So I got a super special, super exciting request from a friend and former co-worker a few weeks back. My friend wanted to celebrate her sister’s upcoming birthday by commissioning four illustrations to highlight the many facets of her sister – as a professional, as a jet-setter, as a glamorous style maven, and as a doting and devoted mom.
Needless to say, I was more than happy to take on this project. I LOVE celebrating women for being multi-faceted and unapologetically amazing, and the subject of this series was no exception. She’s super-stylish, super-accomplished professional who holds two Ph.Ds — TWO! — and has traveled the world with her children. The inspiration was endless, and resulted in a set of illustrations that were loads of fun to create.
The first illustration showcased my client’s sister as an unabashed glamour girl, who loves makeup, corsets and killer shoes. I also used an old Nordstrom ad campaign of one of my favorite illustrators, Ruben Toledo, as inspiration for the “powder room” setting of this image.
Then there was the “Jet-Setter” illustration. My favorite thing to draw is women “on-the-move”, and this image was no exception. My client says her sister moves through airports looking effortless, so that’s the feeling I wanted to create here. Also, it was tons of fun illustrating the Louis Vuitton baggage set — my client’s sister, the stylish maven that she is, does actually own the whole collection.
Finally, there was the illustration celebrating my client’s sister as an accomplished, educational professional. I’m actually a bit peeved with myself — I illustrated my subject with only four degrees, when she actually has five! Lol. I did enjoy sketching this fabulous, ruched black dress and the black-and-tan pumps.
I also a created a fourth illustration of my subject and her two adorable children, which was included with this set.
I can say that this has been my most intensive commission so far — most projects only require an image or two for my clients. But I’m so glad I was able to do this and create such a unique and personal birthday gift for my friend’s sister. These illustrations have now all found a home in her home, and I hope she loves them just as much as I enjoyed creating them. 
If you’re interested in a personal illustration commission, contact me here.