With brands constantly looking for new unique ways to surprise and delight, the market for live illustrators has grown dramatically in the last decade. Case in point: illustrator Katie Chappell. With a resume that includes illustrating for books and websites and running creative workshops, her schedule is seemingly tight.
But it’s her commercial work that we find most exciting, illustrating at live events for brands that include Dove, Nespresso, and Stella Artois, amongst other selected clients. “I offer live illustration for brand promotional events, parties, weddings, and meetings,” she shared with Printed.
Her work includes illustrating custom Nespresso cups, as well as creating massive window paintings. “Being able to capture information in a visual way is great, and I love the challenge of listening carefully and draw quickly at the same time,” says Chappell.
There’s also the bonus of seeing other people’s reactions as they watch her illustrations take shape. “Being able to witness that is something very special,” she admits. “People are always very excited when they realize what you’re doing and why you are there. There’s always this skeptical moment when someone is trying to figure out what is going on, and then they want to get involved!”
It also makes for a less solitary practice. In other words: it’s an overall win-win.
