Why Live Event Portraits Don’t Have to Be on Paper: A Fresh Approach to Brand Activations & Guest Personalisation
- Elyse Blackshaw
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Blog by London Fashion illustrator Elyse Blackshaw
When most people think of portrait art, they picture a sketch on paper...something delicate, flat, and framed. But in today’s world of bold brand activations, immersive experiences, and unforgettable event moments, portraits can go beyond that.
As a live event artist and fashion illustrator, I specialise in transforming people into personalised artworks that guests can cherish long after the event ends. And increasingly, brands are looking for exactly that: unique, memorable gifts that blend creativity with sentiment.
Portraits as Objects: A New Era of Event Personalisation
Live illustration at events has become really popular in recent years, but we need to keep evolving and find fun ways to keep it fresh. Instead of paper, portraits can also be painted on:
Product packaging
Beauty or skincare bottles
Tote bags
Glassware
Gift boxes
Tech accessories
Table décor
Brand merchandise
This shift doesn’t just create a keepsake, it becomes part of the brand experience itself. When illustrating at events, guests love to chat to me about my work, about their experience with art or drawing, and absolutley love watching other's be illustrated. It's not just about the product, live event art contributes to the atmosphere and positive energy of the event.
Painting on Garnier Products: A Creative Twist on Guest Favours
Most recently, I collaborated with an event company working with Garnier. Instead of traditional paper portraits, I hand-painted guests’ likenesses directly onto Garnier bottles.
These personalised products were then displayed across the event tables as beautiful, custom party favours. Guests experienced something totally unique: a blend of beauty branding, live artistry, and high-impact visual storytelling.
This approach elevated the entire event, the artwork transformed a simple product into a collectible, personal gift. One guest told me they have even kept it in their memory box!
Why Brands Love Illustration
Brands and event agencies are choosing event artists because:
1. It drives engagement
Guests gather, watch, film, share, and return to the activation. (Great for social media content and brand visibility.)
2. It creates personalised takeaways
Something thoughtful, premium, and genuinely meaningful.
3. It supports brand identity
Artwork can be tailored to brand colours, themes, values, and product launches such as Garnier's "Messy Girl" concept.
4. It enhances the event environment
Live illustration becomes part of the entertainment and the décor simultaneously.
5. It’s a memorable, human experience
People remember having their portrait drawn, this can be done before the event or during.
A Perfect Fit for Brand Events & Marketing Campaigns
My work is ideal for:
Brand events
Influencer events
Press launches
Corporate events
Retail activations
Gifting suites
Hospitality experiences
PR events and media nights
Pop‑up installations
Luxury and fashion events
Whether I’m painting portraits on paper, bottles, luggage tags, or bespoke brand packaging, my goal is always the same: to create a memorable, elevated experience that guests talk about long after the event ends.
My events are not limited to portraits, in fact, I can even get your guests to become artists themselves! I also host bespoke fashion illustration workshops with a range of clients such as VIP brand events such as New Balance or hospitality such as amie wine. (My illustrations can also be used as invites and menus to set the tone of the event.) With my breadth of experience, I can ensure your guest have a memorable experience becoming the artist and taking away their own hand drawn fashion illustration.
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