You ask, I answer- My inspirations and tips for fashion illustration
Fashion sketch by Rongrong DeVoe using copic markers

Hi my friends! I just answered questions you asked on Instagram a few weeks ago. Sorry this took a little bit longer than I expected. Hope you find what you are looking for and hopefully these will help you with your creative journey.

How did you get started? Favorite mediums? Favorite season? - calligraphycult

I started to learn how to draw when I was 7. My parents were so busy they sent me to art, dance & sports after school to fill my time until they finished work to pick me up.

I do not have one favorite medium tool. I use different tools based on the subject and my mood at that moment.

My favorite season is Fall. Who doesn't love Fall? Many romantic stories happen in fall :-)

Jeans and polka dots fashion wall art via Rongrong Illustration

Jeans and polka dots fashion wall art via Rongrong Illustration

 

I would love to see your process from sketch to finished picture. Have you thought of doing YouTube videos? I would also love to see your fave techniques and how you learnt and practiced them. - bellapolkadots

This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I am preparing to do a YouTube video shortly and will share it with you all.

I do not have a favorite tool. I use different tools based on my mood and clients preference.

There are a few videos I found from fellow illustrators which can be very useful:

1, Illustrating Your Favorite Runway Looks with PaperFashion

2, How to Paint Fashion Illustrations for beginners- A Fashion Watercolor Illustration (time lapse)

3, How to do fashion sketches step by step

Yes I need all help I can get. I am learning how to draw people and I can't get it right - mylifeasacraftartist

I recommend to start sketching from magazines. Just use pencil, no need to worry about colors and patterns.

When I started I found this book very useful:

Fashion Illustration: Inspiration and Technique

Finding inspirations from fashion magazines like People Style Watch

Finding inspirations from fashion magazines like People Style Watch

 

How did you start getting your work into magazines etc? how to make yourself known apart from social media. Do you scan your work sometimes when you put it on instagram? how do you make it look so neat! do you edit any marks etc? - giselaillustrations

I have not done much magazine work as they have recently decreased their requests for editorial illustrations. If this is what you are looking to break into I would recommend mailing postcards of your work to art directors and follow up with an email. This is not a one time thing, it needs to be consistent, I recommend every three months. In addition to social media, I think a professional website and nicely designed business card are also very important. They show how professional you are. Go to many meet-ups, art/craft shows and introduce yourself to other designers and customers. This can be a great way to spread the name.

I scan my work to post on Instagram sometimes, sometimes I don't. When I scan, I do adjust my work in Photoshop such as  clean up marks and dirt.

Sketches after scan and photoshop

Sketches after scan and photoshop

 

What is your step by step drawing process and how do you come up with ideas? - hana_chots

I am preparing a YouTube video of my step by step, soon I will share it with you:-)

Sometimes I find ideas from trending events such as NYFW or trending holidays such as National donuts day!! I also draw things that I think my audiences can related to, such as Monday Coffee, TGIF Friday, Sunday brunch etc. Anything that can make people happy , It is my goal. When in doubt, draw shoes!!

Hello, I love your illustrations they're gorgeous! I was wondering if you would be willing to share some of your process. I am looking to sell some of my art work but I am not too sure how artists get their art printed. Do you sketch each individual copy or do you have 1 primary drawing that you get printed to ship to your customers? If so, where are some good places to get high quality prints? Thank you, your tips would be much appreciated :)- Danielle

I have my originals and then I scan them into the computer. I clean up the file and make them different sizes such as 5x7, 8x10, 11x14... I have a professional printer at home so I can print high quality inkjet prints  and ship to customers worldwide. 

Leopard heels fashion wall art via Rongrong Illustration

Leopard heels fashion wall art via Rongrong Illustration

 

Hope these tips and videos will help. In the meantime, stay tuned for my upcoming tutorial video. Feel free to visit my Etsy shop, Instagram or comment below if you have any questions:-)

Until next time,

Rongrong

Teen Vogue Back to School Saturday Event Recap

Rongrong DeVoe

I am so excited to share my live sketching experience working with Teen Vogue and Simon Malls for their Back to School Saturday events in Austin!

When I first received their email I could not believe this was happening … Teen Vogue!! I could never imagine in my first year of being a fashion illustrator I would be able to work with clients like this. 

I was beyond excited and also really, really nervous. The clients required me to work with them on two events for six hours which took place at Barton Creek Square and The Domain Austin. These are two properties under Simon malls. The pace was about 3-5 minutes each sketch and I would need to complete no less than 60 sketches. I was not confident in the beginning I would be able to do it ...(self-doubt creeps in sometimes). But I know everything always improves with practice and practice I did!!! 

For the three weeks preceding the event, I gave myself one hour to practice every morning. When I woke up I immediately started doing some quick sketches. Looking through myPinterest board for inspirations I learned how to work with Copic markers better (since I am such a watercolor person) and figured out how to draw the outline without smudging the paper. After a lot of trial and error my sketches started to get better and better and soon enough I was able to finish each sketch under 5 minutes by the last week of practicing. 

With a lot of preparation, my sweet husband Wes drove us to Austin on Friday from Houston. It was about a three hour ride and we were able to explore the city a little bit. We had an awesome Tex Mex dinner at Trudy's (We both are big foodies) and really enjoyed their two dollar margaritas during Happy Hour. 

This was the day! My first really big gig ever. The first event was from 12:00pm -3:00pm. I woke up to start my day with Coffee of course. Actually a lot of coffee. Sweet Wes bought me breakfast tacos, I had a big breakfast since I would not have any time for lunch.

We arrived at Barton Creek Square around 11:30 and immediately set up my supplies. People immediately started to surround me, asking what I was doing and within a half hour, there was a long line of girls who wanted a personal sketch. 

My outfit of the day in front of the hotel mirror:-)

My outfit of the day in front of the hotel mirror:-)

 Me and this cute teen girl!

I noticed a lot of the girls came to this event because they are big fans of two super popular social influencers. Kate, from A lonestar state of southern, & Amanda, from Make up by Mandy. When they were on the stage doing the presentation, the whole mall seemed to stop!

Time flies when you are busy concentrating on your work. I barely felt like I had time to breathe and it was almost 3:00pm! Time to leave for the other location (The Domain Austin). The line was so long the organizer had to stand at the end to prevent people from waiting as I was going to have to rush out for the next event and did not want to have anyone waiting who I would not be able to get to!

My second location was a half hour away; we hit a little bit of traffic (not surprised) but was able to get to the place a little earlier than 4:00pm. This one took place at a small outdoor green area. Many girls were already waiting under the tent when I arrived. When they saw what I will be doing, they were so excited and, just like the first event, there was a long line again within 10 minutes! I am so happy live sketching is in such high demand. No time to rest, time to go straight back to work!

I ended up drawing for 7 hours and sketched more than 75 people! The result was far beyond my expectations in a great way! I cannot believe I did this!! Of course, I couldn't do this without the huge support from my husband Wes!! We had a big dinner at Copper Lounge to celebrate this awesome experience. My favorite part of live sketching is meeting new people, talking to them, learning more about them and seeing the big smile on their faces the moment they look at their personal sketch!! I am so grateful to have had the chance to work with Teen Vogue and Simon malls! I will be working hard on my next adventure! Stay tuned, my friends!

Austin Cake balls! Dessert is a must wherever I go:-)

Keep up with my daily sketches over my Instagram:-)

Until next time, 
Rongrong

New arrivals in shop

It is a hot hot summer in Houston. My summer plan is to focus on developing more art and products for my shop! My goal is bringing happnies to people and I would love to see more people can have my art or products. So excited to receive my final products from my partner and can't wait to share them with you! 

Part I - Art prints

I have been wanting to draw a Yogi for a long time, finally I feel inspired and complete this piece. I love the peaceful she looks. And I hope she encourage us to do more exercises and be healthy!

Travel plays a big role in our life and every girl wants to look stylish and comfy at the same time. This art print titled: Travel in style. It is a great piece for world travler fashionistas!

Summer outfits always colorful, bright and fun to wear. Of course stripes is always on trend. I love this outfit of bright blue dress and red heels. Looks like she is ready for a Boat ride:-)

New York is the first city I live since I moved to US. I studied there, worked there, met the love of my life there. So It holds such a special place in my heart and I believe so as many other people! That is why there is a song called Empire state in mind!! I hope I will visit New York soon and more often!

Part II - Phone Cases

Stawberry transparent phonecase for Iphone 6 and 6 Plus

Stawberry transparent phonecase for Iphone 6 and 6 Plus

Leopard shoes and stripes phone case for Iphone 6

Macaroon iPhone Case for Iphone 6

Macaroon iPhone Case for Iphone 6

For more items including art prints, phone cases, tote bags and mugs please visit my shop
Let us chat on Instagram !!

Until next time,
Rongrong