Silhouette Cutting at Corporate Events

WHENEVER I TELL SOMEONE I’m going to cut them out, freehand with a pair of scissors, I can see the scepticism immediately. Part of them simply doesn’t believe it’s possible. So they watch, at least partly expecting me to get it wrong!

This moment of jeopardy – of not really believing that a flurry of paper and scissors will result in a recognisable portrait – is what makes the final reveal so powerful. I see their hands go over their mouths. I hear “OMG!” Then, they want to show it to everyone.

What It Adds to Your Event

This reaction, and the anticipation which precedes it, is what makes the old art of silhouette cutting work so well as event entertainment. It doesn’t just give guests something to watch, it gives them something to feel.

It’s also a product. Guests don’t just watch the process, they leave with a handmade portrait of themselves, cut in seconds from black paper, that they’ll actually keep. I’ve met people whose silhouette I cut twenty years ago; they still have their portrait, often propped on a mantelpiece, the cover branded with a company logo from long ago.

Silhouette cutting works across a surprisingly wide range of formats:

  • Gala dinners: during a drinks reception, then moving table to table between the courses
  • Standing receptions: a natural focal point that draws people together and breaks the ice
  • Conference stands and trade shows: a proven way to attract footfall and create a talking point
  • Product launches: silhouettes cut on branded cards carrying your company name, date and logo turn each portrait into a piece of collateral guests take home
  • Summer fun days and family events: family portraits create a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere that works well across all ages
Despite starting with a simple piece of black paper, Charles never leaves you in the shade. We have brought Charles and his team on board for several of our events and there’s no sign of this slowing up.

‘Wow’ moments are often subjective but I haven’t met one person left unamazed by Charles’ swift work with a pair of scissors.
Justin C. ★★★★★ (Google review)

Using a Silhouettist at a Corporate Event: some ideas from the blog

There are many ways I can contribute to a corporate event. Here are a few of them:

Keeping It Simple

My tools are just paper and scissors, nothing else. There’s no equipment to set up, no power supply needed, no table or dedicated space required. I work on my feet, carrying everything I need as I move from group to group around the room. This enables me to go to your guests rather than waiting for them to come and find me. I can be cutting within minutes of arriving and adapt to almost any environment, indoors or out.

This simplicity of presentation means that I can adjust my art to the mood you want to create. A conference dinner calls for a different pace and presentation to a trade show stand. I’ll work with you to make sure the silhouettes feel like a natural part of your event rather than an unexpected add-on.

Fees

Corporate event fees vary depending on the nature, duration and location of your event. Please get in touch for a quote and I’ll come back to you promptly with a clear, straightforward figure. Fees for UK events will usually include travel and expenses, while for international events I expect the client to supply travel and accommodation as needed.

The Team

For larger events, or where you need artists working simultaneously across different areas, I work with a small team of trusted colleagues whose work I know and admire. Please mention this when you enquire and I’ll let you know what’s possible. So far, the record is six silhouettists working at a standing reception for 1200 guests. It was very hard for guests to miss the art going on around them, and several left with more than one silhouette signed by different artists.

See It for Yourself

The best way to understand what silhouette cutting could add to your event is to see it happen. I’d love to briefly join one of your planning meetings on Zoom. I can demonstrate the speed at which I work by cutting a silhouette of one of your colleagues live as we chat. Everyone on the call will watch a recognisable portrait appear from nothing in about 90 seconds. It tends to answer every question immediately (and it’s also quite good fun…)

To arrange this, or to enquire about availability and fees for your event, please fill in the form below. I’ll get back to you personally, usually within a day or two.

Charles is just the most fabulous asset any party could wish for. He is so incredibly skilful – our guests were absolutely blown away. He related very easily to everyone as he moved seamlessly round the room, producing the most beautiful silhouettes for people to take away with them. All the silhouettes are mounted in lovely cards. It was a pleasure to deal with Charles from the initial consultation to the party itself. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.
Frances C. ★★★★★ (Google review)

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    READY TO EXPLORE what silhouette cutting could do for your event? Fill in a few details below and I'll get back to you personally, usually within a day or two.

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