Bad Portraits by Karlee

Pricing

Prices start at $1,800

Packages

Prices start at $1,800

About Bad Portraits by Karlee

Bad Portraits by Karlee

Artist

I'm a Portland-based artist who loves connecting with people. Bad Portraits is all about creating a fun and memorable experience for guests who sit with me for quick portrait sessions during your reception. We have engaging conversations while I hand-draw each portrait and give it away as a unique memento and gift from the newlyweds. As an optional keepsake, portraits can be compiled into an illustrated guestbook along with written messages from guests, resulting in a unique and sentimental coffee table book. I scan each one as I draw to save a copy for the book, so guests can keep their portraits as a custom gift when they leave.

Live portraits are deeply personal and provide two essential gifts to your guests: the gift of being seen and celebrated during your wedding, and a memento to take away and cherish. Unlike photo booths or classic caricatures, live portraits include quotes from the portrait session that reflect the personalities of guests and represent a unique moment in time. The illustrated guestbook is also a unique way to combine all the portraits with messages and drawings from guests--a big collective at project, I always say.

In three words: Creative, Fun, Innovative

Services

  • Gifts and favors
  • Guest book alternatives
  • Live painters & artists

Bad Portraits by Karlee packages

Just for Fun Package

Description

The Just For Fun package is focused on creating a fun experience and a party favor for guests. This package includes up to 4 hours of live portraits with the option to add extra time. Portrait sessions take 5-7 minutes per person.

What’s included
  • Live portraits as party favors for your guests
  • Digital portrait album - scans of every portrait
  • Pre-wedding portrait session (over zoom)

Totally Sweet Package

Description

The Totally Sweet Package includes the features of the Just for Fun package along with an Illustrated Guestbook, a hardbound coffee table book for the newlyweds. This guestbook includes all the portraits of your guests (scanned digitally after each drawing) along with their handwritten messages and drawings to you, with a few illustrations based on scenes from the day. This is your keepsake and will be delivered to you afterward along with the original drawings.

What’s included
  • Live portraits as party favors for your guests
  • The Illustrated Guestbook
  • Pre-wedding portrait session (over zoom)

Portraits as Place Settings

Description

Instead of drawing live portraits at your event, I will draw portraits from photos for each guest, which can be used as place settings and party favors, or incorporated into a creative seating chart. This is one way that every single guest can get a portrait.

What’s included
  • Hand-drawn portrait of each guest (from photos)

Reviews

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5.0 out of 5

2 reviews

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  • Experiential MUST

    •Verified review
    •Aubrey L.•Jul 17, 2025

    I’ve worked events with Karlee a few different times and each time, her portrait table is a place where people are smiling and laughing. There is a depth and a playfulness to the conversations she has with guests while she draws them, and afterward they go around the party showing their portrait to their friends. She offers a vital little breather for folks at events, coupled with warmth and connection, for which they get to feel seen and bring home the cutest souvenir of original art. I would definitely recommend hiring Karlee for your event if you’re looking for a unique and charming experience for your guests.

  • An unforgettable gift for your guests

    •Verified review
    •Liz•Jul 3, 2025

    Bad portraits is pure magic. Karlee is not just an artist — she’s a storyteller, a connector and a true presence in any room. What makes her work truly unique is the way she captures the essence of each person. At my rehearsal dinner, she created portraits for our families and each one felt so intentional and full of personality. If you’re looking to elevate your event with something truly special, meaningful and fun, book her. She’ll bring your guests together in a way that is rare and deeply appreciated.

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