Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions feel free to email me!

Do you travel out of NYC for sketching events?

Yes! I accept bookings for live-sketching events across the globe. There is an additional travel fee for any event outside of New York City as well as travel expenses which vary depending on location. Travel fees are to be paid at time of booking with the deposit.

Do you work with private clients or only brands?

Yes, I work with private clients as well as brands. I’ve done custom illustrations of just about anything one could imagine.  I have been commissioned to illustrate for brides, children, homes, and pets. Additionally, I live sketch at private party bookings such as weddings, bridal showers, Bat- Mitzvahs, and birthday celebrations. I have worked with leading private event planners and collaborated with them to create custom illustrations for decor such as illustrated dance floors, life size blow ups of the guest of honor, and sign sign-in boards. Basically, you name it, and it can be done.

DO I  HAVE THE RIGHT TO PRINT AND USE THE ARTWORK AFTER COMMISSIONING A CUSTOM ILLUSTRATION?

I, the artist retain all usage rights to the artwork I create. This includes the rights of the image of sold and commissioned original artwork. You can display it in home or business, however you cannot reproduce it without my written permission. I retain the right to make reproductions of any and all artwork I create unless the client has purchased the full or partial usage rights to the artwork.

Please let me know if you are interested in purchasing full or partial usage rights of a commissioned illustration. Some clients choose to purchase my right to reproduce the artwork to ensure it will never become a print. I happy to discuss your options.

How does the custom illustration process work?

You first purchase a custom illustration listing from my shop, then email inspiration photos along with any art direction or favorite elements of the dress or look you'd like me to bear in mind when drawing. A few rough "thumbnail" sketches are emailed to you to choose the overall pose and layout you like best. I then render a more polished line drawing and send that to you for review and a chance to request any modifications before final coloring. The illustration is then colored, completed and mailed to you. The process takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Original artwork is sent via USPS Priority Mail. Art is for home display, usage rights not included and art will not be sent as digital file. (Digital commissions with usage rights are options to be negotiated.) 

I'd like to gift a custom bridal illustration but don't have wedding photos yet, can I send photos from a dress fitting? 

Its best for me to work from photos from the actual wedding so all the details in the illustration are accurate from the hair to flowers to jewelry. If you'd like to give a physical gift so the bride knows a custom illustration is coming you can purchase a gift certificate for a custom illustration. When the wedding photos are ready she can then proceed working directing with me on the custom process. 

Do you teach classes, tutor, or run workshops?

I have taught Fashion Illustration at the 92nd Street Y and Joes Zee’s Stitched Fashion Camp and am planning workshops as well as adding consulting services to my offerings.  If you would like to receive more information about upcoming workshops you can add your name to my mailing list to get all the latest information.

WHAT MEDIUMS DO YOU USE TO CREATE YOUR CUSTOM Fashion ILLUSTRATIONS?

I use a wide variety of mediums including pencil, watercolor, gouache, marker, ink and occasionally charcoal. Each illustration is custom and requires different tools and supplies. Here you can see a variety of events I’ve live-sketched requiring different mediums. Everyday I find myself reaching for new things and digging for tools, paints and papers that I have stored in my studio.

do you offer Framing?

Although I do not offer framing, I highly recommend my clients framing and matting their prints and custom illustrations. Frames feature the beauty of the artwork, and protect the artwork from dust and wear. Beautiful frames and mats can be found everywhere and do not have to be expensive. A semi-affordable custom framing option I’ve worked with in the past and highly recommend is Framebridge. I have a few Framebridge frames in my home and they’re not only beautiful but they have been wonderful to work with!

Can I order a large custom illustration, say 30” x 40”?

For clients looking for large pieces my recommendation is to create a large scale fine art print from my original illustration. I work on a scale of approximately 9 to 12 inches but this can be expanded to any size. We’ve even been able to print a sketch to fit  20 foot dance floors from a 12 inch scan!

CAN I ORDER A CUSTOM ILLUSTRATed PHONE CASE?

You can order a custom phone case, by first commissioning a fashion illustration and then placing the order for the case. There will be an upload fee of $15 to scan, retouch, and upload the art to create the case. This does not include the cost of the phone case itself.

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All artwork is the sole property of Brooke Hagel and is held under copyright even after purchase. The images, artwork, and contents of this website may not be copied, collected, or used for personal or professional gain without written permission of Brooke Hagel. All images of artwork, sold or otherwise are retained by Brooke Hagel.