Courtroom Sketch Artist

Drawing by Mona Shafer Edwards

 Do you want to be part of the drama of a courtroom?

Do you also love to sketch?

Becoming a Courtroom Sketch Artist could be the career for you!

What do Courtroom Sketch Artists do?

                The job of a courtroom sketch artist is to capture the action of a high profile trial through sketches where television crews and photographers are not allowed. This type of sketch artist observes each part of the trial and sketches a representation of the most exciting details. Before television crews and photographers were allowed into the courtroom, sketch artists were the media’s only link to a high profile trial. Although sketch artists are used less today they are still a large part of helping the public understand the events of a trial that is too high profile for cameras to be allowed entrance. Courtroom sketch artists sit in on the trial and capture the events in a 2D drawing. Sometimes these sketch artists work with journalist teams or news organizations while other times work contract for specific media groups. Being a courtroom sketch artists is rarely a fulltime job so sometimes other means of employment is necessary.

What Skills are Needed?

                Courtroom sketch artists must be very observant and intent listeners. These artists must be able to capture the atmosphere and emotions of a courtroom and zoom in on the key players. If a witness is extremely volatile then the sketch artist must convey that emotion through their drawing, capturing the mood of that event. They must also be skilled facial artists so that each person is uniquely recognizable. Courtroom sketch artists must also be able to sketch quickly as well as effectively. Many courtroom sketch artists are expected to produce six to twelve sketches per trial, meaning that they must work proficiently but also under extreme pressure. Courtrooms are not always the calmest places to be and courtroom sketch artists must be able to deal with the pressure and responsibility of their job. Courtroom sketch artists also have to be good at gaining connections in the news industry and be willing to travel wherever the court case takes them. Some high profile cases last for weeks if not months and the courtroom sketch artist must be there for every step for the trail. 

How do I become a Courtroom Sketch Artist?

                Not all courtroom sketch artists gain a formal education although having a degree is necessary to keep ahead of the competition. Like other sketch artists, courtroom sketch artists can obtain degrees in drawing, including caricature and portrait. It is important for all sketch artists to have the skill and understanding to sketch believable human figures. Whether a degree is obtained or not, it is important for an aspiring courtroom sketch artist to gather a portfolio of work to show potential employers and clients. This portfolio does not have to include actual courtroom drawings, but rather anything that captures the artist’s style and affectively shows their skills at capturing the human form. Internships are hard to come by in this field but sometimes starting out in journalism can help an aspiring artist gain the necessary contacts to pursue their dreams. 

Sketch by Art Lien