Searching for a unique interactive experience for your special event? Live event illustration is a creative way to give back to your guests, celebrate their personal style, and provide some extra fun and entertainment for them during your reception or event!
My sketches are done in inks and markers in full color. They can be branded with your 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!”
How I’ll work with you:
As a live fashion illustrator, I give your guests the VIP treatment by transforming them into fashion illustrations on the spot!
I bring my own art supplies and sketch your guests on site during your event.
Each sketch paper can be branded with your logo and event date so that they can take it with them as part of their own personalized memento.
I’m available to book for live fashion events and private events (such as Fashion Week events, Brand Launches, Trunk Shows, Galas, Weddings, Bridal Showers, Corporate Holiday Parties, Sweet 16’s, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday parties, and more!) in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania area. Inquire about additional locations. Travel requests are taken on a case by case basis. *Available for international travel.
Contact me (Deannakei@gmail.com) with your details to receive a price quote or fill out the form below!
Above: Wedding guest with her sketch by Deanna Kei
Sketch of @WednesdayBornOnThursday at Simkhai Store event for Fashion Week; Live sketch by Deanna Kei
Ready to learn more?! Fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you with a customized price quote for your event!
Live Fashion Illustration
Sketch of @WednesdayBornOnThursday at Simkhai New York Store event for Fashion Week; Live sketch by Deanna Kei
Deanna Kei live sketching at the Simkhai Store
Deanna Kei Sketching live at the Simkhai NYC store event for Fashion Week
Live wedding guest sketches by Deanna Kei - at Hastings on Hudson Venue
Wedding Illustration by Deanna Kei 2023
Live guest sketches for Barbie’s 65th Anniversary celebration inside Fao Schwarz, New York City
Wedding Illustration by Deanna Kei 2023
Photo credit: Rebecca Ou Photography - at 620 Loft & Garden
Live wedding guest sketches by Deanna Kei - at Hastings on Hudson venue
Live Illustration by Deanna Kei during Tod’s store event, East Hamptons
Live guest sketch for CheckedUp client event
Shoppers with their live sketch by Deanna Kei at Alice + Olivia, NYC
Live wedding guest sketches by Deanna Kei
Photo credit: Rebecca Ou Photography - at 620 Loft & Garden
Live guest sketches for Sephora Squad event at Make Believe Venue NYC
Live bridal shower guest sketch by Deanna Kei
Live bridal shower guest sketches by Deanna Kei
Live wedding guest sketches by Deanna Kei
Shopper holding her sketch by Deanna Kei at FOUNDRAE , New York
Tamsen Fadal & Ira Bernsetin Wedding illustration by Deanna Kei
Shoppers holding their live sketch by Deanna Kei at Bloomingdales x Tutu Project event
Live sketch by Deanna Kei at Bloomingdales x Tutu Project event
Live guest sketches by Deanna Kei for a wedding, NJ
Guest holding his Live Sketch by Deanna Kei at Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya pop up
Gucci client sketch by Deanna Kei at the Gucci Beauty Event in Nordstrom, New York
Live guest sketches by Deanna Kei for a wedding, NJ
Guest holding her Live Sketch by Deanna Kei at Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya pop up
Gucci client sketch by Deanna Kei at the Gucci Beauty Event in Nordstrom, New York
Guest holding her Live Sketch by Deanna Kei at Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya pop up
Guests holding their sketch by Deanna Kei at a Bergdorf Goodman client event
Shoppers holding their sketch by Deanna Kei at an Alice + Olive Mother’s Day store event, NYC
Guest holding her sketch by Deanna Kei at an Alice + Olive Mother’s Day store event, NYC
Interested in getting a quote? Submit your details in the form above and I’ll get back to you shortly!
Digital Live Illustration
Live event illustrations done on an Ipad and emailed directly to each guest
Digital live guest sketch by Deanna Kei for Klaviyo event
Digital live guest sketch by Deanna Kei for Givenchy event
Digital live guest sketch by Deanna Kei for Mavi Jeans event
Live Bag Painting & Other item customization
I also offer live shoe painting, journal customization, ornament painting and more!
Live bag customization by Deanna Kei for a Bergdorf Goodman event
Shoppers with their customized totes by Deanna Kei at a Bergdorf Goodman event
Live bag customization by Deanna Kei for a Bergdorf Goodman event
Bottle customization for skincare brand, Sulwhasoo’s live activation in New York City
Live event sketch FAQ:
What does pricing look like?: Pricing for live sketch sessions is based on session hours, event date, and location/travel distance. Please submit an inquiry to receive a pricing quote for your specific event.
How far in advance should I book?: While popular dates fill up quickly, I am sometimes also able to accommodate last minute bookings as well.
What medium do you use?: My live fashion sketches are done in marker so they dry instantly and guests can take them immediately. I can also work with watercolors if requested specially.
What size paper do you use?: I typically work on 8 1/2” x 11”, 5 1/2” x 7 1/2”, or 5” x 7” paper. I can also accommodate most special requests.
Do you sketch guests as they’re posing or from photos?: I can work either way! I love to let the natural flow of the event dictate the best method, and can switch back and forth if needed. If the host has a preference, I can accommodate it!
Do guests have to hold a pose while you’re sketching them: Guests don’t have to hold a pose or stand still. They can continue their conversations. I just ask that they face forward so I can see them and their outfit while I’m sketching.
How long have you been sketching at events for?: My first live sketching event was in 2018! I’ve enjoyed sketching over 1000 guests since then! Before working as a live event artist I worked as an apparel designer for many years.
If you have any other questions please fill out the inquiry form above, or send an email to deannakei@gmail.com. Please include your event type, date, location (venue or city/state), and duration time in your message. I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks! - Deanna Kei
Brands + Companies I’ve sketched live for include:
Gucci - Dior - Simkhai - Sak’s Fifth Avenue - Nordstrom - Boss - Giorgio Armani - Mavi Jeans - Eberjey -
Tommy Hilfiger - Bergdorf Goodman - Sanctuary - Foundrae - Luxe Magazine - Subzero -CitiGold - Marriott Bonvoy -
Bloomingdale's - Alice + Olivia - Group M - Givenchy - Macy’s - Flow Traders - The North Face - One & Only -
Tod’s - Sephora - Attentive - Nadel - Digitalundivided - CheckedUp - Mattel - Stila - Sulwhasoo - Porsche -
First In Service - Be Inspired PR - American Dream Mall - Purple PR