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!

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Joy & Alex’s Wedding - The Ryland Inn - Whitehouse Station, NJ

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Laura Ann and John’s Wedding - June - Westport, Conneticut

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Samantha’s Bridal Shower - June - Farmingdale, NY

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Lance and Berniece’s Wedding - June - Art Factory - Patterson, NJ

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Cassie and Dave’s Wedding - July - Sheraton - Eatontown, NJ

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Sydney & Randy’s Wedding - The Foundry - Long Island City, Queens

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Jessie’s Bridal Shower - June - Trattoria Diane - Long Island, NY

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Alice + Olivia - Mother’s Day Event - Madison Ave, NYC

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Group M,The Upfronts - May Event - Nobu - NYC

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Mavi Jeans - June Event - Gallow Green - NYC

*Digital Ipad sketches were requested for this event

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4th and 41st Birthday Party - May - Time Out Rooftop - Brooklyn, NY

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Jenna’s Bridal Shower - May - Quaker Ridge Golf Club - Scarsdale, NY

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Shenika and Matthew’s Wedding - July - 501 Union - Brooklyn, NY

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Alice + Olivia - July Event - Madison Ave, NYC

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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

Alice in Fashion Land: Wonderland Worthy Looks from the AW 2020 Runway

The story of Alice in Wonderland has been inspiring designers for many decades. The vibrant world and quirky characters have been brought to life through various interpretations over the years and countless Runway collections have cited it as the underlying inspiration.

Instead of examining some of the looks inspired by Alice’s tale, I pulled 5 designer looks from the recent AW2020 Fashion Shows that would be perfect for the Wonderland characters if they stepped out in New York City today. Think ‘Wonderland’ but with a high fashion, city sensibility. Each of these gorgeous outfits comes from the Designer collections presented at the Fall 20 shows. [*For a complete list of the Fall trends, see my FW20 Trend Report]

Ready to check out these looks?! —On to the first one!

Alexander McQueen AW2020

1. The Playing Card Soldier

Wearing: Alexander McQueen AW2020

This is quite possibly my favorite look of the set. The thick ribbed sweater dress, cinched at the waist by a bold black belt is the perfect Fall silhouette. The bias rib side panels make for an extremely flattering drape. Its monochrome pallet is enhanced by the red highlight stitching and matching red thigh-high boots. This look is simple, elegant, chic, and extremely wearable.

Why it’s perfect for the Playing Card Soldier:

Beyond the obvious color similarities, the red threading makes a diamond shape, reminiscent of the diamond suit of cards. The fitted silhouette looks like the updated version of the white playing card design in the old Disney movie version.

Click here to view the rest of the McQueen AW2020 runway show on Vogue.

2. The Mad Hatter

Wearing: JW Anderson AW2020

This gorgeous long dress coat has a shaped waist with princess seams, a notched collar and a single breasted button front closure. The window pane plaid is nod to menswear inspired suiting. (*A key AW20 trend.) The shoulder embellishment details add a touch of controlled chaos to the pristine look.

Why it’s perfect for the Mad Hatter:

In most adaptions, the Mad Hatter is seen wearing a suit jacket and tailored pants. The Hatter is well due for an upgrade and this suit set is perfect. The white ringlet shoulder trim brings a bit off madness to this otherwise tailored look.

Click here to view the rest of the JW Anderson collection on Vogue

Marine Serre AW2020

3. The Red Queen

Wearing: Marine Serre AW2020

This dress is a masterful merger of many different details. There’s a sheer lizard motif overlay at the neckline, and varied floral patterns over the rest of the dress. Panels of velvet, silk, and print alternate and switch between the bias and the grain line of the fabric to create a beautiful contoured shape. The brushed gloves and scooped ruffle neckline elevate the look further. (*Key Trend: Piecing - See other pieced looks in my FW20 report.)

Why it’s perfect for the Red Queen:

The look may be a little more Fuchsia than the Red queen is used to, but it’s time for a refresh! The rich fabrics and delicate construction make it fit for a modern queen. The contrasting lizard overlay adds an element of edge.

Click here to view the rest of the Marine Serre Collection on Vogue

Tom Ford AW2020

4. The White Rabbit

Wearing: Tom Ford AW2020

This menswear outfit is the perfect neutral: an all white casual layered look topped with a beautiful brushed grey shearling coat. The all white drop front track pants, hoodie, and V neck tee act as a clean slate to showcase the statement jacket.

Why it’s perfect for the White Rabbit: The neutral pallet and dramatic coat elevate this comfortable style. This outfit has an athleisure-esque quality, perfect for someone who’s always in a rush—The shearling coat ties it all together and keeps it from looking too casual.

Click here to view the rest of the Tom Ford Collection on Vogue

Gucci AW2020

5. Alice, herself!

Wearing: Gucci AW2020

This dress has so many beautiful details: Delicate ruffled lace tiers bordered by black lace edging; Soft ruched drapery at the front of the skirt, and a lightly shirred sheer bodice and sleeves. The pastel blue paired with the transparent black lace creates a gothic quality. (*Key Trends: Sleeve Drama; Tiered Ruffles)

Why its perfect for Alice: She’s always liked a bit of ruffle, volume, and a lace. This dress has all that and more. Its a show stopping gown, fit for the hero of the story. Plus, its her iconic blue!

That’s a wrap! Which of these 5 runway looks is your favorite? Share in the comments below!

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations, highlighting each of their personal styles. She’s available to book for both live and virtual events and is available for travel. She also creates custom fashion illustrations for brands and is open for illustration commissions. Contact her at deannakei@gmail.com