Drawing Connections: Live Illustration at University Open Days and Outreach Events

University open days are a chance to inspire – to welcome prospective students, connect with families, and showcase campus life in a vibrant, engaging way. One unique and increasingly popular way to elevate these events is through live drawing at events.

A professional illustrator captures the atmosphere, conversations, and key messages in real time, creating a visual record that reflects the spirit of the day. It’s more than just a memory – it’s an experience.

Standing out in a crowded field

Universities across the UK are competing for attention – especially during busy open day seasons. Incorporating live illustration services into your offer shows creativity, accessibility, and care for audience experience.

Live drawing attracts attention, creating a talking point and a social media-ready moment. People are drawn to the process – it becomes a performance in itself. Families stop to watch; students snap photos and share on Instagram or TikTok. Suddenly, your open day has a creative edge that makes it unforgettable.

Bringing values to life

Live illustration also helps communicate the things that matter to your university – inclusion, student voice, sustainability, innovation. A skilled illustrator listens deeply to what’s being said during campus tours, Q&As or welcome talks, and reflects those messages back visually.

For outreach events focused on schools or underrepresented groups, this approach creates an accessible and engaging way to capture aspirations and amplify young voices. University engagement isn’t just about recruitment – it’s about making a connection. And illustration helps build that bridge.

Commissioning live illustration services that connect

Illuscribe has worked with institutions like Keele, Chester and Staffordshire University to provide thoughtful, professional live illustration services at events that matter. Whether you’re running a campus open day, community outreach programme or regional symposium, we can help you make it memorable, inclusive and engaging.

Want to try live drawing at events for your next open day?Email hello@illuscribe.co.uk to discuss availability and options.