Sketching one guest typically takes about 5–6 minutes, and under ideal conditions I can create up to 10 portraits per hour. The final number may vary depending on the complexity of the illustrations and the type of event.

Only one chair and a space of approximately 2 × 2 meters are required. I bring my own setup, including an artist’s easel, a trolley with art supplies, and a small display gallery for the finished illustrations. The entire setup is wireless, and I also provide my own lighting, although a well-lit location is always appreciated. I can work both indoors and outdoors, but ideally the setup should be placed on a solid surface such as pavement or flooring, rather than grass.

If the event takes place in a location where car access is limited (for example, in the historical city center), it is necessary to provide a table and a chair on-site.

Live sketching is planned with the event schedule in mind so that, for smaller events (up to approximately 100 guests), illustrations are typically created for around half of the attendees. This service is designed as an exclusive artistic highlight of the event. Each illustration is created by hand, on-site, which naturally limits the total number produced. This very aspect adds to the sense of uniqueness and makes the experience feel truly premium. The illustration is therefore not intended as a guaranteed gift for every guest, but rather as an elegant surprise that some guests will take home as a unique keepsake from the occasion.

However, if the client’s goal is for every guest to receive an illustration, the sketching schedule can be planned accordingly so that all or most guests are drawn during the event. If this is not possible due to time constraints, I also offer the option to complete additional portraits from photographs after the event, finished in the studio within one week. These illustrations are then sent directly to the client’s address. This option is particularly popular for weddings, especially when the couple wishes to commission a Wedding Guest Portrait Collection featuring illustrations of all their guests (see Add-ons).

This is a common concern for couples, however, unless agreed otherwise, each guest is limited to one illustration. The goal is to ensure that as many guests as possible have the opportunity to take home a portrait.

I’m happy to advise on this decision based on the number of guests at your wedding. As a general guideline, the base sketching time is usually calculated for at least half of the expected guests. For example, if your wedding or event has around 80 guests, the typical starting point is 4 hours of sketching (approximately 40 portraits). Experience has shown, however, that guest interest in the illustrations often exceeds the couple’s initial expectations. For this reason, I always plan with this possibility in mind, and additional sketching time can be arranged on-site if needed.

For most weddings, couples invite the artist either after the ceremony, during the cocktail hour and dinner, after dinner (usually after 7 pm), or from before the ceremony through the evening for larger weddings. For afternoon bookings, it is also possible to paint the ceremony itself.

I’m happy to help you plan the ideal timing for the sketching!