About Elena

Hi, I’m Elena — an artist who loves turning moments into lasting memories.

​I believe the most fleeting, beautiful moments deserve to be remembered as art.

I’ve loved drawing since childhood and even minored in animation, but after graduation I pursued a traditional career at incredible tech companies, including Adobe and AWS. Eventually, I made the difficult but life-changing decision to quit my job and pursue my art full time — and I’ve never been happier.

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The turning point came while planning my own wedding when I discovered live guest portraits and live painting. Picking up my brush again led to the creation of Elena Illustrated, where I now create timeless keepsakes for couples who want their celebration to feel as unforgettable as it is beautiful.

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Whether it’s through live guest portraits, live paintings, or bespoke commissions, my goal is always the same: to make people feel seen, special, and celebrated.

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My style blends modern elegance with a dreamy, painterly touch. Each portrait is drawn freehand in real time — no templates, no stencils — capturing individuality with care and precision. Clients often tell me I made their day feel extra special, and that their guests are still talking about it long after the last dance. 

​I use professional-grade materials and a process honed for both speed and emotional impact. No two faces are ever the same because no two people are.

I’m based in the San Francisco Bay Area (San Jose), where I live with my husband. Outside of painting, you’ll find me traveling, playing harp or piano, exploring restaurants, or chasing anything beautifully designed.

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Clients often tell me I made their day extra special and that their guests are still talking about it long after the last dance. That means everything to me!

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I can’t wait to bring your celebration to life!