Live Portrait Artist
For events I offer hourly services as a live sketch artist. This is similar to the experience of having a caricature done however the style and look is classier and more elegant. I charge an hourly rate that is combined a few flat fees which are all listed below. Many people hate having a caricature done because it emphasizes features which they might feel insecure about. My drawings instead focus on a more charming representation that is enhanced by the style it is drawn in. My specialties are doing vivid watercolor paintings and also artistic black and white drawings both of which you will see examples of below.
Watercolors portraits are popular for weddings. They are usually greeting card sized (5x7in) to ensure that they will dry in the appropriate amount of time. Due to their size and vivid colors they evoke a feeling of preciousness that o matches the mood of a wedding. This is often the first time guests have ever had a portrait done before making it a great party favor to take home and feel like they had a really special experience.
Black & White sketches are perfect for fantasy balls, faerie gatherings and renaissance fair styled events. The loose marks of a charcoal drawing make it very flexible for capturing extravagant costume elements such as wings and large ball gowns in a short period of time. The look is artistic and is better on larger pages (from 8.5x11 up to 18x24in) will add an authentic detail to your fantasy environment.
Watercolor Painting Examples
Black & White Sketch Examples
Process
In the beginning I will share my rates and ask you where and when the event is. Depending on the location the rate may be higher to accommodate travelling fees. I will need to know which style you prefer and will write all of these details down in a contract. Once the contract has been signed by both parties I will ask you for the travel fee and materials fee as a non-refundable deposit. The hourly rate will be billed nearer to or after the event depending on the preference discussed.
On the day of the event I will arrive 30 mins-1 hour early to set up. I will prepare materials in advance and will dress in a way appropriate to the theme of your event. Guests then have the option of sitting and posing for me or being photographed to come back later. Each drawing or painting takes about 10-15 minutes depending on the complexity of the pose. I try to keep it under 10minutes but sometimes guests have more fun posing as a group or a couple and although this can make it take longer, I will absolutely draw them together to keep their memories as sweet as can be. This means I can do about 6 paintings an hour.
Once my time is up I will quietly collect my supplies, touch base with you or your coordinator and take my leave. I will invoice any remaining payments later that week.
Rates
Either style costs the same rate
"Live" Rate
$125 per hour of the event+
$50 flat fee for materials +
Flat fee for travel*
=Total rate
*Flat fee for travel varies by location.
Within Austin is $30
Greater Austin area is $50
Nearby Texas city is $75 (Eg. San Antonio, Kyle, Houston)
Dallas or farther is $100
Out of state please email with details and we can discuss it
Generally I expect 30% of the guest count to be interested in the activity. Keep this in mind when considering how many hours to book. Alternatively, I am open to arriving at the event just to take photos and then illustrating all of your guests in my own time afterwards to be sent out 2-4 weeks after the event as favors or with thank you cards. For this I charge:
"Later" Rate
$15 per head +
$30 per hour of the event (to take reference photos)+
$50 flat fee for materials +
Flat fee for travel*
=Total rate
"Live" Example Rate:
Event is from 7pm-11pm in Pflugerville (Greater Austin)
That is 4 hours of drawing x$125 =$500
+$50 for materials
+$50 for travel
=Total of $600
"Later" Example Rate:
Event is from 1pm-3pm in San Antonio (Nearby City)
That is 2 hours of photographing guests x$25 =$50
You have 35 guests x$15 a head =$525
+$50 for materials
+$75 for travel
=Total of $700
FAQ
Do I have to provide anything for you?
A well lit area, table and chair would be ideal. I like to stand for large drawings but it is easier to sit with smaller drawings or watercolor paintings. I will bring my own easel and supplies of course but it's nice to have some extra table space to lay down finished drawings/paintings so that guests can come back later or have a look at them while in line.
How long do the watercolor portraits take to dry?
It takes 10-15 minutes to fully dry. Guests can take them straight away if they hold the edges or can come back later to pick them up.
I have a special request to do a different drawing style, is that possible?
Depends on what it is! Talk to me about it and I'll make some samples for you.