Wow!
There's something rather special about a bookshop after dark. Add a queue of fans in their best Night Court finery, a countdown to midnight and a table of paints, and you have one of my favourite evenings of the year so far.
Last month I was invited to set up at Waterstones Exeter for the A Court of Splintered Harmony Midnight Launch, and I painted guests live as they waited for the doors to open on the new book.
How it worked
I set up in the café with my pens and guests could pop over to book their live illustration. Everyone could choose whether they wanted a keepsake from the night.
The atmosphere
Midnight launches are all about the build-up, and that's exactly what makes them perfect for live illustration. People arrive early, dressed up, buzzing and happy to chat while they wait. Painting them in the middle of it all meant each piece captured a real moment.
What I loved most was seeing how excited everyone was for midnight. The queue formed a full fifteen minutes early, and the anticipation in the café built with every minute that passed.
Why it works for bookshops
Live illustration gives customers a reason to arrive early, stay longer and share the evening online. Every finished painting is a little piece of content that guests are proud to post, with the shop right there in the background. It adds something memorable to an event that's already exciting.
What's next
I'd love to bring live illustration to more bookshop launches, signings and festive events – and there's another Waterstones launch coming up on 11 January. If you run a shop, venue or event and think your guests would love this, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
You can see more of my work, and enquire about weddings and events, at Abelia's Art.
Annabelle – Abelia's Art, live illustration in Devon
