This past weekend I had the opportunity to live-sketch during Cosmopolitan Magazine’s annual Fun Fearless Life conference in Manhattan. I cannot tell a lie — it was a blast! Fun Fearless Life brings together influential female speakers, thinkers, activists and entrepreneurs to teach young women how to live exceptional, exciting lives. I was in the same building at Gabrielle Bernstien, Aliza Licht, Alicia Quarles, Laverne Cox (!!!) and scores of young women hungry to live life in the most fearless, most fun way possible.
I was stationed at the live-sketching booth sponsored by Actually She Can, a new movement to help young women build confidence and positivity. The best part was illustrating alongside my buddy and fellow illustrator Denise El Najjar. We spent the day not only sketching, but also gabbing with guests, sharing supplies and squealing over the amazing outfits we saw throughout the day.
There’s something so exciting and electrifying about seeing young women at their most confident and stylish. Seeing the way the guests expressed their personal style made me so excited to draw them. There were pleated midi skirts, suede rompers, all-white ensembles and even a pair of gnome shoes! I asked every guest to tell me about the favorite part of their outfit, and made sure the highlight those faves in each sketch.
Also of note: At one point while I was sketching, I felt someone standing over my shoulder, observing, and then heard her exclaim, “Are you drawing her while she’s standing right there? Amazing!” I looked up and it was Joanna Coles, editor-in-chief of Cosmo and fashion magazine industry legend. NO BIG DEAL OR ANYTHING. I may have had a fan girl moment. Don’t judge me.
It turns out, the illustration booth was the most popular feature of the day! Denise and I were still sketching well after the lights came up and the music went down, wanting to make sure every fun, fearless girl got her very own personal sketch. I mean, how could we say no? Afterward, I created an illustration highlighting one of the most popular looks of the day — cool tights with super-cute ankle booties.
Trend-spotting at Fun Fearless Life 2015.
I can’t overstate how much fun we had at Fun Fearless Life 2015. Thank you to Cosmo for creating such a fun event, and to Actually She Can for making fashion illustration such a major part of it. You can see more photos from the event below, and also by searching #funfearlesslife and #actuallyshecan on Instagram.
If you’re interested in having me live-sketch for your next conference or fashion event, contact me here.
