Bookings Now Open for 2026 / 2027
Live Event Illustrator
Elevate Your Event - Live Illustration That Delights, Engages, and Surprises Every Guest
I'm Tanya, a Fashion and Event illustrator based in Auckland, New Zealand. I create unique, personalised sketches for guests at events and brand activations, capturing them live on the spot.
I create digital sketches on my iPad Pro and print them immediately using a Canon Portable Printer.
Bring your event to life with live fashion and guest sketches that captivate and charm.
Your guests will delight in watching their portraits take shape, creating a shared experience full of laughter and lasting memories.
Perfect For:
-
Weddings
Enchant your guests with live, personalised portraits - a timeless keepsake from your special day.
-
Private Events
Bring a touch of creativity and charm to birthdays, anniversaries, and special gatherings.
-
Brand Activations
Engage customers in a fresh, creative way during your retail and promotional events.
-
Corporate Celebrations
Elevate your corporate event with live sketch entertainment that inspires team spirit and make every moment memorable. And More!
Each keepsake illustration captures the genuine emotion and unique moments that make your event truly special.
My service includes all materials tailored to your event size. Whether you’re planning an intimate party or a grand gala, these personalised illustrations become treasured keepsakes for your guests to cherish.
Let’s work together to make your occasion truly unforgettable — enquire today to secure your booking.
Personalise Your Live Portrait Experience
Make your event even more memorable with customised live portraits! Add your brand name, logo, event date, or a custom background - tailored to match your theme and vision.
This exclusive personalisation service is available at no additional cost when planned in advance. It’s the perfect way to add a thoughtful, branded touch that guests will remember.
Let’s create something truly unique together.
How It Works
1. Secure Your Spot
Secure your date and share details about your occasion and guest numbers here.
2. Custom Touches
Before the event, we’ll prepare a bespoke emblem or background that will appear on each guest’s portrait.
3. Artist Arrives & Sets Up
I bring all materials and create a stylish sketching station before my time starts.
4. Live Guest Portraits.
I’ll take quick photos of your guests and create live, fashion-style portraits while they enjoy the event, completing each one in about 8–10 minutes. I focus on capturing their key features and outfits, using stylised proportions and an artistic touch that makes every piece stand out.
5. Collect & Enjoy
Guests receive their finished portraits to take home on the spot - a memorable memento from your event.
Pricing
Live Illustration
Live Illustration offers two stylish options: a classic Portrait that highlights each guest’s face and expression, or a Half-length sketch that captures their overall look in a more fashion-forward, editorial style.
My live illustration rate is:
● First 2 hours: NZD $700
● Each additional hour: NZD $300
● Minimum booking: 2 hours
● Maximum: 5 hours.*
*If you require more time, please fill out the request form for a personalised quote.
Place Cards
Illustrated Place Cards bring a keepsake quality to your event, combining each guest’s name with a beautifully detailed miniature portrait that elevates every table setting. Each one is hand-drawn in my studio, thoughtfully packaged, and delivered right to your door. Perfect as thank-you gifts or keepsakes.
● Price NZD: $50 per 1 portrait.
● Size: 100x148mm
What’s Included in Live Illustration
- 100 × 148 mm (4 × 6 inch) hand-drawn illustration, created live on-site during your celebration.
- All materials provided — simply enjoy the experience.
- A complimentary portrait of the couple or event host, if they wish to be illustrated.
- Protective presentation — each sketch comes in a cellophane or envelope.
- Personalised details such as a simple background, guest names, event date, or your brand logo.
FAQ
How many illustrations can you draw at one hour?
I specialise in 8-10 minutes full colour sketches depending on the complexity of the outfit details and the interaction with guests. This usually allows me to illustrate 6–7 guests per hour.
Black&white sketches take around 5–7 minutes each, meaning I can draw approximately 10 guests per hour.
What setup do you need at the venue?
I kindly require a standard-height chair and table (at least 1mx1m).
For smooth and uninterrupted sketching, I also need access to a nearby power outlet or an extension cord for my iPad and mini printer.
How Soon Should I Make a Reservation?
You’re welcome to book my services up to 12 months in advance to secure your date.
If you’re planning a bit last-minute, don’t worry - feel free to get in touch. I may still have availability and would love to make it work if I can.
Do you travel?
Although I’m based in Auckland, I travel New Zealand-wide for events.
A travel fee applies to cover flights, accommodation, food, and transportation.
Do guests need to sit for their sketch?
No — I take a quick photo and use it to create the illustration, so guests can enjoy the process without needing to sit or pose.
What Is The Payment Process?
Once your booking details are confirmed, I’ll send an invoice and request a 30% non-refundable deposit to secure the date. The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before the event.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes, events must be cancelled at least 30 days before the event date to be eligible for a refund, excluding the non-refundable deposit.
Does everyone get a sketch?
As a live event illustrator, I do my best to draw as many guests as possible during the event. However, depending on the number of attendees and timing, I may not be able to sketch everyone.
Additional portraits can be completed in my studio after the event and then posted to you. The price for an extra post-event sketch is NZD $30 per guest.