Are your drawings caricatures?

Caricatures can be fun and my illustrations share some of the same qualities such as exaggeration and palyfullness. However, rather than being aimed solely at humour, the drawings emphasise personal style and individual beauty as well as capturing the essence of your fabulous event. The artwork your guests receive will be stylish and flattering momentos to be cherished.

Will the illustrations look like my guests?

Yes. I am committed to capturing likeness in my illustrations. Whilst some illustrators don’t tackle the face, I meet it head on. As an experienced practitioner of life drawing I aim at portraits with facial resemblance. 

Are your drawings like traditional portraits?

I create style portraits inspired by classic commercial art and fashion illustration. Rather than dry, academic charcoal head studies, these are quick, fun sketches that capture character and vibe in a loose and dynamic way.  They are created quickly in order that as many guests as possible can experience the fun of being drawn.,

Are they fashion illustrations?

My drawings are heavily inspired by iconic fashion illustration but are not limited to only being focussed on couture and catwalks. Fashion is about accentuating personal style, attitude and beauty. I believe that everybody has these qualities and they deserve to be celebrated. This is why illustrating a wedding, corporate event or party is as much fashion illustration as work limited to depicting the work of designers. 

What is your experience drawing people live?

I have honed my drawing skills for many years, frequently drawing people at life drawing classes as well as sketching the public. In order to keep drawing portraits regularly and develop my style I work at least once a week at Londons iconic Portobello Market where I draw a vast number of people from all over the world. This regular practice means that I am constantly improving my skill.

Do people pose for you or do you draw from photos?

I love to draw people live whilst chatting to them and keeping them entertained. This keeps things flowing nicely, but sometimes people are shy or don’t have the time to stop and pose. In this instance I’ll draw from photographs which I take on my phone. This is also useful for when people are having a meal or ceremony as I can take photos first and draw people whilst they are eating or watching the main event. I am able to draw both live and from photos and would usually expect to do a combination of the two. 

How long does it take you to do a drawing?

It usually takes me about ten minutes to draw a person and fifteen min to draw a couple. This means I can draw 6-8 people an hour. 

Can you draw groups of people?

Yes I can draw individuals, couples and groups of people.

Can I change details of a person when I draw them?

Yes. I have been been known to change details on request. I have been asked to change hair-stlyles and outfits on occasion and even to include pets (drawn from photos obviously) into illustrations. 

Do you draw married couples as well as their guests?

I can draw the married couple at the event either live or from photos or if they prefer I can focus on the guests and draw the happy couple from the wedding photo afterwards. It is your day! Different arrangements can be made to suit your requirements.

What materials do you use?

I use mixed media such as brightly coloured watercolour and inks on premium quality watercolour paper. P:aper can be prepared to feature elegant details of your event such as the names of the happy couple or your company logo! The finished artwork is presented in a  glossy cellophane sleeve. Artwork can also be presented in a window mount (on request) 

Can you draw on tote bags?

Yes! I can create stunning portrait illustrations on canvas tote bags for a totally unique souvenir! This takes sightly longer than illustrations on paper. Dare to be different and give your guests something to tote, not just treasure.

Do guests get to keep the artwork. 

Of course. Guests receive their artwork as a momento of the event to take away and treasure. I also like to document all the drawings I create so digital photographs of all the artworks are also available for the host should they wish to present them on their webite or social media.