#12: Personalized Wedding Gifts From Fashion Illustrator Brooke Hagel

Brooke Hagel graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a BFA in Fashion Design. Illustrating was always her favorite part of the design process, but she was told repeatedly that there was no longer any demand for fashion illustrators.

She’s now at the age where many of her friends are getting married, so she had to figure out the perfect custom gift to give them. She started drawing bridal illustrations of her friends for their wedding gifts. They’d hang in their homes, friends and neighbors would see them and want one for themselves, and before Brooke knew it she had a fledgling illustration business with brides and grooms being her core clientele.

Whether it’s a baby shower, engagement party, birthday or wedding, she pride herself on giving a gift that is so fabulous, personal, and creative that it nearly brings the recipient to tears. Brooke Hagel is an artist, always have been. That being the case, gifts that really leave an impression usually involved her personally creating something or adding that special artistic touch to customize a store bought item.
Here are some of her favorites that would make perfect custom gifts — gifts that stand out from the crowd and have that personal touch.