12 Questions to Ask Before Booking a Live Fridge Magnet Artist

Before booking a live fridge magnet artist, ask about drawing style, how many guests they can sketch per hour, what the magnet is made of, how much space and light they need, and what is included in travel and setup. Clear answers to these questions protect your guest experience and stop small surprises from becoming big ones on the day. Below are twelve questions worth asking, along with what a good answer usually sounds like.

Whether you are planning a sangeet in Jaipur, a reception in Delhi or a brand launch in Mumbai, the same basics apply. Use this list as a checklist during your first call with any fridge magnet artist.

Questions about the artwork

1. What style do you draw in, and can I see recent samples?

Some artists draw light caricatures with playful exaggeration, others draw simple likeness sketches, and some can do both. Ask for photos of magnets made at real events, not only studio work. Real event samples show you what a three or four minute sketch actually looks like under party lighting.

2. Do you draw single faces only, or groups too?

Couples and families love being drawn together, but a group sketch takes longer and may need a larger magnet. A good artist will explain how groups affect the queue and suggest a sensible policy, for example welcoming pairs throughout and larger groups only during quieter moments.

3. Can the magnet carry our names, date or logo?

Most artists can add a printed or hand-lettered strip with the couple’s names, a birthday name, a hashtag or a company logo. Ask how far in advance they need the artwork and whether there is a proof you can approve.

Questions about speed and guest numbers

4. Roughly how many magnets can one artist make per hour?

The honest answer depends on style and detail, so expect a range rather than a fixed figure. What matters is that the artist can relate that range to your guest count and timings. If the numbers do not add up, ask whether a second artist makes sense.

5. How do you manage the queue when it gets busy?

Listen for practical ideas: a token system, a helper who collects names, a cut-off time announced in advance, or drawing from photos for guests who cannot wait. An artist who has thought about queues has usually worked plenty of busy events.

6. What happens if more guests want a magnet than we planned for?

Ask whether the artist can extend hours on the day, and how that is handled. Agreeing this in advance avoids awkward conversations at 11 pm when the sangeet is still going strong.

Questions about materials and quality

7. What is the magnet made of, and how is the drawing protected?

Common builds include a sketch on card mounted onto a flexible or rigid magnetic base, sometimes with a laminated or acrylic cover. Ask whether the surface resists fingerprints and kitchen splashes, and whether the magnet is strong enough to hold on a standard fridge door.

8. What sizes and shapes are available?

Rectangles are simplest, but some artists offer rounded corners, circles or custom die-cut shapes. Custom shapes need planning time, so raise this early.

Questions about setup and logistics

9. How much space, light and power do you need?

A typical station needs a small table, two or three chairs, steady lighting and sometimes a power point for a laminator or lamp. Ask for exact needs so your decorator can plan around them. Outdoor venues in Udaipur or Goa may need shade and wind protection for paper.

10. What is your setup and pack-down time?

You will want the station ready before guests arrive, so confirm how early the artist reaches the venue and whether they need a vehicle pass, a parking spot or access to a service lift.

11. Do you travel outside your home city?

Artists based in Jaipur often travel across Rajasthan and to other cities. Ask how travel, stay and local transport are handled, and whether a multi-day wedding changes the plan.

Questions about the agreement

12. What exactly is included, and what are the payment and cancellation terms?

Ask for a written summary that covers hours, number of artists, materials, branding, travel and any extras. Clarify the advance amount, the balance due date and what happens if the event date shifts. Written terms protect both sides.

A quick comparison of good and weak answers

Red flags to watch for

• No examples of magnets made live at events.
• Reluctance to put hours and inclusions in writing.
• Unrealistic promises about drawing hundreds of guests alone in a short slot.
• No plan for what happens if the queue grows.

If you are comparing different live art formats at the same time, browse our full list of services and the gallery to see how magnets sit alongside caricatures, portraits and other stations.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I book a live fridge magnet artist?

For peak wedding season dates between November and February, booking a few weeks to a couple of months ahead is sensible. Corporate events with branded magnets need extra time for design approval.

Can the artist draw guests who are not present?

Many artists can draw from a clear photo, which helps for elders who cannot queue or relatives abroad. Ask whether this is done on the day or afterwards.

Do I need to provide anything for the station?

Usually a table, chairs, good lighting and sometimes a power point. Confirm the exact list during booking so your venue or decorator can prepare it.

Is a live magnet station suitable for elders and children?

Yes. Sitting takes only a few minutes, and a likeness style rather than exaggerated caricature tends to suit elders who prefer a gentler portrait.

Asking the right questions upfront makes the day far smoother for you and your guests. If you would like straightforward answers about your own event, share your date, city and guest count through our contact page and we will help you plan the station.