Some moments stay with us—not because they were captured in a photograph, but because they were lived in a meaningful way. It’s the small gestures, the expressions, the laughter, and conversations that define a special day. Live illustration captures those fleeting moments differently: through drawing, created right there, in real time, as the event unfolds.
Live Illustration at Weddings and Events
Live drawing is not just a keepsake—it’s an experience. Guests watch as their portraits take shape on paper, comment on the process, try to guess who’s being drawn, and in the end, they walk away with a handmade memento, created just for them.
Each event has its own rhythm, and to match that, I work with two different illustration styles:
🎨 Artistic and spontaneous – Light, expressive, and quick. Each illustration takes 5 to 8 minutes per person, allowing for more portraits within the event’s duration.
🖌️ Detailed and refined – More time is spent on shading, textures, and small details. This process takes 20-25 minutes per person, resulting in more intricate illustrations.
How Does It Work on the Day of the Event?
To ensure everything runs smoothly, I offer two different formats:
✨ Live (On-Site) Illustration – I am present for 6-7 hours, drawing guests live. To optimize time, I arrive before the ceremony to photograph some guests and start sketching. That way, by the time the couple or hosts arrive at the venue, there are already completed illustrations, and the process flows naturally throughout the event.
📸 Hybrid – I take photographs of guests who want to be illustrated and deliver the drawings after the event. This option allows for more detailed work and gives guests the freedom to request illustrations with family, friends, or their partner.
Why Is Live Illustration Special?
📍 It happens in real-time – It’s not just a gift; it’s a moment unfolding before your eyes.
📍 It creates engagement – Guests watch, interact, and connect through the process.
📍 It has personality – Each illustration is handmade, with no filters or edits, reflecting each person’s natural expression.
📍 It’s different – People treasure a hand-drawn portrait in a way that a simple photograph often can’t match.
What About Baptisms or Other Events?
Live illustration works beautifully at any occasion where you want to capture a moment in a meaningful and personal way. At a baptism, it can be a unique gift for godparents, grandparents, or close family members. At a corporate event, it can be a fun and creative way to break the ice and engage guests. No matter the setting, live drawing is more than just a service—it’s a way to tell a story.
Little Extras That Make the Service Even More Special
✨ Personalized Stamp – Featuring the couple’s names and wedding date, applied to the illustrations and kept as a keepsake for the hosts.
✨ Polaroid – Instant photo documentation of guests receiving their illustrations.
Want to Know More?
If you’d like to have live illustration or painting at your wedding, baptism, or special event, let’s talk!
📩 E-mail: defreitas.inesm@gmail.com
🌐 Website: pinturainesmfreitas.crd.co
📸 Instagram: @inesm.defreitas
The beauty of live drawing isn’t just in the ink or the paper—it’s in the moment it captures. ✨🎨