Live event sketching, drawing, and painting based in Chicago
theillustrator@illustratedmemories.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of packages are available?
The Quick Sketch: Sketches of the attendees. This is a perfect option for unstructured time at the event, such as at a vendor booth or during a cocktail hour. It starts great conversations while people mingle. I have a flat rate of $200/hour for quick sketches.
The Sketchbook: A series of sketches capturing the day or days of your events. A sketchbook for a wedding may include moments such as the bride and groom preparing for the day, moments from the ceremony, quick portraits of the most important people at the wedding, the venue, landscape or cityscape, florals, and the speeches. A sketchbook for a travel adventure may include the transportation, the landmarks, historic sites, cityscapes or landscapes.
The Full Picture: All of the sketches may serve as studies for a larger, in studio painting. If you are interested in a larger painting, we can discuss size and the color choices for the room.
At what kind of events do you work?
What a hand written letter is to email, live illustrations are to photography. Live illustrations are perfect for weddings, conferences, reunions, camps, conferences, venue openings, vendor fairs, house concerts. Live drawing and painting entertain your guests and commemorates your special occasion.
Which material do you use?
I can work in a variety of materials, including graphite, ink, charcoal, and both transparent and opaque watercolors. Some of these are more suitable for studio work and and some better for sketching live. Let’s talk about what you would like.
Do you travel?
Yes, depending on availability.
I love travelling and I’ll go literally anywhere if my expenses are covered (which would normally include one or two nights accommodation as well as flights/trains). I’ve previously illustrated destination weddings as far as Mumbai, Lake Como and Venice.
Travel is included within an hour of Chicago, but for events outside of that, it costs $.60/mile. Full day events more than 2 hours away from Chicago may also involve accommodation costs for one or two nights plus other expenses.
Do you paint from photos?
I paint from life, supplemented with photographs. I do not try for photorealism, instead opting for the impression and energy.
How much does it cost?
Depending on the package, most options range from $1,000 to $5,000. The price depends on several variables, including the size and number of pieces, the materials you prefer, if the work requires studio time, along with options for framing and scanning.
How long does it each drawing or painting take?
It depends on the medium and style you would like. I can draw a quick sketch portrait in 5 to 10 minutes, which accommodates 10-12 guests per hour, or 5-6 couples. Paintings can take longer, from 20 minutes to several hours depending on size and medium.
What if the Bride and Groom do not have time to get their portrait?
Don’t worry! As a part of the bridal package, I include a portrait of the bride and groom prepared before the wedding.