Live Wedding Illustration : A unique and interactive guest experience!

Searching for a unique interactive experience for your wedding or special event? A live illustrator will give your guests the VIP treatment, while transforming them into fashion illustrations on the spot. Think photo-booth, but more personalized!

Having live art at an event is such a special way to thank your guests for coming, while celebrating their personal style. Everyone has a lot of fun posing for their sketches and watching them come to life.

As a live illustrator, my role is to sketch people in the beautiful outfits they put together for the event, and to help them create a lasting memory.My sketches are done in inks and markers. Each sketch’s paper is branded with the event name and date, and is the perfect take home piece.

Live event illustration is becoming increasingly popular and is an creative way to give back to your guests, and provide some extra fun and entertainment for them during your reception.

Submit your event request here!

Here are photos from some of the beautiful weddings, bridal showers, and engagement parties I’ve sketched at in 2021!

 

Tamsen Fadal and Ira Bernstein wedding illustration by Deanna Kei

Tamsen and Ira’s Wedding, 620 Loft & Garden, New York, NY

photo credit: Meg Smith Photography

photo credit: Meg Smith Photography

photo credit: Meg Smith Photography

 

Paige and Kyle’s Wedding, The Ryland Inn, Whitehouse Station, NJ

 

Cindy and Brendan’s Wedding, TPC Jasna Polana, Princeton, NJ

 

Vanessa’s Bridal Shower, Garden, Long Island, Ny

 

Brittany’s Bridal Shower, Molos Restaurant, Weehawken, NJ

 

Jaclyn and Brian’s Engagement Party, Wythe Hotel, Brooklyn, NY

 

Juliet and Ankur’s Wedding, The Imperia, Somerset, NJ

 

Lauren’s Bridal Shower, Cock and Bull Restaurant, Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA

 

Now booking 2022 & 2023 events!

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations and wedding favors. She’s available to book for live events in NY, NJ, and PA, and is also available for travel upon request. *To book live art for your event contact deannakei@gmail.com , or submit an event request here.

Bergdorf Goodman kicked off the holiday season with special in store events

Bergdorf Goodman teamed up with special events planner Maria Hedian to treat their clients to two magical days of style and celebration. Fashion illustrator Deanna Kei was invited to sketch guests live in the store during both events.

On November 18th the 5th avenue store unveiled their iconic holiday windows display. It was preceded by a live outdoor musical performance. After the reveal, guests enjoyed champagne and hors-d'œuvres, and were turned into fashion sketches by illustrator Deanna Kei.

On December 11th Bergdorf gifted shoppers some more holiday cheer. Visitors to the fifth floor had fun posing for sketches with their family and friends. Many shared that they were in from other states and countries for the holidays, and were excited to have their sketch as a special keepsake from their visit to Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

Below are some photos from both events!

A musical performance preceded the holiday window reveal; Bergdorf Goodman NYC, Nov. 18 2021

Bergdorf client sketches by Deanna Kei, Nov 18 2021

Bergdorf clients pose with their sketch by Deanna Kei, Nov 18 2021

Bergdorf clients’ sketch by Deanna Kei, Nov 18 2021

Deanna Kei sketching at Bergdorf Goodman, Nov 18 2021

Bergdorf client sketch by Deanna Kei, Nov 18 2021

Bergdorf clients pose with their sketch by Deanna Kei, Dec 11 2021

Bergdorf clients’ sketch by Deanna Kei, Dec 11 2021

Bergdorf clients pose with their sketch by Deanna Kei, Dec 11 2021

Bergdorf client poses with her sketch by Deanna Kei, Dec 11 2021

Bergdorf client poses with her sketch by Deanna Kei, Dec 11 2021

Bergdorf clients pose with their sketch by Deanna Kei, Dec 11 2021

Bergdorf clients pose with their sketch by Deanna Kei, Dec 11 2021

Santa makes a guest appearance at Bergdorf during the event, Dec 11 2021

 

Guests who visited the 5th floor were invited to be turned int a Fashion sketch by illustrator Deanna Kei, Dec 11 2021

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations, and also works with brands to create unique and engaging content featuring their products. 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

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!

 

  1. 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.

leanne marshall2 - nyfw - deanna kei r.jpg
 

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.

 
Leanne Marshall Runway Collection, SS22

Leanne Marshall Runway Collection, SS22

 

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

Christian Siriano - nyfw - deanna kei R.jpg
 

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

Veuxstanio Vallano -nyfw - deanna kei R.jpg
 

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