Sustainability Commtiment

When starting out cxn art, I wanted to ensure that I could create art to warm your heart AND commit to environmental sustainability. I realize that as a small business owner and artist, my creations have an impact on the environment through the materials and packaging that I use. Therefore, I am committed to minimizing cxn art’s environmental impact by intentionally sourcing high-quality, long-lasting materials and being selective about the packaging materials that I incorporate into my business. 

Currently all of my products are manufactured in the United States of America.

The majority of the packaging materials I use are recyclable, biodegradable, and/or compostable. Check out what packaging materials I use below!

Eco Clear Bags 

  • Industrial Compostable 
  • Made with PLA (Poly Lactic Acid obtained from plants), so it’s a great alternative to traditional plastic packaging 
  • I use these to enclose my stickers, art prints, and greeting cards. There’s a variety of sizes and styles available on the Clear Bags site.

Grounded Packaging Recycled paper padded honeycomb

  • Home Compostable, Industrial Compostable, Kerbside Recyclable 
  • Made post-consumer recycled paper and is FSC certified 
  • I use these for my non-flat items like t-shirts, sticky notes, and larger orders

Kraft Envelopes*

  • Recyclable
  • Made from Brown Kraft Paper
  • I use these for flat items like stickers and art prints 

Plantable Hang Tags

  • Please plant these hang tags! They will grow into flowers :~) 
  • Made with 100% post-consumer recycled white seed paper embedded with wildflower seed mix 
  • I use these for my t-shirts and tote bags 

Poly Mailers*

  • I purchased these teal poly mailers when I first started out my business, and they are made out of plastic. I would recommend compostable poly mailers instead! 
  • I use these to ship out large t-shirt and tote bag orders 

The one’s marked with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through that link. There is no additional cost to you and the commissions help me support my business! If you’d like to check out the rest of my storefront, click here. Thank you <3

Live Portrait FAQ's

How exactly does this all work?

I provide live portrait illustrations at weddings and special events. Guests get to receive custom keepsake artwork from the event! I create artwork capturing moments of ones though a memorable, heartwarming way.

What types of portraits do you provide? 

I currently provide ink/marker portraits of guests as humans &/or as animals (for example a couple drawn as cats, dogs, frogs, etc). Guests are also welcome to share with me photos of their loved ones (pets, people) that they would like for me to draw. 

How long does each portrait take? 

The time taken to create a single portrait is dependent on the request (e.g. number of people, animals, objects painted and colors used). On average it can take around 5-10+ minutes!

Do guests need to stay with you the whole time that you are doing their portrait? 

Not at all! If the guest who is requesting a live portrait is okay with it, I take a picture of them and use the picture as a reference for the portrait. After I take a photo, whoever requested the piece is welcome to leave and then come back to pick up their portrait later in the event.

Do guests get to keep the portraits? 

Can you draw on custom paper & match our event theme?

Yes! In the past, I’ve had some really creative, talented brides design their own paper for their weddings and have it ready before the wedding. I ask that you let me know ahead of time the size and material of the paper so I can bring the proper materials.

If you would like for me to design and order your paper for you, there will be an add on fee that is dependent on the complexity of the design, quality of paper, and amount of paper ordered. In the booking form you can share more about what you are looking for design-wise if you decide to go this route! 

How far in advance should we book your services? 

The earlier the better (I’ve had people reach out to me 1.5 years in advance - I’m so honored & blown away 🥹🤯)! If you are planning to have your special event during peak seasons (like May through October for weddings), then I definitely recommend reaching out earlier than later! For more concrete times, please provide me at least 1 month in advance for events in Chicagoland and at least 3 months for events outside of Chicagoland. 

Do you travel for events? 

I am currently based in the United States (Chicagoland area), so I prioritize events in the Illinois area. However, if you are out of the Chicagoland area then travel and housing accommodations must also be covered. 

How do we book you? 

Please email me directly at sylv@cxnart.com and/or fill out the booking form above to get started. I will be in contact with you as soon as possible with more details like availability, pricing, and more. 

Anything else we should know?

  • I am a human, so during the booked events I anticipate taking at least one bio break (I try to take these before and after the event if possible). 
  • I have been graciously provided food and drink during the weddings I have worked at, if this is something you can offer me please let me know ahead of time! 
  • Let me know if you can provide me a table or chair for the event! This is highly recommended so that it lessens set up time and that I blend into your special event. 
  • I bring my own art utensils, business cards, and signage!