FAQs and useful information
Download a PDF summarising what I do here
Pricing
My charge is around £900* for a full day’s attendance. I do not charge by the hour.
This would cover my attendance from, for example, late-morning to late-evening and is inclusive of all the images, photobook etc I provide afterwards.
Travel and accomodation may be charged extra may be charged extra if in excess of 100 miles from South Bedfordshire.
(*Please do contact me for a proper quote - your special day is important to you!)
I sketch quickly, not always bound by detail or accuracy. It is intuitive, loose and lively. If you want more traditional caricature work or portraits DO NOT BOOK ME. I work for the CLIENT, NOT the guests and I am not an entertainer either.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING FAQs CAREFULLY:
What are you offering?
My aim is to provide you with a series of very quick, spontaneous, intuitive sketches drawn as an illustrative record of the day. I would expect to do around 40+ sketches on a good day.
What do I get?
The original pen and ink sketches/Sketchbook
A USB stick of all sketchbook/iPad images in digital format.
A framed collage (40 x 50cm) of all the images.
A 21 x 21 cmPhotobook.
How do you work?
My preferred way of working is to use an iPad to provide full colour digital images.
Alternatively I use fountain pens, ink and watercolour (black and white with a grey wash) in an A4 hardback wire bound sketchbook. My iPad screen is difficult to see in bright sunshine and, if hot, can overheat. The sketchbook provides actual hand-created artwork for you to keep. Colour sketchbook images would take too long to create.
By the very nature of using real pens, inks, brushes and paint the sketchbook may well include various additional artworks in the form of ink splatters, splodges, smudges, fingerprints, spots of mud, squashed wedding cake crumbs, wine stains etc. These you will get to keep as well as they can appear unexpectedly and add to the uniqueness of the sketches - and, anyway, they won’t rub off the paper. Sometimes I may start a sketch and it all goes horribly wrong - you’ll get to keep that too!
If it is pouring with rain my sketches my sketches may reflect that.
Some of the pictures aren’t very neat, they look a bit scrappy?
Drawing quickly is why I am a ‘Sketch’ Artist. I am NOT trying to create neat pieces of artwork. Lines go wrong, people have a habit of moving the moment I’ve started drawing them, pen nibs don’t always behave, etc. I am often having to rely on my memory of what I saw a few seconds ago before my subject walked away.
I will tidy up a few images afterwards (e.g. a check for colour balance, minor errors, etc). I may also take photographs at the event to help me later clarify any detail I have missed. After the event I will send you the final digital images and the sketchbook. Any extra images I draw after the event from photos will be at my discretion. Any amends or editing requested by you will be charged extra.
Are your people instantly recognisable and why have you drawn her nose so big?
Usually! I am not always after an exact likeness as I am only sketching and yes, because they are like caricatures, I may take artistic licence and be a little creative with my artwork. If you want my work, then you may have to accept the odd big nose or exaggerated posture. That is what I do.
What can I do with the artwork?
Whatever you want, as long as it is for your non-commercial use i.e. you cannot sell or make products out of the work for onward sale. Please note that the copyright remains with me, the creator, so please credit www.matthewslater.art where possible.
It must be nice and relaxing drawing people?
NO it is not! Doing what I do takes a huge amount of energy and concentration. I work fast and I have to carefully balance engaging with curious people wanting to have a peek and doing what I am being paid to do.
I want you to draw me and my dog/girlfriend/mates, etc
I don’t draw on request. I will aim to draw key people present during the day. I will not be able to draw everyone.
Will you go to any wedding or event?
A large wedding with loads of guests may be too much for me - 30 to 120 or so is probably fine - otherwise my focus may be spread too thin. I am happy to do a significant party/celebration, but I would probably respectfully decline childrens/teenagers parties.
What happens on the day?
For weddings, I would like to be present from the ceremony itself until mid-evening. Hopefully that will be from mid morning onwards, depending on the schedule. I will aim to arrive at the initial venue well in advance so that I can get started before people arrive. I will then move around throughout the day drawing what and where I can without interfering with anyone or the proceedings as much as possible.
How will you deal with any inappropriate behaviour towards you (drunks, rudeness, etc)?
I will leave and expect a note of apology with a little gift. There will be no refund.
Your work reminds me of that guy who does children’s books...
People often say my work reminds them of Quentin Blake. This is quite unintentional and I try to avoid looking at his work. I am developing my own style.
You won’t draw me, will you?
I understand some people may not wish to be drawn or, indeed, may not like what I do. I will not know that. You will have to remove any images I finally send you if that is the case.
Would you like some food and drink?
Yes. Thank you very much, that will make me very happy. I may not have eaten for many hours.
What are your payment terms and conditions?
These will be sent with the Booking Pack.
Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
Yes.
How do I book you?
If you are interested in booking me, please use the contact page or ring me on 07966 774 536 (Evenings only please).
Version 2 22 February 2025