afterwards to disperse, or directly to the guests if there are only a few remaining.
Another option is for the host to choose which guests will get a sketch by organizing a list prior to the event.
Guests who aren't able to get a sketch done can have the option to order their own sketch through my website which I would complete following the event and send directly to them.
How does it work?
For Guest Sketching at weddings, I take photos of the guests on my ipad as they arrive to the ceremony or reception and work on them while the festivities take place.
Guests are welcome to watch me sketch and look through the finished sketches.
For Fashion Sketching at events, the host can decide whether the guests pose live for their sketch or pose for photos which I sketch from. The host may also leave the decision up to the guest or designate certain times for posing live / posing for photos.
At events where guests are posing live, interested guests can queue and be sketched in order OR a number system can be used so interested parties may take a number and keep an eye on the whiteboard for their turn to pose for me in real time.
For Live Ambiance Sketching at events, I will sketch the attendees, environment, and festivities as per your requests and I will also take photos for reference to aid in completion of the sketches and paintings afterwards in my home studio.
For Live Fashion Painting at events, it's ideal to have the guest/models pose LIVE initially and the artwork can be completed from a photo if needed.
What are the pros and cons of posing live vs for photos?
Posing live is more fun and interactive for both the subject and for me, and is a unique and memorable experience to have!
While it adds entertainment value, it may take guests away from other activities at the event.
Some people have a hard time standing still (especially if the alcohol is flowing) so the sketch can take longer or not turn out as good in that case.
Other people feel too shy to be looked at for so long and decline posing live for a sketch.
Taking photos of the guests as they arrive guarantees that the maximum number of guests are sketched or that everyone who wants a sketch, gets one (in packages which include sketches for all the guests).
It tends to be more efficient and doesn't take the guests away from other important activities happening at the event.
The quality of both types of sketches are quite similar, so long as the subject can stand still!
It's your choice which approach you think suits your event best.
You could allow your guests to decide what they prefer or leave it up to me to make the call at various stages of the event.
Can I see your live sketches from previous events?
Yes, I've posted the sketches from a number of events I've sketched at previously in my Live Sketch Gallery.
You can read more about each event in my blog.
Watch some videos of me live sketching here.
Does it have to be a "fashion" sketch?
No! I'm referring to this style of full body illustration as a "fashion" sketch but you don't need to dress up if that's not your thing!
Are you available for kids parties?
Yes, I love sketching kids!
They are creative in choosing poses and have surprised me at how long they can stand still when posing live.
All these kids posed live!
How many people can you sketch on the same page?
I recommend a maximum of 3-4 people to pose together for sketches on A5 or A6 paper.
The more people in a sketch, the smaller they will be drawn to fit on the page..
This is my record to date, 8 people on A5 paper
Is it cheaper/faster if people pose together?
No! It takes me about the same amount of time per person whether they pose together or separately.
While there may be some overlapping in their body positions when posing together, extra attention is required for accuracy in the subjects' size relationships to each other and placement where their poses touch.
The exception is if kids will be posing with adults then I can reduce the rate for the kids.
If the kids are posing on their own or with other kids, then it will be the regular rate.
Do your sketches look like the people?
Yes! The sketches capture a simplified and flattering likeness of the subject.
See some more photo/sketch comparisons in my Live Sketch Gallery.
Can you draw me slimmer/ more muscular/more beautiful?
Please know that you are perfect just as you are!
My goal is to sketch everyone in a flattering manner and capture your essence while creating an appealing design.
That said, I'm open to making some tweaks according to your wishes as this is part of the freedom of creating art.
If your party has a theme, that can also be worked into the sketches in creative ways.
How much does it cost?
I charge either per person or per hour, depending on the needs of your event.
If you'd like to guarantee everyone a sketch, then per person is the best option and I will ensure to take everyone's photo, completing as many sketches on site as possible and any remaining ones over the following week.
Guests may pose as individuals, couples or in small groups as the rate is calculated per person rather than per page.
Per person rates start at $20 pp for A6, Outfit colour sketches
Live Sketching per hour is the best option when the sketches need to be finished on site and there won't be enough time to sketch everyone, or you don't expect everyone to be interested.
The hourly rate is $250/hr
The SCAN OPTION is charged as additional $2pp or $25/hour of sketching time.
Travel within the Sunshine Coast is included, $2.50/km is charged for travel outside of the Sunshine Coast.
In cases where I'll be driving a long distance and sketching into the evening, an additional accommodation fee may be required.
Please inquire below for a quote specific to the requirements of your event.
What's included with Guest Sketching/ Live Fashion Sketching?
- sketch paper customized with your event information
- each sketch scanned and packaged in cellophane for protection
- any remaining sketches delivered to you in person or via express post
- travel within Sunshine Coast
- a PDF file of all the scanned sketches and reference photos emailed to you
- a QR Code link printed on the back of the sketches where your guests can download their sketch as well as the photo I took of them
- a video reel of all the sketches with your wedding song / event song/ chosen song emailed to you and uploaded at your link
-up to 10 copies of any of the sketches mailed to you
What's included with the SCAN OPTION?
How do I book?
Please get in touch below to inquire about availability and get a quote.
50% of the quoted fee is due at the time of booking.
The remaining 50% will be due one week prior to your event.