Live Guest Illustrations
Event-elevating luxury party favors that become the most talked-about detail of the celebration.
Pricing from $1200 - $1500 for a typical 4-5 hour reception
Roughly 20 guests painted/hour
Maximum 150 guest count
What are Live Guest Illustrations?
Guest illustrations are miniature works of art created in real time, capturing the essence and unique style of each guest at an event. They transform a fleeting moment into something tangible… a keepsake that feels personal, thoughtful, and beautifully unexpected. A perfect combination of luxury and whimsy, guest illustrations are part entertainment, part artistry, and part heartfelt memento… a blend that turns a simple drawing into a moment of connection.
A truly one-of-a-kind party favor that stands leagues above the rest.
There are a few things that a guest illustration can do that a fridge magnet or drink koozie can’t do.
They make your loved ones feel seen.
Each illustration is a tiny celebration of the individual it depicts. Most people have never been painted through an art piece by a professional artist before. The experience is a moment of individual attention and quiet acknowledgement. It’s a reminder that they are interesting, beautiful, and worth capturing.
There is a quiet thrill in not knowing exactly how one will appear in their illustration. Even adults get a childlike flutter of anticipation that feels playful and disarming. Then when a loved one’s piece is finally revealed, something magic happens. There is a moment of immediate recognition and joy followed by a confidence boost. The illustrations are not “perfect” but they capture something true, flattering, and unexpected.
They create a shared experience.
Live illustrations created and shared throughout the event create natural gathering points and conversation starters. Attendees love to show off their art pieces and find humor in the likenesses. Guests often enjoy coming back to the illustration table again and again to see how each portrait is turning out and seeing how many people they recognize in the art pieces. Guests will often ask me if they can take a painting of someone they recognize from the table to bring it to that someone because the reactions are like a feeling of both giving and receiving a special gift.
They become meaningful keepsakes.
Unlike typical favors that get left behind or tossed later, a hand-crafted illustration is personal. It’s something that loved ones often frame, display, or tuck into a memory box. It captures not just what they looked like that day, but how they felt… Dressed up, joyful, and part of something special. Years later, people still remember where they were and who they were with when the portrait was made.
They elevate the atmosphere and signal thoughtfulness
Live art adds an element of luxury and creativity that guests never see coming but instantly fall in love with. It creates a sense of refinement without feeling stuffy. The presence of a master at work, the materials, the movement, and the unfolding artwork in real time adds another layer of beauty to the environment. It’s a rare experience that feels warmly human. Knowing that the experience was provided by you, the gracious host, it’s difficult for guests not to feel that extension of thoughtfulness, appreciation, and love.
Take a look at some beautiful guest illustrations by yours truly…
Hello! I’m Kellie.
I’m a farm girl, an animal lover, and an art kid all wrapped into one. I live on a small 10-acre hobby farm where I foster horses with a local rescue called Safe Harbor Standardbreds. I have a small bachelor flock of roosters and a collection of four faithful geese. Art, along with animals, has been a special interest of mine since I was a young child. I did attempt to go the traditional college route to have a ‘normal job’ going as far as earning a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, but have naturally always been drawn back to professional art. I’m in love with what I do and cannot imagine doing anything else for a full-time career!
So how does this work?
1.) Contract + Consultation: Step 1 of the booking process is to complete and submit the contract after checking date availability. To ensure that all your questions are answered, and you have all the information you need, you have the option to book a free consultation with the artist before proceeding with the contract. Complimentary consultations are optional, but welcomed in case you need additional information, or you want to inquire about a special request.
2.) Hours Selection & Deposit Payment to Secure your Date: Step 2 is selecting your desired number of hours and fulfilling the payment of a 25% deposit to guarantee your date. Dates are booked on a first come first serve basis solely depending on who pays their deposit first. A submitted contract alone without payment of the deposit will not secure your date. The deposit will go towards your overall cost.
3.) Remaining Balance in Two: The remaining balance will be scheduled in two installments, one on a mid-date and the final due no later than 7 days before your date. If travel fees are applicable, these will be invoiced at a later date.
4.) Day of the Event: Artist will arrive an hour before guests are scheduled to arrive to set-up. As guests approach the artist, either the artist or an accompanying assistant will explain how the process works and snap a photo of the guest(s). The artist completes the guest portraits in 3-5 minutes (Up to 20 guests/hour). The guests are welcomed to observe the artist preforming but do not have to wait for their portrait to be completed and may retrieve their portrait at their leisure.
If any portraits are unable to be completed on-site, they will be completed post-event in the artist's studio to be mailed directly to any guests who request their portrait post-event.
What all is included?
Watercolor Guest Illustrations ($300/Hour)- 5 x 7 inches on Heavy Weight Multi-Media Paper in sketch/watercolor style.
Facial features are typically not included to accommodate more guests.
Custom complimentary branding is available at no additional cost:
You will be able to select from a variety of designs directly after filling out the contract. Do you have very specific branding for your event, such as a wedding logo or a unique theme?? Please let me know, and I can custom order your unique branding. Signage is included on each portrait in the form of a custom-ordered rubber water-proof stamp, and you get to keep this stamp following the event! Below, you can see some examples of complimentary signage. Branding can be placed on the front, or the back of portraits and color is customizable. If you want to get real fancy, I can recruit my local print shop to print a photograph on the back or anything you like! The possibilities are endless with this, so if you have a specific idea, please do share!
Each painting will be packaged in a plastic sleeve for the journey home.
Post-event mailing service included:
In the event that any portraits are unable to be completed on-site, I offer to mail portraits directly to your guests upon request. This way, you don’t have to deal with postage or any of the tedious considerations that come with mailing art. I hand-craft each envelope and utilize good old fashioned snail mail, stamps and all. A small chip board is placed in each envelope to prevent the art from bending. I love sending mail so much that it’s almost like a bonus little hobby for me. Take a look at some of the super-cute, hand-made envelopes that I send the portraits in:
Detailed watercolor gift of bride and groom or host post-event included:
As a thank you for having me come be a part of your special day, I include this gift as a thank you. It’s an 8×10 framed detailed watercolor painted from your favorite photo. I will drop a gift-certificate for this in your card-box to remind you to send me your favorite photo. Here are some examples of 8×10 detailed watercolor gifts I have painted for past clients:
Digital album of reference pictures included post-event:
I take photos of all the guests who request an illustration at your event and can send you a google drive link to these photos upon request. To clarify, these are reference photos of your guests and not photos of the artwork.
Can accommodate 150 guest count max in a typical 5-hour event.
Travel within 50 miles of Nashville is included.
Travel costs may apply for travel outside of a 50-mile radius of Nashville:
Kellie Elizabeth Art charges .40/mile to/from your location outside of a 50-mile radius of Nashville Tennessee. $150 lodging compensation is required for locations over 2 hours away. $300 lodging compensation is required for locations over 4 hours away.
If the event is over 5 hours from Nashville, travel may require a flight and will be a bundled travel cost of $1500. When travel requires a flight, a ton of other costs and considerations come into play (parking reservations, checked bag, car rental or uber, meals, lodging, airfare, incidentals, opportunity cost, etc.)
Here is a list of travel costs for places I frequently travel to for events:
Chattanooga…. $65
Knoxville…. $250
Memphis…. $275
Sevierville…. $275
FAQs
What does your pricing look like?
Pricing begins at $300/hour. The average client invests $1500 for a typical 5-hour event in addition to applicable travel costs.
Where can Kellie Elizabeth Art Travel?
Kellie Elizabeth Art can travel anywhere in the continental United States not including Alaska or Hawaii. International travel is not currently available.
How many guests can you accommodate?
I can accommodate up to 150 guests max in a typical 5-hour event.
You can accommodate guest counts of 150 but can only complete up to 100 guests in five hours?
Correct. I can illustrate one guest in roughly 3 minutes which equates to 20 guests/hour or 100 guests/ 5 hours. What I have found in my experience with this unique work is that guest counts are unpredictable. Even with careful consideration of guest counts, sometimes RSVPs don't show up, people bring +1s that were not planned for, or other things happen that can cause the guest count to fluctuate. Regardless, it's rare that every single individual in attendance will request an illustration from me, so oftentimes a 150-guest count will result in fewer guests attending the event and fewer guests than that actually being painted. Like this one time when the wedding reception took place outdoors in a big tent and it was pouring down rain. 150 guests turned into more like 50. The ground was all sloshy. It was very wet.)
In the event that most of your guests show up and want a portrait, I include my direct mailing service to ensure that every guest who is excited about receiving a guest illustration will definitely receive one upon request. I absolutely do not want anyone to feel left out!! My current PR is 110 guests painted in 5 hours at a wedding with a 150-guest count, every request was completed on-site, and I did not have an assistant.
What can I do if I have over 150 guests at my event and really want to offer this service to my loved ones?
We can try to reach out to some special colleagues of mine and put together a team!
My golden go-to’s are:
Emily Anderson: https://www.emilyanderson.xyz/about
Anna Claire: https://www.artbyannaclaire.com/guest-illustrations
Mary Agnes : https://artwithmoogs.com/
There are many other incredible guest illustrators out there, but these girlies are the ones I’ve worked with personally multiple times and can attest to their professionalism and quality.
How long have you been preforming live paintings?
I started preforming live paintings in 2022 and began offering guest portraits in 2023. I am a lifelong artist with 20+ years of avid experience. I have painted at somewhere between 100 and 200 weddings and events.
Is Kellie Elizabeth Art LGBTQIA+ affirming?
100% yes! Kellie Elizabeth Art holds sacred all love and believes that your love is a masterpiece. Love comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors, just like paint on a canvas. Love is the inspiration behind this work, and I'd be truly honored to celebrate with you!
Can you include facial features?
Kellie Elizabeth Art typically does not include facial features on watercolor guest portraits in order to accommodate as many guests as possible. If your heart is set on facial features being included, I can include them upon request but just be aware that including facial features will slow me down considerably.
Do I need to provide anything for you?
The only thing I will require from the host is a table, chair, and linen. A typical 4 ft or 6 ft folding table would be ideal, but I have made other tables (even cocktail tables!) work before. Everything else, including lighting, I bring with me.
Is this your full-time job?
Yes.
Ready to take the next step? Fill out the form below to begin the booking process. Ensure your date is still available by clicking the button below
Do you still have questions or want to discuss an idea? I’d be happy to give you a call!
(This is NOT a sales call, and I will absolutely NEVER try to pressure anyone to book with me with any slimy salesman tactics. Just want to make sure you have all the info you need)
