How To Hire An Artist
Who Draws at Live Events
What's Most Important?
If you dont know anything about art and you can't draw a straight line, you can still hire an artist who draws live caricatures, live illustrations or even cuts silhouettes for your next event!
Read this quick guide to help you learn how.
AND Learn the Live Artist's SECRET
They don't want you to know!
How to hire an artist to draw live art
Even if you know nothing about art
My caricature stand at Fremont street experinece in Las Vegas - which
I sold to move to the gulf coast in 2016
I was hiring people for my caricature Stand in Las Vegas. An older gentleman came in and said he could draw caricatures and had been doing it for years.
Something told me he wasn't telling the truth
(Live artists are experts at lie detecting. We can read microexpressions like nobody's business. We might not let on, but we know when people are lying.)
Anyway, I remembered a trick my late husband
Buddy Rose (also a caricaturist) taught me -
hand them a marker and ask them to draw you.
I did, and the guy nervously drew me. He was really sweating. When he finally revealed the drawing,
it was clear he couldn't draw AT ALL.
I dont mean he wasnt professional grade. I mean he was first grade. Maybe second. He had no business trying to do the job of a live artist.
Of course, I smiled and politely showed him the door.
That's a little trick you can use Courtesy of Buddy Rose, the Godfather of Caricature, founder of the ISCA, and my late husband.
Ask 'em to draw you on the spot. Works every time.
STYLE is also Paramount
When you hire an artist to draw live
Every live artist has a different style.
When you hire a live artist, make sure their style matches the tone of your event and the way you want your guests to feel.
The best styles make people feel excited to take their artwork home.
A caricature by Al Hirschfeld.
His style was immediately recognizable by its elegant simplicity
But what if you know negative zero about art?
Let's look at some of the characteristics of the style of live artists:
Capturing a Likeness
This Family Photo Cartoon Drawing was done recently at a wedding in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Note the likenesses of ALL ages (not everyone can draw children or babies!)
The MOST important part of style is whether the artwork actually looks like the person sitting there. This is called a likeness.
No matter how creative or stylized the work is, if it doesn’t capture the person, it misses the point.
A good live artist keeps their style while still making each guest instantly recognizable—and that’s what makes the piece meaningful and worth keeping.
The BEST way to tell the style and speed of a live artist is by watching a prospective wedding painter, caricaturist, portrait artist or other type of live artist actually draw or paint live.
Doing it while they dont know youre watching can be even more telling.
I have a live events page where youre free to come watch me draw live at events.
This Cute Drawing for this couple was done at a wedding in Biloxi at the Slavonian Lodge
Watch Out for Faceless Drawings & “Same Face” Syndrome
Another thing to look for when choosing an artist is variety and likeness.
If every drawing looks the same, just with different hair and outfits, that’s a red flag.
What you’re really paying for is that moment when someone sees their drawing and says, “That actually looks like me.”
Not a generic face that could be anyone.
That’s also why I don’t offer faceless portrait drawings.
I’ve heard too many guests say they want something with a face.
Dude, Where's my face?
No Consistent Style
OMG wasn't hirschfeld amazing???
The reason I'm posting his work is to show the consitsency in his style. You can tell a Hirschfeld anywhere.
Oddly enough, Another thing to look out for in a portfolio is an absence of a consistent style. If the drawings in a portfolio don't look like they were all from the same artist, they probably aren't.
I personally have had someone lift an image of mine from the internet and claim it as their own in order to "pad" their portfolio.
It happens more often than you'd think, and if you think about it, it's theft by deception.
If they can't draw their own samples, they can't be very good artists.
Or very good human beings either.
The solution again is to Watch them draw LIVE!
What about AI "art"?
If it looks like AI (and is WAY underpriced) then RUN!
I won't rant about how AI is stealing from artists and literally can't make anything on its own here, however, you DEFINITELY DON'T want an "AI Bro" pretending he or she can draw at your event!
One BIG "tell" for AI art is to look at the anatomy. Look at fingers, hands, arms and legs. If it's disjointed in creepy ways, it's AI.
This is the only kind of AI image you will
find on my pages - the kind makling fun of it.
Beyond weird hands and fingers, there are a few other big tells. Look closely at eyes—AI often makes them uneven, glassy, or slightly “off” in direction. Teeth can look too perfect or strangely blended together. Hair and backgrounds tend to melt or blur into each other with no clear structure. Jewelry, glasses, and patterns (like shirts or logos) often come out warped, asymmetrical, or inconsistent.
Another giveaway is repetition. Faces may look eerily similar from one piece to the next, or details don’t quite match from one side to the other. And if the portfolio is all perfect, polished images with no real event photos—no people sitting, no setup, no in-progress shots—that’s a huge red flag.
Bottom line: if it doesn’t look like something created live, in real time, by a human… it probably wasn’t.
You can also do image reversal lookups on Google now.
Just watch out with digital drawings. Digital drawings are images created by hand on a computer or tablet.
They have been around for a LONG time - I've been drawing them for over 20 years myself - and digital drawings can still can come up as AI.
I DO NOT use AI except sometimes to cut out images when backgrounds aren't appropriate.
But I still had one of my most time-consuming digital art pieces show up as likely AI (it was NOT)
In case you were wondering here it is -
harry and meghan getting hitched. NOT AI
We all love to laugh at them.
But would you want to BE them?
Here's an example of a mean caricature, drawn of me by an unknown artist.
This is what I looked like around the time this was drawn.
Would YOU want a drawing like this hanging in your home?
What about those Mean Caricatures
and sketches on all those Tik Tok Videos?
No?
Me either.
And Neither do your guests.
For Parties, Weddings and trade shows, Look for live Caricatures that are flattering and fun.
THAT is what you want to give your guests!
Please read my related blog post about Al Hirschfeld, Arguably the Greatest Caricaturist in the world, and how his Caricatures were FLATTERING HERE
You can also read about why Ugly Caricatures are not the norm HERE
Caricatures don’t have to be mean to be fun. In fact, fun caricatures create a better experience for everyone, where the person in the chair is laughing just as much as the crowd watching.
If you’re looking to hire an artist, choosing someone who specializes in fun, flattering caricatures (instead of mean caricatures) makes all the difference in how your guests feel and how they remember your event.
Check Out My Art Gallery HERE
Tips for Looking at a Live Artist's Artwork Portfolio
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Look for REAL live event photos — actual guests, venues, crowds, and interactions, not just artwork on blank backgrounds or studio mockups.
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Be cautious of portfolios filled with AI images, faceless drawings, or generic artwork that could be of anyone.
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Look for consistency AND individuality.
A strong artist has a recognizable style while still capturing real likenesses instead of making everyone look the same.
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Pay attention to the tone of the artwork.
Some caricature styles are harsh or overly exaggerated, while others are more flattering and guest-friendly. Think About what would work best for your event and hire an artist accordingly
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Look at the reactions in the photos.
Great live artists create laughter, and interaction, not just drawings. (Some artists only work from photos which is not ideal for hiring a live artist. Half the point is the interaction and the entertainment value)
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Notice professionalism.
The artist should appear polished, approachable, organized, and experienced working around real guests.
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Read reviews for more than just pretty art.
Look for mentions of personality, speed, guest experience, and reliability.
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Remember: you’re not just hiring an artist, you’re hiring someone who will be part of your event for hours.
Who you choose as your live artist can make or break your event.
Aside from being able to Draw,
What's the Most Important Thing
when you hire an artist to draw live?
WHAT ISN'T:
It's not:
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Price
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Professionalism
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Putting on a Show
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Not Even Art Style
WHAT IS:
Time = Money. We all know that.
and IF your Live Artist isn't FAST,
THEN They AREN'T worth the Money.
SPEED
Why SPEED COUNTS
When you hire a Live Artist
Don't make the mistake of hiring an artist for a live event without verifying their speed first!
Imagine how horrible it would be to have a roomful of guests and only get a handful of them drawn. Unfortunately, this happens all too often. I've actually seen it more than a time or two.
That's what happens when you hire an artist based on price alone.
Price is NOT your most important factor. Let's See Why.
Speed Caricature
You can see more speed drawings at Kathy Buskett - YouTube
The Value of SPEED
According to a leading entertainment booking site, Most Live Artists draw between 10-15 faces per hour. Some even only draw 4-5 per hour! (I've actually seen this)
When you have a live artist who draws slower, you're actually getting less for your money.
Live artists are essentially Live Favor-creators. There's absolutely an entertainment element there as well.
But when you look at it as a purely favor-making enterprise, you can see the value in speed.
Cost Per Person Cut In Half
The faster your live artist can draw, the more people they can serve and the more people you have favors for.
So if you're paying a little more for an artist who can draw twice as fast, you're still getting a deal because it cuts the cost per person in half or more.
Ultimately this matters more than the Price Per hour.
And lastly, there's one more important thing to look at:
PROFESSIONALISM
Professionalism matters more than people realize when it comes to live event artists.
A lot of artists assume they can jump straight into weddings and high-end events, but this work takes years to truly master. It’s not just about drawing—it’s about reading the room, managing lines, keeping things moving, interacting with guests, and fitting seamlessly into the flow of the event without ever becoming a distraction.
When you hire a professional artist, you’re not just hiring a skill—you’re trusting someone to represent your event. Choosing an experienced professional ensures everything runs smoothly, your guests feel taken care of, and the entire experience feels polished from start to finish.
What sets a Professional Artist Apart
Ask around and search for real reviews from real people—especially verified reviews on independent sites—before you hire an artist.
A truly professional artist should have plenty of happy clients and be able to provide recent references quickly. If they hesitate or can’t, that’s a red flag.
Online Reviews will tell you everything about the experience your guests will actually have. Make sure to check many sources, not just one. The Big online "booking agency" sites are actually not as reliable of a source. Try the better business bureau, google, facebook, yelp, and then the bookign sites and compare the reviews.
You can also ask for references directly. A true pro should be comfortable sharing a few recent clients. In fact, when a bride recently asked me for references, I gladly provided them—and she booked right after speaking with them. That’s the kind of confidence you want when you hire an artist.
Miss Mississippi at A Corporate Event at the Beau Rivage Casino in Biloxi MS
Helpful questions to ask past clients:
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Did they offer and honor a contract?
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Were they on time and professional in appearance?
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Was their setup clean and polished?
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How did guests respond—were they laughing and engaged?
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How was their speed?
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Did they draw groups?
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Did they manage the line well without needing overtime?
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Would you hire them again?
Remember, you’re not just hiring someone to draw—you’re hiring
a live entertainer. And an entertainer should be able to entertain!
Reading the Room & People Skills
A great live artist doesn’t just draw—they read the room. Every event is different, and every guest is different. Some people are excited and chatty, others are shy, tired, or just want a quiet moment. A true professional live artist knows how to adjust on the fly.
Strong people skills mean knowing when to engage and entertain, and when to step back and let the guest lead. It’s about making people feel comfortable in the chair, keeping the energy positive, and never putting anyone on the spot or making them feel awkward.
This is especially important at weddings and corporate events, where the artist is part of the overall experience. The best live artists blend in seamlessly, interact naturally, and leave guests feeling seen, included, and taken care of—not just drawn.
A Professional Live Artist Should Offer a Contract
...And a Guarantee
When you hire a professional artist for a live event, a written contract isn’t optional—it’s essential. A true professional will always provide a clear agreement that protects both you and the artist and sets expectations upfront.
At a minimum, the contract should include the event date, location, hours of service, total cost, and payment schedule. It should outline what happens if additional time is needed, how breaks are handled, and any setup requirements.
Just as important, it should cover reliability. A strong contract will include a clear cancellation policy and, ideally, a money-back guarantee if the artist fails to show up. That kind of confidence speaks volumes about their professionalism and track record.
You’ll also want details on what’s being provided—type of artwork, number of guests that can realistically be served, and any customization like branding or themes.
When you hire an artist, this agreement protects your event, your investment, and your peace of mind. If an artist avoids contracts or keeps things vague, that’s a sign to keep looking.
Live artist - or Scam Artist?
Unfortunately there are a lot of scam artists out there. You know this. But you likely dont know how this has affected the problem of hiring a live artist.
One thing scammers do is use AI to pretend they can draw or paint. This is false advertising. They can't recreate the images they are advertising, and they may just take your money and run.
Another thing scammers do is lift other peoples art from their websites and post it as their own. You can do a google image search now (Go to images.google.com and follow the directions) BUT it isnt always accurate so be aware of that.
I did once see one of my digital hand drawn images come up as saying it was AI which wasnt true, but I took it down because I didnt want anyone thinking I was using AI.
(I'm friends with a lot of artists and interact with artists a lot online. Most artists HATE AI)
And finally, scammers like to take your money and run. so make SURE to always get a contract before sending money to anyone, and use your credit card or debit card to pay downpayments or reatiners so you can disupte charges if needed!
Make sure your prospective live artist:
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Is FAST
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That you like their style
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Creates strong likenesses (it actually looks like the person)
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Works well with all age groups (including kids and babies)
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Acts professional
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Offers a contract before asking for a retainer
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Has a clear process from inquiry to event
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Look at their portfolio
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Interview them
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Interview their references
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Watch them while they work
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Ask them to draw you live and see how long it really takes
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Can work in different lighting conditions
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Has a clean, compact, professional setup
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Doesn’t require excessive space or special accommodations
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Knows how to manage a line
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Communicates wait times clearly
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Keeps things fair and organized without causing tension
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Makes guests feel comfortable (especially shy guests or kids)
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Can read the room and adjust their energy
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Is engaging, but not pushy or awkward
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Responds in a timely and professional manner
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Is clear about arrival time, setup, and expectations
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Is easy to reach leading up to the event
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Is honest about how many guests they can draw per hour
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Doesn’t overpromise and underdeliver
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Explains what happens if guest count exceeds time
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Doesn’t interrupt key moments (toasts, dances, speeches)
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Works well with planners, DJs, and other vendors
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Understands event timing and flow
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Uses clean, non-messy materials
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Keeps their area tidy and professional
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Has a backup plan in case of emergency
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Communicates clearly if anything changes
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Look for red flags including:
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Slow speeds
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Takes too many breaks
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Eating on the job without permission
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Not well dressed for the occasion
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No web presence
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Not enough reviews or references
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No contract or one that only protects them
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Wants payment without a contract
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No clear process
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All drawings look the same
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No real likenesses
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Can’t draw certain age groups
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People don’t want to sit for them
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Bad attitude or a prima donna
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Treating people poorly
So to recap:
When you hire an artist, you’re not just hiring someone who can draw—you’re hiring a professional artist who knows how to handle a live event from start to finish. A true live artist brings speed, skill, professionalism, and the ability to engage with your guests while keeping everything running smoothly.
The difference shows in the experience your guests have and how they remember your event. Choose a professional artist with proven experience, and you’ll get more than artwork—you’ll get entertainment, energy, and peace of mind.
About the Artist
Hi, My name is Kathy Buskett and I'm a wife and mom probably a lot like your own mom.
I travel all over drawing flattering and fast caricatures.
If you'd like to learn more about me and my live flattering caricatures, please click on the button below.
I'm located on the gulf coast of Alabama, and I serve most of the gulf coast including Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana, and I also travel anywhere!
