July 31, 2025

5 Reasons to Hire a Live Watercolor Artist for Your Event

5 reasons to hire a live watercolor artist for your event if you want your next event to stand out, this one simple way offers your guests a truly unique experience.

Whether it’s a luxury brand activation in Geneva, a corporate event in Zurich or an elegant private celebration in Paris, hiring a live watercolour artist instantly elevates the atmosphere. It transforms an ordinary gathering into a moment your guests will talk about and treasure.

live illustration at an event

Here’s why live event illustration makes such an impact:

1. It’s pure entertainment (and a little magic)

People love watching an artist at work. Even the shyest guests are drawn to the process of live watercolour painting, often starting from a distance before coming closer to see the details unfold. In a world where traditional, hand-painted art has become rare, witnessing a live illustrator in action feels almost magical.

2. It builds loyalty with your Brand

When you invite a live illustrator to create personalised keepsakes, it shows your guests how much you value them. Whether it’s custom watercolour portraits or hand-painted calligraphy customised gifts, these one-of-a-kind pieces communicate care, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail, qualities that make your brand or event unforgettable.

3. It keeps guests engaged (and around for longer)

A live event artist does more than entertain. They create a reason for your guests to stay longer. Guests will wait for their turn to receive their illustration, using that time to chat, network, explore the venue, take photos and enjoy your event. It’s a perfect way to increase engagement and create a lively, dynamic atmosphere.

4. It creates heartfelt, unforgettable emotions

The joy of receiving a personalised watercolour portrait is unlike anything else. Guests light up with excitement and gratitude as they see their portrait for the first time. I’ve heard countless heartfelt reactions: “I’ll frame this immediately!”“It’s like a real piece of art, just for me!”. These moments of connection make your event deeply memorable.

5. It elevates your event and adds a touch of luxury

Not every event offers this type of exclusive, live art experience. When guests post their personalised portraits on Instagram, it creates beautiful, shareable content that reflects the luxury and exclusivity of your brand or celebration. Hiring a live illustrator for your company event in Geneva or across Switzerland is a simple way to make your event stand out as an extraordinary, high-end experience.

Ready to add this magic to your event?

Whether you’re planning a luxury brand activation, a corporate event or a private party in Geneva or anywhere in Switzerland, I can help bring your vision to life through live watercolour illustration, fashion portraits and personalised calligraphy. I hope that these 5 reasons to hire a live watercolour artist for your event convinced you to take to elevate our next event.

Let’s create something unforgettable together. Get in touch here.

July 14, 2025

3 Brands That Launched My Career

When I think back to the early days of my journey as a live illustrator and watercolour artist, there are 3 brands that launched my career. They shaped my career and gave me the confidence to keep painting: Lancôme, Clarins, and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix in Geneva. Each of these projects brought magic, emotion, and incredible people into my life.

Lancôme: my first live watercolour event

My very first live illustration event was with Lancôme, and it still holds a special place in my heart. A marketing intern for the brand was planning an animation at Globus Geneva and had been browsing the instagram followers of a well-known Swiss artist. That’s how she found my account, and instantly felt that my soft, feminine watercolour style would match perfectly with the brand’s Parisian spirit.

The project was pure joy from start to finish. I spent the day painting directly onto Lancôme gift boxes with my signature watercolours: pink tones, Eiffel Towers, roses and other charming Paris-inspired elements. Clients were fascinated and kept asking what they needed to buy to receive a box like that!
I also hand-lettered sweet phrases in French like "La vie est belle", "Mon amour", and "Pour la meilleure maman" - making each box truly one of a kind.

It was the perfect first collaboration, full of joy and creativity, and it arrived just after a difficult period in my life. I will always see it as a beautiful, healing beginning.

Clarins: delicate illustrations for a meaningful brand

Shortly after, Clarins reached out for a special Mother’s Day project. The brief ? Create meaningful and delicate watercolour illustrations that reflected love and femininity. I adored every part of this watercolour project.

That collaboration quickly grew into several more live events, where I illustrated floral bookmarks for Clarins guests, each design inspired by the natural ingredients in their iconic skincare products. It was not just a brand match, it was a creative match.

This beautiful partnership happened thanks to Justine Zamataro, then Head of Marketing at Clarins Switzerland. She had brilliant ideas and a wonderful energy (and by the way, she is now running her own PR & Marketing agency!)

floral watercolour for Clarins skincare brand

Ritz-Carlton Hôtel de la Paix: a dream holiday collaboration

One of the most iconic projects I’ve had the honour to create was the Christmas card for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix in Geneva. I illustrated a festive holiday scene—a Christmas tree adorned with red ribbons, inspired by the elegant lobby decor of the hotel. A year later, we worked together again on another winter design, this time capturing the festive façade of the hotel in my signature soft, dreamy watercolour style.

The collaboration came through Instagram. Ginevra, the hotel’s marketing manager at the time, had been following my account and reached out directly. It was a dream project and one that I’ll always be grateful for and proud of. Bringing such an iconic Geneva landmark to life through art was a true career milestone.

Custom watercolour Christmas Card, hand painted in Geneva by watercolour artist for the Ritz Carlton hotel de la paix in Geneva

A Note from the Artist

The 3 brands that launched my career were more than projects, they were moments of connection, joy and recognition. They taught me that my art could live in the world, make people smile and become part of unforgettable experiences.

If you’re looking to bring beauty and personalisation to your event, gift or brand launch, I’d love to hear from you. My journey started with a brushstroke and it’s still unfolding, one illustration at a time.

Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

Whether you’re a luxury brand, event planner or simply someone looking to make a gift feel truly special, I offer live watercolour illustration, fashion portraits, and personalised calligraphy for events and collaborations in Geneva, in Switzerland and beyond.

Get in touch to bring a touch of softness, joy and elegance to your next project.

2025 © Alexandra Motovilina