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 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
DIRTY LITTLE SECRET
They don't want you to know!
Can they even draw?
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 -
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 you're lying.)
Anyway, I remembered a trick my late husband
Buddy Rose (also a caricaturist) taught me - hand them a marker and tell 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.
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.
What to look for in a Live Artist Portfolio
A live artist's portfolio should show real, live event work—not studio pieces or mockups. Whether it’s caricatures, live painting, or sketch artists, you want to see real people, real settings, and real interactions.
Avoid portfolios filled with AI images, faceless portraits, or generic drawings that could be of anyone. A professional live artist captures actual likenesses and moments as they happen.
Look for consistency and authenticity.
If every piece looks completely different, it may not all be their work. If everything looks exactly the same, that can mean there’s no real likeness or individuality. Strong artists balance style with recognizable results.
Pay attention to tone. Some artists lean toward mean caricatures or exaggerated styles that don’t suit every event. For most occasions, especially weddings and corporate events, fun caricatures and flattering live artwork create a better experience for guests.
Finally, remember you’re not just hiring talent—you’re hiring a presence. A great live artist is engaging, professional, and adds to the energy of your event, not just the artwork your guests take home.
STYLE is also Paramount
When you hire an artist to draw live
Every live artist has a different style, and it plays a big role in how your guests experience the artwork. Some styles are bold and exaggerated, some are soft and realistic, and others fall somewhere in between.
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 not only look great, but also make people feel comfortable, confident, and 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?
Trust your eyes. Look at your potential artist's portfolio.
If you like what you see, then you may have found a good one!
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
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 strong 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 Caricaturist, portrait artist or other type of live artist actually draw live.
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 reason to pass an artist up is if all the drawings look the same and don't look enough like the sitter.
Anyone can draw a smiley face. (or one of those creepy faceless people drawings)
What You're paying for is the magic of likenesses to appear as if out of nowhere. Not faces that all look the same with different clothes and hair. Might as well just get one of those "no face drawings" (pituey)
Sorry to my friends who do them (not sorry), but these things will go the way of Disco in about 2 years, and no one will keep them up on their walls.
There's a reason I don't do faceless people drawings. I have heard too many guests say they don't like them.
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
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
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
This is me. Yes it's edited and sped up for youtube - but not much. You can see more speed drawings there 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.
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.
Cost Per Person Cut In Half
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.
Miss Mississippi at Beau Rivage
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. When you’re choosing between fun caricatures and mean caricatures, reviews will tell you everything about the experience your guests will actually have.
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.
Helpful questions to ask:
Did they offer and honor a contract?
Were they on time and professional in appearance?
Was their setup clean and polished?
How did guests respond—were they laughing and engaged?
How was their speed and attitude?
Did they draw couples, families, and groups?
Did they manage the line well without needing overtime?
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!
What sets a Professional Artist Apart
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 Artist Should Offer a Contract
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.
My Contract & Guarantee
When you hire a live artist, you should feel completely confident in your decision. I provide a clear, professional booking agreement that outlines every detail—timing, setup, pricing, and exactly what to expect—so there are no surprises.
Most importantly, I stand behind my work. In over 27 years, I’ve never missed an event, but my contract still includes a full money-back guarantee if I ever failed to show. It protects both of us and gives you total peace of mind from the moment you book.
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 at all times
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Offers a contract before asking for a dime
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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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Can adjust placement based on the flow of the event
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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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Rudely asks for tips
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Eating on the job without permission
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Not well dressed for the occasion
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Poor hygiene or smells like weed
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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.
Hi, I’m Kathy Buskett.
I’ve spent over 27 years working as a professional live artist, including nearly a decade drawing at high-volume events in Las Vegas.
This isn’t a side hustle for me—it’s my full-time career and how I support my family, which is why I take my work, my reputation, and your event so seriously.
Over the years, I’ve learned that being a great live artist isn’t just about drawing. It’s about speed, professionalism, reading the room, and creating an experience your guests genuinely enjoy. That’s why I’ve been trusted by top-tier companies, wedding planners, and hundreds of clients who needed someone they could count on.
When you hire an artist, you want someone who shows up prepared, delivers exactly what they promise, and makes you look good for choosing them. That’s what I do.
You’re not just getting artwork—you’re getting a real pro.
And yes… you’re also supporting a working artist.
Reasons To Hire me as Your Live Artist
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One of the Fastest Caricaturists in the World and can draw up to 30 people per hour
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27 Years of Experience
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10 of those years were spent drawing in Las Vegas
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Top Tier Clients such as Samsung, AT&T, Verizon, Coca-Cola and even Cirque du Soleil.
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I keep in contact in the months, weeks and days before your event so you don't have to worry.
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I have never missed a paid event in the 25 years I've been drawing Caricatures
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I use a contract to guarantee you that I will show up, which helps set your mind at ease. I won't cancel on you for a better opportunity like some other artists are known to do.
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Guaranteed to show up or your money back
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(which has never happened but if it does you're covered)
Kathy Buskett is Your Clear choice for a Speedy, Stylish and Professional Caricature Artist Near Me