September fashion month Recap-my first trip to New York Fashion Week 2015 as fashion illustrator and three live sketch events!

 

September 2015 was a super busy month for me and my fashion illustration business. I went to New York Fashion Week for the first time as a fashion illustrator. Not only to attend the shows and talk to designers and make-up artists but also to live sketch the models and influencers backstage.  Overall it was a great trip with a lot of fresh, fun experiences and valuable networking opportunities. This trip alone was enough for a jam packed September but I also did three live sketch events in Houston at The Galleria mall, Elaine Turner and Tootsies!

My first event in September was at The Galleria mall where I live sketched guests at a fashion VIP after party hosted by Simon group and Vogue Promos. My lovely friends came along with me to provide support and the super talented Daniel came to video me. See pictures of this amazing event below!

Houston Galleria Mall Fashion show
Houston fashion illustrator Rongrong DeVoe at The Galleria Mall with friends

To be able to go to NYFW was my long time goal and I am extremely excited this opportunity finally came! I practiced for hours and hours everyday to make sure I was able to capture the moments fast and accurately. With a lot of excitements and nerves, I boarded a super early flight to New York!

Tales from the back row by amy odell
Fashion illustrator rongrong devoe copic markers
Houston fashion illustrator Rongrong DeVoe at Maybelline lounge during NYFW ss16
Jill Stuart NYFW ss16

I was lucky enough to attend Rachel Zoe's fashion show, It was amazing to be able to meet her and sketch her beautiful collection. She even regrammed my work!! 

Rachel Zoe ss16 NYFW-1
Rachel Zoe ss16 NYFW
Fashion Illustration of Rachel Zoe SS16 collection during NYFW by Houston fashion illustrator rongrong devoe.jpg
Fashion Illustration of Rachel Zoe SS16 collection during NYFW by Houston fashion illustrator rongrong devoe-1

A quick sketch of Tanya Taylor SS16 collection

Houston fashion illustrator Rongrong DeVoe sketch Tanya Taylor ss16 collection

Live sketching of fashion/beauty editors and bloggers at the Maybelline Lounge in Milk studio.

Houston fashion illustrator Rongrong DeVoe at Maybelline lounge live sketch during NYFW ss16

Fashion sketch of J crew ss16 collection

Fashion Illustration of J crew ss16 collection by Rongrong DeVoe

Fashion Illustrations of Marchesa ss16 collection

Fashion Illustration of Marchesa ss16 collection by Rongrong DeVoe

The day I came back, I immediately got ready for my second live sketch event of the month for Elaine Turner at her City Centre store to celebrate 15 years in business!!( How amazing, she is such an inspiration to me!)

Houston fashion illustrator Rongrong DeVoe with Elaine Turner.jpg
Houston fashion illustrator Rongrong DeVoe live sketch at  Elaine Turner 15 years celebration party

 

The next day, I was at my third live sketch event of the month at Tootsies in honor of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Houston fashion illustrator Rongrong DeVoe live sketch at Tootsies

Watch these events in action in the short video below!

Now I am starting to plan and book shopping events and live sketch events for the holiday season! Lots on the to do list but first, Coffee!! More fashion sketches here

Fashion-illustrations-of-fashion-bloggers-by-Rongrong-DeVoe.png

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Rongrong DeVoe Comments
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