Live Portraiture & The Traveling Atelier
Before the camera lens dominated the front row, the spirit of fashion was captured by the hand. In the golden age of couture, artists were the primary observers of style, translating the movement of a gown or the atmosphere of a salon into ink and charcoal. Jarno Kettunen’s practice is a contemporary revival of this lost art—bringing the prestige of traditional live documentation into the modern high-fashion landscape.
His approach is a "Traveling Atelier": an immersive, sophisticated experience that brings the ambiance of a professional artist’s studio to global venues. By capturing the high-velocity energy of exclusive events—from runway shows to private galas—Kettunen creates evocative works in real-time that serve as both a performance and a permanent keepsake.
Live fashion illustration performance during Paris Fashion Week. A collaboration with Manish Arora commissioned by Victoria & Albert Museum.
https://www.jarnok.com/victoria-albert-museum/
The Vision
Kettunen’s work sits at the intersection of fine art and reportage. While photography records a likeness, his "economy of line" distills the essence of the subject—capturing guest personalities, jewelry collections, and fleeting backstage moments with an energy that a camera cannot replicate.
Originally from Helsinki and trained in the drawing ateliers of Brussels, Kettunen’s journey began documenting the shows of Paris Fashion Week for houses such as Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier. Now based in the New York area, he brings this performative process to high end events and creative projects worldwide, creating art that celebrates the fleeting energy of a moment.
Celebrating the Human Aspect
I apply experimental techniques from fine arts—such as in (Neo) Expressionism—and the traditions of the atelier. I choose to draw and paint by hand—even when working digitally—to maintain the tactile quality and expressive soul of the media.
EVENTS
The Traveling Atelier is a complete, self-contained studio installation tailored to the unique environment of each event. Whether for a luxury brand activation, a private celebration, or a wedding, Kettunen provides a sophisticated setup—including signature drawing easels and curated materials—to capture guests and subjects in real-time.
The Signature Commission
Typically producing 3–7 original works per hour, this package focuses on the authentic artistic experience. Each work is created by hand during the event and signed by the artist. To ensure the highest quality and integrity of the media, works are allowed to cure overnight before being placed in archival packaging. The completed collection is handed over to the client the following day. To maximize artistic output within this residency, the client event team typically manages the internal event flow and guest scheduling.
Expanded Capacity & Turnkey Service
For larger guest lists or hosts who prefer a fully "hands-off" experience, the studio offers a turnkey service. This bespoke approach can include:
Photography & Studio Finishing: Capturing subjects on-site and completing a higher volume of works in the studio.
Full Production Management: The studio manages the end-to-end process, including guest registration, internal flow, and white-glove distribution of finished works.
Custom Branding: Tailored packaging or themed commissions designed to integrate seamlessly with the event’s aesthetic.
FASHION SHOWS
Operating in a "fly-on-the-wall" manner, Kettunen documents the fashion models with a mobile, compact kit. He focuses on the key moments backstage: models getting dressed, the lineup for the runway, and the essential looks of the collection. These minimal yet energetic illustrations capture the mood of the season as seen through the eye of an artist, resulting in unique artworks for collectors and high-end publications.
PRICING
Each project is approached with a bespoke quote tailored to your specific event needs, location, and timeframe. Fees are structured as a fixed rate that covers the live performance, all studio materials, and a specified number of original works. For events requiring a higher volume of portraits, custom branding, or commercial licensing, I am happy to provide a comprehensive proposal that includes these expanded services.
Bookings & Inquiries
info@jarnok.com
Selected Commissions
Misha Nonoo | Fall/Winter 2015–2016
Commissioned to document the designer’s New York Fashion Week collection, Kettunen provided live reportage from backstage and created a signature illustration for the official show program. The project bridged the gap between physical and digital media; the live illustrations were digitized for use across Misha Nonoo’s website and social media channels, extending the life of the event through the brand's digital platforms.
Saks Fifth Avenue | Cincinnati Store
For this beauty activation in Cincinnati, the "Traveling Atelier" was installed a day in advance to create a curated gallery atmosphere. During the event, guests received hand-drawn portraits featuring applied cosmetic products from the featured collections, presented in customized Saks Fifth Avenue gift boxes.
Jimmy Choo | ArtCAN 2021 Fundraiser Event
A multi-layered collaboration with the luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo and the Atlanta based JCM Foundation to benefit pancreatic cancer research. This exclusive engagement featured a live in-store portrait session at the Jimmy Choo Atlanta boutique and the creation of a t-shirt collection featuring Kettunen’s fashion illustrations.
Chanel | Coco Codes 2017
Commissioned to celebrate the launch of the Spring 2017 makeup collection, Kettunen created live portraits of press members in Amsterdam and Brussels. Using the collection palette as his medium, he produced a series of signed artworks that were presented to guests in custom display cases as exclusive mementos.
