A recap of Barbie's 65th Anniversary Celebration in NYC

Everyone knows that Barbie throws the best parties!

The Barbie shop inside the iconic F.A.O Schwarz toy store in Manhattan, NY was the perfect location for her 65th Anniversary. It was an event to remember, with an interactive activation that included live fashion sketches by Fashion Illustrator Deanna Kei (that’s me!) , and lots of other fun gifts!

Fashion Illustrator, Deanna Kei

The energy level inside the shop was off the charts! Everyone was so happy to be there! At the Barbie shop, fans can customize their very own Barbies with the help of a trained Barbie stylist. Each time a kid finished customizing their Barbie doll, the stylist presented them to the audience by name and everyone in the shop gave them a round of applause. The applause were going all day and had everyone smiling.

After guests chose their Barbies, they were treated to Barbie donuts and fashion sketches of themselves as a Barbie doll!

@deborahtroyannchester

It was a fun filled day full of cute photo ops! Shoppers were given a Barbie hat with their purchases and the large Barbie box at the front of the store made the best frame for photos!

Barbie shoppers who spent $75 or more were able to have a live illustration done of themselves. The fashion illustrations were framed with a pink Barbie box border. It was the perfect memento from the day!

Krispy Kreme joined in on the festivities with a beautiful donut display of their Barbie x Krispy Kreme collaboration donuts. There were 4 different flavors to choose from, each featuring a different design! The Barbie donuts are available outside of the event too!* See Krispy Kreme for details.

@Prinzechris

@prinzechris

Barbie fans showed up from all over, dressed in their best Barbie outfits. It was so much fun sketching everyone and chatting with them about their collections! There was a fun crowd around the sketch station and everyone was mingling with each other and showing off their Barbies and it was really just such an amazing day full of good, pink vibes!

The Barbie shop is located inside F.A.O Schwarz and is definitely worth a visit!

Deanna Kei is a fashion and beauty illustrator who works with brands to create custom illustrations, and she also sketches guests live at special events. To book live fashion art for your next event contact: DeannaKei@gmail.com or see here for more details!


Live Bag Painting for Activations and Events

Looking for even more creative ways to bring excitement to your events? Live bag painting is quickly becoming a favorite! I’ll share some details below on what Live bag painting is and how you can book a session for your next event!

What is live event bag painting?: A fun and creative way to customize your guests’ experience and give them a gift they can carry with them (in addition to the memories)!

How does it work?: I’ll create custom illustrated tote bags for your guests live. To get started I’ll chat with each guest about their preferences, favorite colors, and any ideas they have while suggesting some of my own ideas. Then I’ll create their very own bag design based on their likes. The fabric markers I use dry instantly so there’s no wait time.

What are some popular designs?: The NYC skyline, taxis, flowers, and fashion illustrations (of the guest) are some of my most requested designs.

What kind of totes do you use?: I can draw on most light colored types of canvas/fabric bags and can supply plain totes or work with your existing branded totes. *Tote size varies by availability at the time of booking.

Are the illustrated bags waterproof?: I use pre-tested waterproof fabric markers so the bags can safely get wet without the colors running.

How long does it take? That will depend on the tote size selected for your event and the types of designs requested. We’ll work out the details together at the time of booking.

To get more information about booking for your own event fill out the form below!

To see more photos of totes I’ve illustrated live at past events scroll to the bottom of this page!

Two shoppers with their matching totes by Deanna Kei commemorating their twins trip to NYC for the holidays!

Customized shoppers tote for Bergdorf Goodman event

Customized shoppers tote for Bergdorf Goodman event

Here are some photos of totes I illustrated live for Bergdorf Goodman in their NYC store at a past event.

Deanna Kei creating live tote illustrations at Bergdorf Goodman NYC

A shopper holding her custom tote by Deanna Kei inside Bergdorf Goodman

Two shoppers with their custom totes by Deanna Kei at Bergdorf Goodman

Should you have live art at your next event?

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