Should you have live art at your next event?

August 2, 2022

Want to give your guests a fun little gift that compliments their personal style and makes them feel like a runway model? Having live art is a creative way to keep your guests entertained during your event, and the best part is that they can take theirs with them as a favor when the night ends!

Each sketch takes between 6-8 minutes per person and guests have fun chatting while watching each other’s drawings come to life. My sketches are done in inks and markers in full color. They can be branded with the event name and date, and are the perfect take home pieces!

Guests put so much thought into their outfits for events, so the offer to draw them in their look is usually met with excitement. I often hear things like “This is so cool! I’m going to frame this when I get home!”

Live sketching works well for private events like bridal showers and weddings, and retail events like collection launches alike! This season I’ve worked with a ton of different brands, clients, couples, and event planners. Check out some photos below!

Want to get a price quote for your event? Submit your event request here!

Here are photos from some of the beautiful weddings, store events, birthday parties, and bridal showers I’ve sketched at during the first half of 2022!

Joy & Alex’s Wedding - The Ryland Inn - Whitehouse Station, NJ

Laura Ann and John’s Wedding - June - Westport, Conneticut

Samantha’s Bridal Shower - June - Farmingdale, NY

Lance and Berniece’s Wedding - June - Art Factory - Patterson, NJ

Cassie and Dave’s Wedding - July - Sheraton - Eatontown, NJ

Sydney & Randy’s Wedding - The Foundry - Long Island City, Queens

Jessie’s Bridal Shower - June - Trattoria Diane - Long Island, NY

Alice + Olivia - Mother’s Day Event - Madison Ave, NYC

Group M,The Upfronts - May Event - Nobu - NYC

Mavi Jeans - June Event - Gallow Green - NYC

*Digital Ipad sketches were requested for this event

4th and 41st Birthday Party - May - Time Out Rooftop - Brooklyn, NY

Jenna’s Bridal Shower - May - Quaker Ridge Golf Club - Scarsdale, NY

Shenika and Matthew’s Wedding - July - 501 Union - Brooklyn, NY

Alice + Olivia - July Event - Madison Ave, NYC

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations at special events. She’s available to book for both live and virtual events. *To commission illustrations for your brand contact deannakei@gmail.com

NYFW: The spring collections were a rainbow! ~ An Illustrated runway report

October 10, 2021

September NYFW was more exclusive than ever. As many designers returned to in person presentations, space was limited and guest lists were kept minimal. The spring shows were sprinkled throughout the city at various and unexpected locations instead of the usual show venues. Designers set their stages in parks and rooftops around Manhattan, one of the most unique venue choices being Chelsea Pier’s outdoor skate park.

The Spring collections were a rainbow of fluttering fabrics, elevated textures, and bold and layered silhouettes. The creative locations and vivacious collections mirrored the vibe of a city waking up after a long slumber.

I chose 8 of my favorite colored looks from the runway and turned them into illustrations. Check them out below!

Blue & Lemon Yellow - Leanne Marshall

Leanne Marshall showed a beautiful collection of flowing gowns. The light and airy fabrics blossomed down the runway in combination of colors reminiscent of a flower garden.

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2. Mulberry - Leanne Marshall

Tucks, fluting and layering brought volume to the soft, opaque fabrics. Full sleeves had a shawl-like effect, as long hem trains disappeared neatly into defined waists.

3. Olive Green - Ulla Johnson

Ulla Johnson’s SS22 collection stayed true to the brand and was full of asymmetric tiers and ruffles. Sleeves were full and voluminous, and woven skirts fell in layers: a perfect balance of structure and flow.

4. Yellow & Black - Christian Siriano

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The Christian Siriano collection boasted bold solids and strong silhouettes. Models dressed in structured woven suitings walked beside those in sheer lace gowns. Dramatic sleeves and full skirts sparkled in metallics, yellows, and greens.

5. Purple - Chaance

Chaance’s collection put a fresh street spin on performance wear. Abstract prints, denims, and loose fitting silhouettes mixed in with athletic looks. The line included both menswear and womenswear.

6. Orange - The Fifth Season

The Fifth Season’s looks were clean and elegant. The spring collection was laden with beautifully constructed blazers and day dresses to take you from the street to the office.

7. Black - Kaven Liu DIMOR

Kaven Liu DIMOR’s soft dresses shimmered on the runway as the stage lights accented the carefully tailored details on each. Ruching, and precise seaming gave dimension to the light fabrics.

8. Bonus: Menswear FW22 - Khaki & Black - Veuxstanio Vallano

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Veuxstanio Vallano, an Italian menswear label showed their Fall/Winter 22 line during September NYFW. Geometric prints in bold contrast colors danced across puffer coats and oversized scarves. Models walked barefoot in denim with straight, bell, and skinny hems. Leathers and logos emphasized the cool vibe of the line.

Did you have a favorite look or show from SS22? Comment below!

Deanna Kei is a NY Fashion and Beauty Illustrator. She works with brands to create unique and engaging content featuring their products and collections. She also sketches at live fashion and private events and activations. To commission illustrations for your brand please write to deannakei@gmail.com

Gucci gives clients the VIP treatment at the Grand Opening in Nordstrom

June 24, 2021

Gucci treated its luxury clients to something special to celebrate the grand opening of their beautiful new beauty counter inside Nordstrom at the Garden State Plaza Mall. During the 3 day event, which took place May 6th, 7th, and 8th, clients met with the team of talented Gucci beauty consultants and enjoyed the VIP treatment. After their consultations they were turned into fashion illustrations on the spot by Fashion Illustrator Deanna Kei.

As each client sat for their illustration they gushed about their Gucci beauty purchases and shared their love for the brand. There was a strong sense of connection to the label and many specially requested to be drawn with Gucci accessories.

The event took place on Mother’s Day weekend and many of the clients were shopping for gifts. There were a lot of special requests for family portraits to top off their Gucci gifts. Deanna worked with reference photos that the clients showed on their phones to create their custom sketches.

The in store event was an exciting and thoughtful way to show appreciation to the customers, and everyone who came out left with a smile and a bag full of their newly purchased Gucci goodies! *To schedule a consultation with the Gucci Beauty Team at Nordstrom in the Garden State Plaza mall please reach out to Annie. (201-788-5808).

Below are some scenes from the May 2021 Gucci Beauty Event.

*Illustrator Deanna Kei will be joining Gucci again for their upcoming grand opening in the beauty department inside the Nordstrom on 57th Street, New York City. August 4th, 5th, and 6th. Schedule a consultation at the NY store to join in on the fun!