Illustrating for Hendrick’s Gin

And this is how my journey as a live event illustrator in London truly began. It was my first real experience delivering live illustration at an event, and it showed me just how powerful and engaging live guest portraits can be for brand activations, corporate events and celebrations across the UK.

One of my very first live illustration projects took place during a two-day brand activation for Hendrick's Gin in the heart of Shoreditch. It was a capsule launch event celebrating their miniature martinis and latest collection, and it marked the very beginning of my journey as a professional live event illustrator in London.

This immersive experience was set in a secret venue where everything was beautifully miniaturised – from the drinks and live music on a tiny piano, to the artwork itself. It was my first time delivering live illustration services at an event, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I initially thought I would be illustrating bottles all evening, but a spontaneous decision to start creating live guest portraits completely changed the atmosphere and unlocked the real magic of live event illustration.

Guests began queuing for over 30 minutes to receive their own miniature portrait, created live in just a few minutes. Watching their reactions as they collected their personalised illustration – smiling, laughing and sharing the moment with friends – was unforgettable. Those small, hand-drawn sketches instantly became meaningful keepsakes from the night.

That event became the turning point for my career as a live wedding and event illustrator in London and across the UK. What started almost by accident quickly revealed a powerful and engaging experience for guests and brands alike, and ultimately grew into the live illustration service I offer today.

Those tiny portraits are now lasting memories from a carefully designed brand activation, and a perfect example of how live illustration at events can elevate guest engagement, create emotional connections and add real value to corporate events, product launches and experiential marketing campaigns.

If you’re planning a brand activation, corporate event or celebration and would like to explore live illustration for your event, please get in touch via the contact form and let’s talk about your next experience.