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

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