Updated June 2025. What's a speed portrait artist?

Speed portraits are just that, quick portraits. I've sketched at festivals and corporate events across the UK, weddings, award ceremonies and private events. Some of the awesome shindigs I've worked at include Art Battle Manchester, Secret Street Party, We Invented the Weekend, Manchester Day, MIF, Underbanks Festival, AR fest and more.

For events that require something a bit different, and to give attendees a permanent souvenir they can take away. It takes around 5/7 minutes per portrait, and I chat to folks while drawing them, with a bit of light comedy banter to make them feel special. All materials are provided.

Here are examples from previous events;

Speed portrait artist John Cooper, at Liverpool Museum.

Big queues for portraits at Manchester day!

FAQ.

Q. How many people can I draw in an hour?
A. This can vary. A room full of bald-headed chaps would take less time than a room full big hair-do's and beards. Some faces have more lines than others. What can do is make sure everyone who is drawn feels like they've had a special moment.

Q. Do you work in colour?
A. My signature style is black and white, mainly to save time.

Q. Do you do draw pets?
A. I've done a few pet events but they are very tricky as pets tend not to sit still for long. Working from photos isn't the same as a live subject.

Q. Do you work from photos?
A. I can work from photos, however at events my guidance is that 'live' folks, those in the room, come first. a photo portrait can be created anytime, but at a live event the experience is best had by the folks in the room.

I'm a speed portrait artist, not a caricaturist. I prefer to give people a piece of art that's body positive in my signature clean line art style. I've been asked to do caricatures, but big noses and ears aren't my thing. Speed portraits are a unique way of capturing a moment in time.