beauty artist

Special Project for DVF inspired by Diane by Deanna First

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.







Sketched Brooke Shields at founder of #ThePurist Cristina Cuomo's 50th Birthday! by Deanna First

I was honored to have the opportunity to sketch guests at the stunning Knickerbocker Club in NYC last month for The Purist founder, Cristina Cuomo's 50th Birthday Celebration. Here are some of my favorites from the night! #BrookeShields #ThePurist #CristinaCuomo

Brooke Shields with her sketch!

Brooke Shields with her sketch!

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Bella Cuomo with her sketch!

Bella Cuomo with her sketch!