Spring 2019 - Total Illustration Refresh - Whats New on DeannaKei.com

April 5, 2019

Hi everyone! If you’re following along here you’ve probably noticed that I haven’t added a blog post in quite a long time. I’ve been keeping up on Instagram in the meantime, but now I’m finally bringing this site up to speed.

Since my last blog post so much has changed with both my brand (and my personal life: new home, new kitten..etc).

I spent the past year as an Athleisure Designer on the team for an exciting activewear brand, Designed for a second up and coming activewear line, Illustrated for a book, Discovered I love live event sketching, Delved deeper into digital illustration, Explored different sketch subjects including landscapes and animals, Created a bunch of new Bridal Products, and more!

I finally caught a moment to sit down and rework DeannaKei.com and I’m excited for you to see all of the new additions!

What’s New

Fashion

I’ve combined the previous ‘Design’ and ‘Styling’ tabs into one page showcasing my past portfolio work. The idea here was to make it more cohesive and easily accessible.

Illustration

My Illustrations section got a fresh upgrade with loads of new sketches, updated client pieces (so you can check out some of my custom work), and brand new images of The International Fashionista’s LookBook Diary.

The International Fashionista’s LookBook Diary - Dana Lardner & Deanna Kei

Beyond Beauty: A Journey To Success - By Gabriela Dias

Services

The new ‘Services’ section provides information about all the different ways we can work together! Some of the services I offer clients are Custom Fashion Illustration, Live Event Illustration, Fashion Apparel Design, Apparel Techpacks, Styling, and Personal Shopping. If you have a project you’d like to collaborate on fill out the form on the bottom of the Services page to inquire or just send me an email! I’m excited to hear from you!

Women’s Jacket Techpack, Stitching Details - DeannaKei

Women’s May 2018 Lord & Taylor - DeannaKei

Live Sketch

I’ve added a whole page dedicated to the behind the scenes fun of a live sketching event. If you’re planning an amazing event you might want to consider having live sketches done! Its a fun interactive way to keep guests entertained and it also leaves them with something memorable to bring home. I’ll be adding a blog post with more details soon but in the mean time check out the page.

Blog

I’ve got a bunch of exciting things planned for the blog! Stay tuned for a spring bridal trend post and more ~

About

Now you can check out my Illustrations in a 2008 Burlington TV commercial (does anyone remember those? They ran a few different ones), as well as some of my most recently published work in magazines and books in the new media sliders under my bio.

Shop

There are a ton of new bride and bridesmaid items in the shop as well as custom save the dates. Are you planning or part of a wedding? Lets talk custom!

Also Check out my new spring line of totes and weekenders! I’ll be adding more soon too!

Anything else you’d love to see? Let me know in the comments below or send me an email!

Take care,

Deanna

Spring 2018 Trend Report and Style Shopping Guide

February 26, 2018

Have you started your Spring Wardrobe shopping yet?

You've probably noticed the racks are full of fresh colors and airy fabrics. In fact, they've been for the past month. No doubt there's a lot to choose from but don't worry-- I'm here to help you narrow it down!

I've put together this in depth Illustrated SS18 trend report to simplify things for the trend-savy Spring shopper. These key trends are designer-insider knowledge and pulled right from my own Spring development trend board. All of these colors were referenced directly from the industry standard Pantone library's SS18 Color Report

Let's get started!

The Track Stripe:

Feeling nostalgic? The track stripe is making a reappearance. While you'll find it adorned on many the pant leg, this versatile stripe has upped its application to necklines, trimming and virtually anywhere it can fit! It's unlimited color and texture options give it the ability to span from 'work out wear' to 'work wear'. Pair it with a carefully selected top to either dress it up or dress it down!

Woven shirts are still strong for spring. Ruffles continue to be a key detail. Cropped bells are a fresh alternative to the skinny jean.

The Pantone Colors used above are: Coconut Milk, Cherry Tomato, Little Boy Blue and Sailor Blue

The Every Day Athleisure

Athleisure isn't going anywhere any time soon. (Who would argue with comfort being in stlye?!) Oversized sweatshirts are elevated with ruffles and fun arm details. Applique pearls dust sleeves and necklines. Activewear leggings continue to play a key role in streetwear.

Mini backpacks make a comeback and replace the reigning purse.

Woven Shirtings

Woven shirtings really hit hard last summer and are continuing into this spring. The classic shirting stripe takes on new weights and textures as sleeves become more voluminous. Try mixing knits and woven for new layered combinations. *Clean layering is key. Uneven hemlines hit tops and bottoms alike.

The straight leg replaces the skinny. Raw edges continue to show.

The Pantone colors used above are: Harbor Mist, Blooming Dahlia and Warm Sand

Ribbing and Wraps

Ribbing evolves from cuff and hemline details and takes the shape of all over ribbed fabrics. Minimal silhouettes pair with strong textures and statement jewelry.

Wrap and Mock-Wrap tops, bottoms and dresses create the illusion of layering without the bulk. *Mock wraps are a great alternative for those who find the excess fabric of a true wrap to be an unflattering fit.

Do any of these Spring Trends speak to you? Any colors that you can't wait to try? Tell me in the comments!

Out with the old and in with the new

December 30, 2017

One of my favorite ways to celebrate the changing year is by starting a fresh calendar. I like to switch it up each time. For 2017, I had a New England Fall Foliage Photography calendar hanging. It was beautiful but this year I was looking to take another direction. I want 2018 to be different.

My cover girl is armed with coffee and ready to take on the new year!

Some time last winter I began tossing around the idea of creating a Fashion Illustrated calendar. I enjoy sketching mini collections and series and although art is fun to hang alone, I'm all about functionality. Putting together the pieces in a monthly calendar gives them purpose.

As this year went on I continued to sketch pieces for the calendar here and there, and in between other projects. Some of pages were designed specifically with a month or a season in mind. Others fell into place by coincidence afterwards. I actually had a few different options I was playing with for July but in the end, I chose the piece that fit in best with the style of the other months.

July's channeling beach vibes in a flowy summer dress.

My favorite sketch in this calendar is probably October's. I'm partial to the colorful leaves and the layering. This one started as a pencil sketch. I scanned it and digitally went over with my bamboo tablet in Photoshop. October's sketch actually wasn't made with the calendar in mind but it fit right in.

There are a few different drawing methods sprinkled through out the months. January, July, April, September and November were digital drawings done completely on a tablet using the Autodesk Sketchbook program. This is a new style of sketch I just started experimenting with this year. It's a bit quicker and cleaner than the traditional way. I intend to explore it more in 2018.

The September group is ready for Fashion week

Through the entire process I was constantly showing the calendar to friends and getting feedback. I came to the conclusion that not everyone hangs a wall calendar. Some people stick to an office desk calendar. Others keep a planner instead. I wanted to make my calendar relevant for those friends as well so I reworked it into a few additional formats.

The stand alone Easel Calendar features each month on an individual card. The cards sit together in a wooden base.

I also added a printable planner download and formatted it to fit most standard planners. There's a download for 8 x 10 printing too for those who aren't planner savvy.

All of the formats are available in my Etsy 's calendars tab

I want to know what your 2018 calendar looks like? Share in the comments below!