It must be artist week on the blog because today I’m bringing you another fabulous artist that I’m sure many of you have already heard of. Rongrong DeVoe, 32, is a Houston-based Fashion Illustrator who has already taken the fashion illustrating world by storm. She’s been featured in magazines, such as Vogue and In Style and her client list includes the likes of Chanel, Neiman Marcus, Maybelline, and more. Rongrong is so insanely talented and her sketches are full of color and life! I’m such a fan of this lady (she’s so sweet, too!), and I’m thrilled to be featuring her in today’s interview. Keep on scrolling for a look into Rongrong’s world and to see a sampling of her incredible illustrations.
Rongrong DeVoe, Fashion Illustrator
Have you always loved illustrating? If not, when did you first become interested in it and when did you decide this is what you wanted to do?
I always loved fashion and art! I decided to be a full time fashion artist when I moved to Houston. I knew I would regret it if I didn’t give myself a chance.
How did you go from sketching as a hobby to turning it into a full time business? What do you attribute all your success to?
It takes a lot of work. I try to be creative with what I draw, why I draw it, and who I should work with. I think an artist also has to learn how to think like a business woman.
What is your favorite thing about your job? Most rewarding? Most challenging?
My favorite thing about what I do is I have 100% freedom with my schedule and the future of my company. Most rewarding thing is I am able to work with prestigious clients and meet influential people. Most challenging is balancing work and life.
Walk us thru a day in your life.
A typical day looks like first doing the business side of my work in the morning, client meetings, phone calls, etc. Drawing and painting in the afternoon. Packing and shipping orders from my online shop at night.
What’s your favorite illustration you’ve ever done and why?
I don’t have a favorite. I love every piece I do!
You’ve been featured in Vogue, In Style, among other fabulous publications and on other major websites, and you’ve worked with Chanel, Neiman Marcus, Maybelline, and more. WOW! What has been your biggest ‘pinch me’ moment of your career, thus far?
Lots of ‘pinch me’ moments, especially this year! I am super grateful that my hard work gets to be seen by brands and publications that I only can dream of.
What inspires you?
Beautiful women inspire me, not just beauty from the outside, but confident, chiasmatic from the inside inspires me even more!
What advice would you give to someone wanting to become a well known fashion illustrator like yourself?
I think I am still at the beginning stage of my career. My advice to people just starting or wanting to start is show your work, in person or online. Learn as much as you can about how to be a successful artist. It takes more than hard work and luck.
What’s next for your brand? Anything in the pipeline you can share?
I hope I can have a coffee table book of my illustrations! I am releasing a limited edition of 2017 Calendars in my online shop that I think is great for a holiday gift 🙂
If you could sketch/illustrate anyone in the entire world, living or not, who would it be and why?
I love J Lo! This question inspires me to draw her next !
Thanks, Rongrong!
Be sure to follow Rongrong on Instagram and Facebook.
See past interviews here.
If you or someone you know might be interested in being featured, reach out to me. I’d love to hear from you!