Step by Step Process on blowing artwork up for Mural + Wall Art!

Blushington TSA Pop-Up “Pretty in the City” at Parker New York Hotel

Process on how to use my artwork large scale inside stores, outdoor murals, pop-ups, your nursery, bedroom and more!

1. A lot of people don’t realize that you have the option to commission me to draw a custom illustration small scale first and then have it blown life-size!

2. I submit digital options for client to pick from. I typically offer 1-2 rounds of revisions complimentary. Once we decide on the final illustration I send over a high resolution image of the artwork.

3. Depending on the agreement client's have blown my artwork as wallpaper, window displays and murals. You could also use it on postcards, business cards, gift bags or packaging. This is all discussed prior to beginning the artwork.

4. I do request references of pose, figure and backdrop before starting. This helps eliminate multiple rounds of revisions if I know exactly what client has in mind.

5. If there is a piece of artwork on my site or IG @deanna_first that I’ve already created you’ve fallen in love with - you could also have one of those pieces blown up as well.

6. This is a great option if you’re looking to make your store or building catch the attention of customers and influencers. People use the art as a backdrop for their photos and promote it on social. I do always ask that my name be credited on all artwork in fine print.

7. If interested email me at deanna@deannafirst.com

This particular event was done at Blushington inside of Parker New York Hotel. The outside and interior of the pop-up was decked out in my “Pretty in the City” sketch.

Inspiration was drawn from the busy on the go woman who is always traveling looking for a quick spot to get her hair, makeup and beauty product fix.

All of the items are TSA approved so friendly to travel with. I mean how much more convenient can it get?!

Alice + Olivia Coterie 2020 sketching using Roses!

I always light up when I find out that I’ll be working with Alice + Olivia again at their NYC showroom! I worked at their 2019 Coterie event last year and met so many amazing buyers from all across the United States. It was nice to see a few familiar faces for the second year in a row while creating custom fashion illustrations for all.

Live Sketching Inspiration + Process

This time we drew inspiration from pink and red roses. The event took place right around Valentine’s Day so it was only fitting to incorporate some sort of romantic and playful element into the sketches! What better way than roses!

1. I found the petals worked best as skirt silhouettes over tops but honestly might have made a really fun faux fur looking jacket depending on placement.

2. I live sketch each guest first as I normally would in about 5-7 minutes each.

3. I added placement of petals one by one over top of sketch. It tore me a little bit inside pulling a perfectly in tact rose apart but justified it since was going to be used towards creating a unique piece of art.

4. You probably are thinking - but wait this will not last since the petals will surely wilt. True, but if you press them in a frame it will create a long lasting FRAMABLE memory for years to come. :)

Special Project for DVF inspired by Diane

I’m SO thrilled to be sharing a little more about my process with you and what inspires me along the way!

This will be #1 of several sketches I will unveiling for an exploration project that Diane von Fürstenberg herself asked me to create! Yes - I still can’t believe I just typed that. I think back when I first decided to go freelance and compare it to the life I’m living now and it is just insane. I never really think about it until I catch myself reflecting back on the past.

Inspiration came easy when looking into #WomanInCharge movement as a theme and Diane’s strength and iconic style. I gravitated towards powerful poses and movement in my sketches to capture that on the go lifestyle and hard work ethic that the modern day woman embodies.

The Winona Stretch Crepe Peplum Jacket by #DVF below was paired with a matching spice and black printed pant. The pant is not part of their collection but I am a sucker for a matching suit so tweaked the sketch a bit.

MY PROCESS

Step 1. I started by sketching in pencil. Honestly, I love a good mechanical pencil. I own all of the fancy professional kind but gravitate towards the ones I used in college.

Step 2. I scan in my artwork multiple times. This allows me to PLAY! If I mess up the entire sketch isn’t ruined when I go to ink it and can try out different techniques and shading on each scan.

Step 3. The fun part is always adding color for me. I use a mix of micron pens, colored pencils and copic markers. For hair and eye color I usually do a blend of colored pencils.

Step 4. Shading. I always go over my artwork by adding shading with a very light shade grey marker. I usually do under the feet, neck and anywhere I see fit that could use a little contrast.

Step 5. I actually didn’t do step 5 for this one since they were just samples - but I usually scan inked version into photoshop and play with colors and add different layers of colors. I use dodge and burn tool to further shade.

As you can see don’t be fooled by my 5-7 minutes sketches during my live events. To create a beautiful piece of artwork takes steps and patience to get it right.