What I learned about people working as a live event illustrator

II’ve been a full-time fashion illustrator for 12 years, and for the past six, I’ve had the pleasure of working as a live event illustrator at fashion and luxury events across Europe. During this time, I’ve observed some fascinating things about people, which I’ll share here. Very few artists specialise in live drawing at events; it’s a rare skill set that combines technical expertise with speed, adaptability, and communication. Surprisingly, many successful live illustrators aren’t necessarily the most skilled draftsmen, but they excel at making people feel comfortable, which is essential in this field.

As I’ve traveled internationally for work, I’ve noticed some interesting regional and cultural differences, but these five observations hold true wherever I go.

1. Every person is a universe 

I’ve always loved people—not just in a social sense but as unique, complex beings. When someone stands in front of me to be drawn, they’re showing a degree of bravery; they’re allowing me to capture an essence of who they are. People put thought into their outfits and how they present themselves, but there’s always more beneath the surface. The moment a person stands still in front of me, their “mask” tends to slip, revealing a glimpse of their true self. Behind the stylish clothing and poised posture, there’s always a kind, fascinating soul.

2. Women don’t know they are beautiful

In my years as a live fashion illustrator, I’ve noticed that many women—of all ages—ask me to “make them a bit slimmer, younger, or more beautiful.” It’s heartbreaking because I rarely, if ever, see anyone who needs those changes. I always reply, “In fashion illustration, everyone is young, thin, and beautiful.” But what I really want to say is, “You’re gorgeous just as you are.” The unrealistic beauty standards pushed on women often make them feel they’re not enough unless they look like supermodels. Beauty is incredibly diverse, and I hope that message comes across in my illustrations.

3. Low self-esteem makes people difficult

This may sound controversial, but the few negative experiences I’ve had drawing people at events almost always involved individuals who seemed to have low self-esteem. When people struggle with boundaries or are self-critical, it can create tension. For example, I once drew a woman who agreed to a portrait, only to ignore me and turn away repeatedly as I worked. Another client fidgeted constantly and criticized my drawing mid-process. These situations are rare, but they highlight how low self-confidence can sometimes turn a beautiful experience into a challenging one.

4. Many Men Find It Hard to Be Looked At

As my Instagram bio says, I am a raging feminist. This means that I am well aware of all the traps patriarchy puts out for both women and men and so many times I feel so sorry for men for failing to see and acknowledge all the ways in which they are also oppressed.

When I draw a person, male or female, I always make sure my gaze is curious but not intrusive. To see all I need to see but that the person doesn’t feel too “naked”. Sometimes, if I sense a person is feeling really good, I will start to be a tiny bit flirty with them as that makes people spark. 

But this almost never happens with straight men. Again, this is not always the case, there were certainly many different experiences, but men sometimes approach the experience defensively, with body language or humour signalling that they don’t take it too seriously. However, as I work and maintain a kind, curious gaze—one that is neither judgmental nor overly intense—a shift occurs. They relax, becoming vulnerable and open in a way that’s often unfamiliar to them. This vulnerability is beautiful, and I hope that as societal norms evolve, more men will feel comfortable being “seen” in a non-judgmental way.

5. People crave to be truly seen

Ultimately, the most universal truth I’ve learned as a luxury live event illustrator is that people deeply desire to be seen as individuals. This is what I love most about my work. Watching someone look at their portrait and recognize themselves in a new way is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a moment when they see that they’re interesting, beautiful, and worthy in ways they might not have noticed before. Art has the power to reveal layers of beauty and personality that go beyond physical appearance. If you ever have the chance to be drawn at an event, do it! You contain a universe, and the artist can show you an aspect of yourself you might not have known was there.

If you ever have a chance to be drawn like this, by me or anyone else, do it! Do it for yourself!

Remember, you contain a universe and the artist sees you even more beautiful than you are.