Frequently Asked Questions for Events
How did napkin art become a career?
In 2014, a regular habit of drawing on napkins at Brooklyn dive bars became an Instagram account. New York Magazine found Killa's page and contracted the visual hitman to document Fashion Week shows and parties on his signature medium. The exposure made napkin portraits a hot new activation.
HOW QUICKLY are victims EXECUTEd?
The average live portrait time is 4-5 minutes a person; approximately 15 an hour.
Regular square paper cocktail napkins are the usual. They are typically 5”x5”. White is the standard, although other colors can be utilized with advanced notice. The fancy half paper half linen napkins are actually less desirable, as they bleed more.
what type of napkins?
What's provided? What's needed?
Nap brings: magic napkin pens, small table signage, plastic bags to preserve drawings, and a small portable reading light if necessary. The napkins available at the venue usually work, as long as they're white or light colored cocktail squares. Sometimes clients get branded napkins printed, with a small logo or hashtag on the top or bottom.
Nap prefers to be stationed, though the station can be relocated in the space easily throughout the event. Usually guests discover what is happening then line up, so roaming is not necessary. Roaming can also be a bit awkward, especially with all the supplies.
is the activation stationed or roaming?
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL SET-UP AT EVENTS?
Nap is usually stationed at a high-top cocktail table with 3 stools/high chairs, a regular table with 3 chairs, or sometimes at the corner of the bar. It's good to be placed somewhere in the space with traffic, like near the bar. Lounge/coffee tables are too low and therefore uncomfortable to work on for hours.
Extra lighting is not necessary. Nap brings a portable reading light, which is enough light for drawing, even in the darkest rooms. If venue wishes to provide a spotlight, please set it from the left side to avoid a hard shadow from Nap’s right drawing hand.
is extra lighting necessary?
Nap brings small table signage which includes a custom self-portrait in the evening’s outfit and any relevant theme. Sometimes clients may want to create larger signage. If so, Nap requests approval of signage and can provide vector logos.
what signage is used?
Set-up time is fairly quick and simple - typically 15 minutes. Although Nap arrives 30-45 minutes early to allow cushion time. If desired, Nap can arrive an hour early.
how early is arrival for set-up?
Currently based in Brooklyn, NYC. Born & raised in LA. Nap travels all over the world for events, and is back on the west coast monthly (except during Coronavirus).
where is home base?
Since Nap travels so frequently for events, it is preferred for clients to reimburse a travel budget, rather than book for Nap. Costs for roundtrip flight, hotel, ground transportation and meals get submitted for approval; then tacked onto the invoice. Though if client has a hotel discount or room block, it is acceptable for them to handle booking the room.
how does travel get arranged?
The fee is based upon hours, seasonal demand, event size, proximity, and a few other factors. Please email with pertinent information for specific quote.
how is pricing structured?
At least 50% of contract amount is required in advance to confirm booking. Once deposit is received, 50% of fee is non-refundable. If event is cancelled within a week of event date, 100% of fee is required. Preferred term is Net 15.
what is the deposit policy?
Yes! Often events are themed and Nap is capable of drawing themed portraits live. Keep in mind - some themes may increase drawing time a little; to look up reference imagery.
is incorporating a theme possible?
Yes! Sometimes clients want to provide an alternate option for guests who may not want to wait for a personalized portrait. In these cases, Nap was asked to bring pre-drawn napkins, either of a theme or VIP’s, in addition to drawing portraits live. VIP portraits have also been commissioned to be framed for event decor.
can pre-drawn napkins be commissioned?
Yes! Known for drawing on an unorthodox medium, Nap has been asked to draw on many other unorthodox mediums. Those include: denim jackets, baseballs, basketballs, fibre cloth, chalk, illustration board, coasters, sunglass cases, buttwipe packaging.
can other objects be customized instead of napkins?
Yes! Many events have hired Nap to create art for event decor, in addition to drawing portraits live. That can be anything from framed napkins for the walls to digital illustrations to be printed large or even murals.