Bridal Collage Print: Bouquet of Brides

A while back I put together a collage of a select sampling of my bridal fashion illustrations. I've finally framed it to show the print in its best light. The print, which I'm calling "Bouquet of Brides" is available for purchase in my shop Brooklit Bride.

(Picture frame Pottery Barn, and wallpaper Graham & Brown)

W Happenings

Like most New Yorkers, I typically steer clear of Times Square but last week I headed there for a breakfast with fellow fashion and style bloggers (which I'll tell you more about in a future post.) While mingling and handing out my business cards someone told me about a fashion illustration exhibit just across the street in the Living Room of the W Hotel.

"W Happenings Presents Drawing Inspiration: Ladies of the Night" is fabulous series of fashion illustration paintings featuring faculty and students of the Fashion Institute of Technology. (Which just so happens to be my alma mater.)

The first piece I spotted I immeadiately identified as the work of Steven Stipelman, who I've featured here a few times. (Here and here) Stipelman works in a distinctive painterly style and his fashion illustrations ooze elegant sophistication.

In addition to Stipelman, there were many other fashion illustrators exhibited. I absolutely fell in love with the drippy technique and style of the first two pieces shown at the top of this post by Meagan Morrison.

Drawing Inspiration: Ladies of the Night will remain on display through May 3, 2011. I highly suggest stopping by, maybe even grab a drink at the bar and soak up the fashion illustration fabulousness.

New Fashion Illustration Prints

I am thrilled to announce new prints have been added to Brooklit, my Etsy shop of original fashion illustrations. Meet Kate, Eva and Maggie.

Over the past few months I've been so busy with client projects, freelancing and setting up my bridal illustration shop, Brooklit Bride, that I can't even remember the last time I added a new girl to the Brooklit mix. Well now I have not one, but three new beauties for sale.

A few weeks back I was asked to submit work to Harper's Bazaar. I was so excited that I decided to take the time to sit down and create some new fresh sketches especially for Bazaar. In the end they decided to go with one of my bride illustrations (featured here). Even though these three girls were not chosen by Bazaar I think they came out pretty well and am pleased to add them to the shop.

To take a closer look you can click on: Kate, Eva or Maggie. I think Kate is my current favorite, what about you?

(Wallpaper by Graham & Brown)

Custom Fashion Illustration Giveaway

Today I'm announcing a huge giveaway, to win a Brooke Hagel custom illustration valued at $350! Since wedding season is approaching and my second Etsy shop, Brooklit Bride, is still fairly new, I thought this would be a great way to get people to check the shop while thanking you, my readers, for all your support.

The winner gets a custom illustration based on their own photos. Don't worry, it's not limited to brides. I can illustrate you in your favorite gown, your grandmother on her wedding day back in the 40's, or your niece or daughter in her bat-mitzvah or sweet sixteen dress. You can also gift the prize to your closest girlfriend, to commemorate her special day.

To enter simply:

-Make sure that your a Fabulous Doodles follower (by clicking the "Follow" link on the sidebar.)

-Check out my new Etsy bridal shop BrooklitBride then come on back here and leave a comment with which bride is your favorite.

-If you'd like to enter twice give this giveaway a shout out on your blog then comment here with the link.

-To enter a third time tweet a link to this post with the hashtag #giveaway then comment here again saying "tweeted" with your twitter handle.

-This giveaway is open until midnight Thursday, March 31st. The winner will be chosen through random.org, will be contacted via email and announced here on April 2nd. Good luck!

Side note: Hello to my fellow BYWers! This giveaway post happens to be my "Week 3" homework assignment for my Blogging Your Way e-class with the amazing Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring. Can't wait to see what awaits for week 4! :)

Custom Bridal Illustration: My Process

Here on Fabulous Doodles I've shared many "photo to sketch" examples. However its been quite a while since detailing my whole custom bridal illustration process. I figured it was time to share the steps again, and what better bride to feature than my friend Jackie, whose wedding I was in this past summer. (Remember my hunt for a yellow bridesmaid dress? And details from her wedding, here.) This custom bridal illustration was my wedding gift to Jackie, but I worked with her the same way, and took the same steps, I do with clients.

(Brian Tropiano Photography, Dress; Amsale)

Once the custom illustration order has been placed (and the deposit has been made) through my etsy shop, Brooklit Bride, the first step is to email me wedding photos. Ideally a whole online album works best, if possible from the wedding photographer. Seeing an array of photos helps me capture the design and all the details of the dress in motion, from different angles, and in different lighting. The photos also give me a sense of the brides personality, like Jackie here who you can clearly see through her pictures is a casual and playful girl, as opposed to say, the fancy and more traditional bride.

After studying the wedding photos, for step 2, I come up with 3-6 very rough pencil sketches. From these roughs the client picks which pose he or she likes best and conveys any important details that they want to make sure I feature. They can also add or remove elements, by saying something like "I love the profile pose but nix the bouquet."

After the pose and details are clear I get to work on step 3, the polished line drawing. This will be the under-drawing for the final artwork. I again share it with the client and make sure every detail is there and the client is happy with the final design before color is added and it becomes extremely difficult to modify. This is the time for any final tweaks and balance payment is due.

Step 4 is the final color rendering, primarily done with markers and pencils but occasionally if the design calls for it I use a fine tip pen or one of my secret weapons. And after another hour (sometimes two or three!) the custom fashion illustration is complete. I then ship and pack the original artwork and its off to its new home.

Jackie was trilled with her illustration and has already framed and hung it in her living room! Again, if you're interested in a custom sketch of your own or would like to buy one as a gift, you can check out my custom illustration listings in BrooklitBride or email me with any questions.

Fashion Week: Designer Sketches {Part 2}

(Adrienne Vittadini and Pamela Roland)

As promised, I have more designer sketches to share from the New York Fashion Week Fall 2011 Collections. These are some of my favorite illustrations taken from the Pantone Fall Color Guide.

(Ella Moss and Pamela Roland)

I mentioned this last season, but it still reins true now, Ella Moss (above) does such a fantastic job of accurately rendering her prints and accessories. Her sketches always look so detailed and understandable, but not overworked. They just seem so effortless and easy breezy. The Pamela Roland sketch (also above) has a similar quality and I absolutely love the strong three quarter pose.

(Lela Rose and Tommy Hilfiger)

I don't know why but I'm a huge fan of sketches with sunglasses, so this Tommy illustration sporting sunglasses and a chunky gray cable knit turtleneck is one of my faves. Its such a fantastic layered look. Which one's do you like best?

To take a look at more designer sketches you can download the Pantone Fall Color Guide pdf here.