Live Event Illustrator for Weddings painting a group of five women dressed in light blue dresses standing outdoors among trees, with one woman in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of white and blue flowers.

Live Portrait Experiences by Sam Evans Studio

Discover our live portrait packages designed for weddings, corporate events, safari lodges, and luxury celebrations worldwide.

View Our Packages
Outline drawing of a leafy tree with a wide canopy and detailed trunk on a black background.

Msasa Package

Our Classic option, perfect for tailoring the experience to your preferences. The foundation of our guest portraits.

    • Live portraits painted on premium A5 paper

    • One artist painting throughout the event

    • Each guest receives their own hand-painted portrait

  • Mid-size weddings, corporate unctions, safari lodges, launches, and celebrations focused on guest experience.

  • For events with over 60 guests, some portraits may be completed and delivered shortly after the event to ensure every piece meets our quality standards.

    *Option to add an additional artist.

A black and white illustration of a large, leafless tree with many branches spreading out horizontally.

Acacia Package

Our most popular package, offering the ideal balance of live guest portraits and lasting keepsakes. Acacia is designed for hosts who want their guests fully engaged on the day and something beautiful to remember it by.

    • Live guest portraits on premium A5 paper

    • One artist present at the event

    • Option for branded details, hosts monograms or boarders.

    • Scanned digital copies of guest portraits on request.

    • One detailed A3 artwork (key moment, hosts, or brand-focused piece)

  • Luxury weddings, corporate hospitality, retreats, safari events, and destination experiences

  • For events with over 60 guests, some portraits may be completed and delivered shortly after the event to ensure every piece meets our quality standards.

    *Option to add an additional artist.

Black and white illustration of a leafless tree with many branches.

Baobab Package

Our most comprehensive offering. Ideal for large-scale events where guest engagement, artistry, and lasting impressions matter.

    • Live guest portraits on premium A5 paper

    • Two artists working together

    • Option for branded details, hosts monograms or embossing stamps.

    • Scanned digital copies of all guest portraits

    • One detailed A3 artwork

    • Three A4 group portraits capturing key moments or groups

  • Large weddings, corporate galas, brand activations, conferences, safari lodges, and destination events.

  • For events with over 120 guests, some portraits may be completed after the event to ensure consistency and quality.

Save Your Date
Two wedding portrait illustrators sitting at a table outdoors in front of a house with a thatched roof, smiling at the camera, with art supplies, a flower arrangement, and a rebranding sign on the table.

Kadiki Package

A focused live portrait experience designed for intimate events of up to 20 guests.

    • Live portraits of up to 20 guests

    • Duplicates for host

    • Up to 5 group portraits on premium A4 paper

  • Small events,
    bridal parties,
    private dinners,
    executive gatherings,
    elopements,
    agents and intimate brand experiences.

  • Painted during the event live.

Exactly what I need!
Four women and one man gather around a table at night, looking at illustrated cards or artwork displayed vertically on a wooden stand, likely at a celebration or event.

Add Ons

All add-ons are designed to enhance the experience, not distract from it. We’ll always guide you towards what feels right for your event. Every event is different. Packages provide a foundation, with add-ons available to tailor the experience to your guest count, timeline, and vision.

Final pricing is confirmed after a brief consultation to ensure the experience feels effortless, considered, and aligned with your event.

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  • A second artist allows for a greater number of portraits to be completed while preserving the same level of detail and atmosphere. Ideal for larger events or time-sensitive schedules, ensuring the experience remains relaxed and seamless for guests.

  • Hand-painted mini portraits placed directly into your guest book, with space for each guest to leave a message. This transforms a traditional guest book into a visual record of who was present.

  • Portrait paper and envelopes designed to complement your event or brand. Options include monograms, colour palettes, or subtle branding. Ensuring each portrait feels intentional and beautifully finished.

  • A collaborative artwork created by your guests. Each fingerprint becomes part of a hand-painted design, resulting in a meaningful piece that reflects everyone who attended. An interactive alternative to traditional guest participation.

  • Welcome signs, seating plans, menus, or prompts. All hand-painted to suit your event’s aesthetic. These pieces add warmth and character, and are often kept or displayed long after the event.

  • High-resolution scanned copies of guest portraits, prepared for easy sharing or printing. Particularly valued for destination events, international guests, or corporate follow-ups.

  • For clients seeking something entirely unique. This offering allows us to collaborate on a tailored concept from materials and format to presentation and guest flow ensuring the experience feels truly one-of-a-kind.

  • Pre-painted portraits for key guests, clients, speakers, or leadership. This is an option for when your date is already booked by someone else. Portraits are given as gifts throughout the event, displayed or can be used as place holders for table settings.

  • Live artwork created around a product launch, keynote, or campaign moment. Ideal for conferences, activations, and experiential marketing.

The Process

  • 01. INQUIRE

    Fill out our contact form and we will set up a call

  • 02. LETS GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER

    Jump on a call and discuss what package is the best fit for you and your big day

  • 03. BOOK IN

    We’ll go over contracts, timelines, deposits and all of the details to officially book your date.

  • 04. YOUR BIG DAY

    Let the magic happen as we entertain your guests and provide a tangible memory they will cherish forever

Table with wedding or event invitations, flower arrangement, and art supplies outdoors with blurred house in background.
Group of people at a nighttime event looking at a table with artwork and photographs.
People at an outdoor event browsing and purchasing greeting cards or artwork at a table and display stand during the night outdoors.
A couple dressed in wedding attire standing on a rocky landscape with a river and hilly terrain in the background during sunset. The woman wears a white dress with a long veil, and the man wears a light blue suit.
A group of five men dressed in white shirts, with one wearing a light blue suit, standing outdoors on a rocky landscape with a river and hills in the background, smiling at the camera. The scene appears to be during sunset or late afternoon.
Table with wedding fan programs, a vase of flowers, and pens outside in front of a house with trees.
Two women sit at a table outdoors with art supplies, engaged in a creative activity, with trees in the background.
Collection of watercolor sketches of people in various outfits, some with faceless features, including couples, families, and individuals, with some drawings signed and dated.

FAQ

  • Guests get their photo taken, for the artist to draw from. Each piece is painted on high-quality paper, and finished portraits are placed on display or handed to guests throughout the event.

  • A single A5 portrait is designed for two people. For couples with small children or babies can also fit nicely on the page.

  • On average, we complete 6–12 portraits per hour, depending on the style chosen and event flow. For larger guest lists, we suggest having an additional artist from our team.

  • If portraits remain unfinished, we can complete them after the event using photos we take at the event. Completed portraits will be packaged and delivered to you within 48hrs of your event.

  • Not at all! Our artists work from photographs! They snap a picture and get to work. The more movement, the better the pose!

  • We recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for weddings.

    However, if your date is soon, please enquire, we may still be available.

  • Each portrait takes 5–12 minutes from start to finish, depending on whether there is one or two guests in frame and fashion of the guest.

  • Yes. We regularly travel throughout Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, and are available for international bookings.

  • This is up to you! We can display them to be picked up at the end or have the guests pick them up throughout.

  • Yes! This is a popular add-on for wedding guest books!

  • A 50% deposit secures your date, with the remaining balance due one week before the event.

  • We require:

    • A small table and chair

    • Good lighting (or permission to bring our own)

    • Access to water

    • Coverage from rain/sun if outdoors

    We handle the rest.

  • Absolutely. Sam Evans Studio offers live portraiture for destination weddings, international corporate events, and luxury travel experiences worldwide.