How to Become a Live Event Artist

Live event artistry is an exciting and dynamic career path that allows artists to showcase their talents in real-time. Whether you're an illustrator, customiser, or any type of visual artist, performing your craft live at events offers a unique blend of creativity, interaction, and spontaneity. It’s a growing trend at brand launches, events, weddings, corporate, festivals, and more. Here's a guide on how to get started, who it might suit, and what you need to succeed in this thrilling field.

Who Would Suit a Career as a Live Event Artist?

Becoming a live event artist might suit you if:

• You thrive in social settings: Live event artists work in front of audiences, so you’ll need to feel comfortable creating in real-time with people watching.
• You enjoy working quickly under pressure: Timeliness is key in live events. You’ll need to complete your work efficiently while maintaining quality.
• You love personal interaction: Many live artists engage directly with attendees, incorporating their personalities or requests into their work.
• You’re adaptable and versatile: Every event will be different. The ability to adjust to various themes, audiences, and venues is crucial.

What Skills Do You Need?

1. Confidence in your craft: Whether you're an illustrator, customiser, or other creative you’ll need to be highly skilled at what you do. Live events leave little room for hesitation.
2. Speed and efficiency: You'll often be expected to create multiple pieces in a short time. Practise working quickly without sacrificing quality.
3. People skills: Being personable and approachable is essential. Your audience will likely ask questions or request certain elements in your work.
4. Problem-solving: Events can be unpredictable, and you might need to think on your feet if something goes wrong (like a last-minute change or unexpected request).

How to Gain Experience

1. Start with Small Events: Offer to perform live at smaller gatherings like local fairs, art festivals, or charity events to get a feel for the environment. You can even offer your services at friends' or family members' parties to build experience.
2. Collaborate with Local Businesses: Partner with cafes, boutiques, or other small businesses that host events. Doing live art at these venues will help you get accustomed to different settings and audiences.
3. Volunteer: Non-profit organisations and community events are always looking for unique offerings, and volunteering your live art skills can provide great exposure and practice.
4. Attend Live Art Workshops: Some communities offer workshops for live performance artists. These can be a great way to learn new techniques and connect with other artists in the field.

What Materials Do You Need to Start?

The materials you’ll need depend on your specific medium, but here’s a general list to consider:

1. Portable Art Supplies: If you're an illustrator, think of materials like markers, paints, brushes, easels, and portable sketchbooks. Digital artists will need their tablet/Ipad, digital pens, and chargers, etc. Customisers might need a range of paints, fabric markers, or airbrush kits, while engravers will need portable tools that are safe and easy to transport.
2. Setup: Consider investing in a professional-looking setup to make your working space look appealing. You might also want a compact display showing your previous work to catch the eye of attendees.
3. Good Lighting: If events are held in dim settings, portable lighting is essential. Invest in a simple, portable LED light or a ring light to ensure your work is visible.
4. Protective Gear: If you’re using paints, sprays, or engraving tools, bring table coverings, protective gear (like aprons or gloves) both for yourself and for the workspace, especially at high-end events where cleanliness is crucial.

How to Promote Yourself as a Live Events Artist

1. Use Social Media: Promote your live events on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook with engaging video clips, photos, and stories. Show snippets of your work in action—people love behind-the-scenes content! 
2. Offer Package Deals: For brand launches, corporate clients or wedding events, create event packages. For example, you could offer live sketching for a set number of hours, plus a digital version of each piece delivered after the event. Tailoring your services to event types can make you more appealing.
3. Network with Event Planners: Form partnerships with wedding planners, corporate event organisers, and brand launch coordinators. These professionals are always looking for unique offerings for their clients, and live art is an eye-catching option.
4. Participate in Art Fairs or Trade Shows: These are great platforms to demonstrate your live art skills and network with potential clients or businesses that may want to hire you for future events.
5. Offer Trial or Demo Events: Host a live art demo on social media, or collaborate with a local business to host a small pop-up event. Offering trial runs allows you to showcase your talent in action, attracting potential clients.
6. Create a Dedicated Portfolio: Ensure you have a section on your website dedicated to live event art. Include examples, videos, and testimonials from previous events to give potential clients a sense of what you offer.

Additional Tips for Getting Started

1. Create a Distinctive Style: Develop a recognisable style that sets you apart. Whether it’s your unique drawing/painting technique, intricate engraving patterns, or vibrant colour schemes in customisation, clients will look for originality.
2. Be Prepared for Different Audiences: At live events, your audience could range from corporate professionals to children. Be ready to tailor your presentation to the crowd while maintaining your artistic voice.
3. Stay Flexible: Live events can come with surprises—tight spaces, unpredictable timelines, or sudden client requests. Being adaptable will make you a reliable and valuable artist in the eyes of event organisers.
4. Collect Feedback and Testimonials: After every event, ask for feedback or a testimonial from the client. Positive reviews are invaluable in building credibility and attracting future clients.

Now What?

Becoming a live events artist is a rewarding way to combine creativity with real-time performance. It’s an art form that takes confidence, adaptability, and a bit of showmanship. By building your skills, networking, and promoting yourself effectively, you can turn your skills into a fulfilling and lucrative career. Whether you’re sketching at a wedding, customising bags at a brand launch, or engraving keepsakes at a corporate event, there are endless opportunities to grow and shine in this field.

If you are ready to start making money from live events and want to showcase your skills and connect with potential clients, you can sign up for a promotional page on www.liveeventsartist.com by clicking the link below.