How did Events Illustration come about?

I had the idea twelve years ago when I recognised that my strongest skill, drawing people,was staying hidden between the covers of sketchbooks.

It occurred to me that a brilliant way to share what I do, essentially capturing fleeting moments in the form of a visual diary, would be to draw at weddings, because of the variety of events that happen throughout one day; the Bride getting ready, the venue and guests, through the ceremony, reception and wedding breakfast to the speeches and dancing, making each sheet of drawings quite distinct.

I was able to try out my idea as a friend of a friend was getting married, and the response of the couple, their family and guests was so overwhelming that I realised I had the makings of a unique business.

I enjoyed the wedding so much that I set about organising my own, followed eighteen months later by the arrival of my first child, so my business venture didn’t get underway immediately.

I did draw my son slightly obsessively every day for the first two years, and when he was seven months old, I was able to try out my idea again to be sure it wasn’t a one-off success; another obliging friend of a friend was getting married and kindly invited me to be guest-artist-in-residence.

Once again, the response was so enthusiastic that I was encouraged to write a press release and try to spread the word.

Over the years I’ve speeded up and the drawings are a lot more detailed, so that what started as seven or eight sheets of A3 paper now averages at twelve to fifteen, depending on what time the wedding begins.

All the drawing is done on the day and I finish each sheet with coloured pencil and lettering, as well as a frontispiece, usually with a drawing of the venue, including the couples names and the date of the wedding.

Occasionally there is an endpaper as well, if the drawings are a gift from friends or family.

The sheets are then presented in an exquisite bespoke portfolio made by Black Cat Bindery who will make matching items such as photograph albums and memory boxes.

sgodsill