Charm and entertain your guests with hand-drawn portraits by Karlee. While guests sit for a quick portrait session, Karlee asks them fun questions and pulls a surprise caption from every conversation. Bad Portraits reflect personalities as well as faces, offering a unique moment of undivided attention and curiosity. Bad Portraits are not caricatures, so don't expect any enormous noses or exaggerated chins.
3 reviews
Aynsley C.
December 21, 2025This was the most fun experience!!! The kids had the BEST time sitting with Karlee while she drew their portraits! She asked them super fun & engaging questions to personalize each drawing, and the portraits all turned out amazing! Karlee was also 10 out of 10 to work with, super great at communicating, and very professional. We will definitely be doing this again!
Hired as: Caricaturist
Aubrey L.
July 17, 2025I’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 chats she has with guests while she draws them, and afterward they go around the party showing their portrait to their friends. Her space offers a vital breather for guests with a warm and welcoming moment to be seen and connect. Her visitors always have a wonderful time with her and get to bring home the cutest memento 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.
Hired as: Caricaturist
Liz W.
July 11, 2025Bad 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.
Hired as: Caricaturist, Party Favors Company
Price range: $900 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 180 - 240 minutes
Insurance: $500,000 - General Liability
Bad Portraits is the perfect experience for a high-energy event where guests will be moving freely throughout the party. The tone of this experience is light and playful, with sweet and sentimental moments.
The ideal place for me an at event is somewhere visible, like near a bar, gift table, or entrance. Anywhere but a dark corner or right next to loudspeakers.
Guests can come and sit with me at their leisure. Each portrait takes about 7 minutes, or 10-12 minutes for a couple. I give them the original hand-drawn portrait in an envelope. As the event host, may request digital copies/scans of each portrait if desired.
I call them Bad Portraits because when I started, I was not good at drawing portraits. It was all about the experience. I've gotten a lot better, but people love the name and find it disarming. These are not a typical caricature with exaggerated features, but more like a cartoon as you can see by my photos.
I have always been very curious about people and loved making them smile since I was a kid. Drawing portraits was a practice I began in 2017 just for fun and I became obsessed with it even though I wasn't very good. When I floated the idea to draw at events, I started getting hired at weddings and company parties. It is always an incredibly fun and sweet experience. I also offer an illustrated guestbook option for weddings, which includes copies of every portrait along with handwritten messages from guests.
I grew up in Oregon and have lived in or around Portland for most of my adult life. I've now drawn thousands of portraits around town.
I don't need much! Just a table, chairs, and decent lighting. Since I have conversations with my portrait subjects, be sure to keep me away from any loudspeakers!
Friday
Fundraiser
10:30am - 12:30pm
•
Lake Oswego, OR
Fred Rogers
rectangular table, 3 chairs
Party Favors Company
