Why Your London Christmas Party Needs a Live Illustrator

By Chloe Hill

Looking for unusual, quirky and bespoke entertainment for your 2026 Christmas party? Maybe live illustration is what you're looking for. I've held off talking about the 'C word' for long enough now, it's definitely time to start talking about Christmas plans and how this year your Christmas party is going to be an absolute hit.

What is Live Event Illustration?

Live Event Illustration has taken social media by storm and guests often have seen it on Instagram or tiktok but have never experienced it in real life. It’s very shareable - guests always take photos of their illustrations (even if they are taking them home too), share them online and often ask if they can make videos of me illustrating them. It’s also a fantastic addition to a Christmas party because it doubles as entertainment and a gift. If you’re planning to give your guests a present, you no longer have to guess what a mix of ages and personalities will like or use. With live illustration, everyone receives a truly personal gift and gets to enjoy everyone else’s too. It’s bound to be a talking point.

Why it works at Christmas parties and corporate events

Live illustration is the perfect addition to corporate events and Christmas work dos. It adds a personal, human touch and makes everyone feel included, from new starters to non-drinkers and introverts, and it brings bosses and employees together. It sets a relaxed, warm tone where everyone is seen and celebrated for being unique.

Types of London events it suits

To be honest with you, it can suit any event! That’s the beauty of live illustration, that it can fit perfectly into a wide array of events. It’s perfect for small, intimate dinners where it brings guests together and it can add sophistication and a buzz of excitement to the event. Equally, it works well for adding a personal aspect to a large office party, conference or awards ceremony. With experience working at small dinners of 20-30 people to corporate events of 80 people and weddings of 200 people, I can adapt my services for events of different sizes and layouts, so it creates the experience you want for your guests.

How it works on the night

At the event I go round and welcome the guests and take their photos (encouraging unique or interesting poses of course! I love it when the guests have a bit of fun with their photo). For larger or short events I often work with an assistant who can take the photos of the guests, while I spend all my time illustrating. Guests often check in to see the exciting moment their own illustration will be drawn and they can watch, or film, the process. Then they come to find their illustration in the pop-up gallery and play “Guess who” with the other guests, which is a great ice breaker. I often have guests who don’t know many others at the event, enjoy spotting guests they’ve seen but don’t know by name. It can make everyone feel noticed and connected. Usually at the end the guests can take their illustrations home as a keepsake, to photo, share on social media, stick on their desk or locker at work or ideally to frame!

How much does live illustration cost?

The number of guests you'd like illustrated is really going to influence how much it costs. Everyone is going away with a commissioned, personalised piece of art, and it is a gift as well as entertainment, so consider this when budgeting. If you would like everyone to go home with an illustration it may require a team of illustrators, which will then make it more expensive. While an illustration may only take a few minutes to create, there is a lot of practice, sweat and wrist pain that makes that possible and so you are paying for the artist's experience.

Why book a London-based illustrator

Cut back on travel costs by booking an illustrator based in London for your party. I offer free travel to London venues and have no minimum package size for London events. Because I’m based in central London, I can work until late without needing accommodation or taxi costs, so there’s nothing extra to cover. For larger events, I have a network of London-based assistants who can take photos of your guests and a few talented watercolour painting assitants who help paint the illustrations while I draw.

Can the illustrations be themed or branded?

I love creating branded paper that will reflect your company and event. I can make the paper feel extra festive, reflect your company or venue or if your Christmas party has an unusual theme, such as the Brewery’s “Enchantment Under the Ocean” Christmas party theme, I can create a border featuring sea creatures, or strokes of paint to represent the waves. Full colour personalised paper comes at an additional cost, though included in the package is a personalised paper with a few lines of black and white text or a logo.

How long does each portrait take?

Portraits take up to 10 minutes per person to draw and paint. This tends to be quicker if guests have theirs together, in couples or groups. As Christmas parties can often only be a few hours and have lots of guests, I also offer quicker black and white illustrations with pops of colour that are speedy to do to get through higher numbers on the night.

Interested in Bringing Live Illustration to Your Christmas Party?

If you think that live illustration would be the perfect addition to your Christmas party or festive event get in touch today to find out more details. Fill out my contact form to check my availability, discuss packages, or brainstorm custom ideas to make your Christmas party one that will not be forgotten.