Lead Artist, Portland - Watercolor Guest Portraits

The Lead Artist is an event-based role responsible for serving as the on-site artistic lead for Bowtie & Brush weddings and events in the assigned regional market. This position is ideal for an artist who enjoys live events, working with people, and creating art in a fast-moving environment. The Lead Artist will be trained in the Bowtie & Brush signature guest portrait style and will be expected to follow company workflows, setup standards, client experience guidelines, and artistic direction.

This role is project-based hourly, with training and shadowing rates beginning at $35–$75/hour, and certified Lead Artist event rates starting at $100–$125/hour once fully trained in the Bowtie & Brush style, workflows, and event standards.

Lead Artists can typically expect approximately 2–7 paid hours per project, depending on the event package, setup, breakdown, and any post-event portrait needs. The Lead Artist may support approximately 30–40 events per year, though actual bookings and assignments may vary based on client demand, artist availability, and business needs.

Responsibilities

• Review event details, timelines, client notes, and company instructions before each assigned event
• Prepare, maintain, set up, and break down event tools, supplies, materials, and the live portrait station
• Serve as the on-site Lead Artist for assigned weddings and events
• Paint live watercolor guest portraits in the Bowtie & Brush signature style
• Maintain a polished, warm, and professional guest experience throughout the event
• Manage the event assistant, guest flow, and portrait process as needed
• Coordinate with planners, venue teams, vendors, and clients on-site when appropriate
• Follow Bowtie & Brush workflows for portrait tracking, records, setup, and delivery
• Complete post-event portraits when needed to ensure the full client package is delivered
• Represent Bowtie & Brush professionally at events, networking opportunities, and industry gatherings

Qualifications

• Strong artistic ability with a natural eye for proportion, detail, and visual consistency
• Willingness to learn and follow the Bowtie & Brush signature art style
• Comfortable working live in front of guests at weddings and events
• Strong communication skills with clients, vendors, guests, and team members
• Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-moving event environment
• Reliable, punctual, responsible, and dependable
• Ability to follow company workflows, event instructions, and creative direction
• Comfortable receiving feedback and applying it without taking it personally
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain quality under time limits
• Availability for weekend events, especially Saturdays
• Based in the specific regional market area

Who Would Be a Great Fit

• A warm, confident, and trustworthy artist who can lead with professionalism and care
• A people-first creative who enjoys working with guests, vendors, clients, and team members
• A coachable and adaptable artist who can follow the Bowtie & Brush style, guidelines, and feedback
• A detail-aware, dependable person who stays calm under pressure and protects the full guest experience