Ugly Portraits at Lakerpalooza 2026
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What this actually is
Not a headshot booth.
This is a live ugly portrait experience from Headwaters North, set up right in the middle of LakerPalooza. You sit, an artist draws, you walk away with a rough, gloriously ugly portrait you will absolutely show your roommate.
A hand drawn portrait with questionably flattering
Done by a real human with a real marker. No filters. No retouching. No do-overs.
A moment you will post with guaranteed group chat chaos
Your followers will not believe you sat still for this. They will be right. Tag us anyway.
A story people remember for the whole semester
The portrait outlasts the free pizza, the lanyard, and most of your class notes. We are at peace with that.
How it works
Three steps. Five minutes.
This is not a photo booth. It is a live portrait, drawn in front of you, at LakerPalooza 2026.
01
Get in line
Sign up ahead of time so your spot is locked. Walk-ups welcome, but the line moves like a line.
02
Sit down
Our artist draws you in under five minutes. Try to look natural. It will not help.
03
Live with it
Take your portrait, post it, frame it, or explain it to your parents. Your call.
Real portraits. Real reactions.
The Wall of Fame
A few brave Lakers who went first. Yours could be up here next. Or not. Your call.
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If you came for...
- a polished LinkedIn headshot
- something your mom would frame
- a filter that fixes everything
This is not your moment.
Every bold idea starts as a rough sketch.
So does your new headshot. Headwaters North backs the bold builders, makers, and small businesses of the Eastern U.P. We know the first version of anything worth doing looks a little rough. That is kind of the point.
Come get sketched, meet the folks who help students and grads launch real things right here in the Soo, and find out what we can build together. We back the bold. Even when the bold has a marker-drawn double chin.
Quick questions
The fine print, briefly.
Is it really free?
Yes. Free portrait, free story, free existential reflection on your own face. On us.
Do I have to sign up?
Signing up locks your time slot and skips the guesswork. Walk-ups are welcome while spots last, but pre-registered Lakers go first.
How long does it take?
Under five minutes in the chair. Somewhere between “wow, fast” and “wait, it is already done?”
Can I get a digital copy?
Snap a photo of your portrait and post it. Tag Headwaters North and we may feature you on the wall of fame.
Who is Headwaters North?
The Eastern U.P.’s SmartZone, based right here in Sault Ste. Marie. We help students, founders, and small businesses build bold things. The portraits are just how we say hello.
Reserve your spot
Save your face a seat.
Ugly portraits are happening at LakerPalooza on Friday, August 28, from 1-3:00pm, at Pleger Commons (Rain Location - Student Activities Center).
Five rough minutes. No mercy. Lock your slot below.
