How do you bring a beautiful interior vision to life before the build begins? Meet Jane Gianarelli, an artist who creates gorgeous hand-drawn renderings that designers can present to their clients before the home transformation begins. She has over fifteen years of experience in the interiors industry and has created stunning work for clients all over, including Scout & Nimble! Jane recently chatted with us about her style, the tools she uses, and why renderings are so important to the design process.

Let’s get acquainted. Who are you and what type of design work do you do?

Hello there! I'm a creative at heart with a BS in Fashion Design. I spend my days creating old-school style hand-drawn renderings for designers. I have had the pleasure of creating renderings for over seven years. They have multiple functions such as presentation tools, marketing tools, client gifts, and coming soon placeholders on websites. 

Tell us a little bit about your history in the design industry. How did you first get involved and how did you get to where you are today? 

Throughout my career, I have worked in restaurants, managed various clothing stores, and at Pottery Barn. I’ve always had a love for interiors and found an opportunity to dive into the field with a position at a Drexel Heritage Showroom, both selling furniture and practicing interior design. Four years later, in 2009, I started my own design business. I did a little sketching for my clients and it was then that I realized how much easier it was for them to understand my vision.

When did you begin to merge interior design and art?

In 2013, I found myself moving to the east coast and decided to create renderings for other interior designers. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue running a design business and I soon fell in love with supporting other designers through hand drawn renderings and realized that’s what I wanted to do! The feedback from designers after a presentation was music to my ears. If I could make life easier for some designers, I wanted to help more.

How would you describe your style?

My coloring style is very detailed. I have tried a few different drawing styles, a sketchier, looser look, and found myself falling back into a precise method. I’m a creature of habit. 

What makes your style different from other artists?

I spend a lot of time coloring a space! Over the years, I have found little techniques to make the renderings pop off the page. You might say I obsess over the coloring, but that's what makes my renderings stand out.

What has been your favorite project?

That's a tough question because I love so many projects.  My favorite spaces to work on are bedrooms and kitchens. I find serenity in bedroom spaces with the soft draping of bedding and pillows, or is it because I like to sleep? On the other hand, I love the uniform and clean lines of cabinets. They are complete opposites, yet I love them the most.

How long do you typically spend on a rendering?

The average time spent on a rendering will vary. I typically spend a few days sketching to make sure it's just right before signing off for the ink and color stages. I will spend a minimum of five hours coloring one space and have spent at least eight hours coloring one room.

Do you work on multiple projects at once or do you prefer to keep your focus on one?

I will work on multiple rooms at a time. Often I will have three to four rooms at a time with one client. My biggest project was three show houses - 45 designers and spaces for the Interior Design Society of Charlotte! It took me six months to complete. To date, it's my biggest accomplishment.

What are your favorite art supplies to use for your renderings?

I have my go-to list of supplies for sure. My favorite makers are by Copic. I prefer Copic Sketch markers. I love that they are refillable - it's a money saver. For paper, I prefer 100% rag marker paper - Beinfang Graphics 360.  I find my favorite liner pens from eBay. Those are the Uni Pin Fineliner drawing pens. They come from China and take weeks to arrive. I have to stay ahead of the curve on those.

What do you love most about your job? 

Helping other designers is a delight! Hearing that their client wrote a check on the spot during a presentation is the best. My goal is for designers to "seal the deal!" 

What challenges have you faced while growing your business?

My greatest challenge has been working in volume. I have assistance with large projects.  If not, I would have no life and work 24/7 to get it all done. It's difficult to own your own business and still have a quality of life.

Do you have any advice for new designers?

So many designers don't know how to work the cost of renderings into their business. There's always a way to figure out pricing. Often the benefits of a rendering visual for a presentation outweighs the price and not being able to sell the design. With a strong presentation, you'll earn your clients' trust quicker.

At what stage of the interior designer’s process should they come to you?

The best time to come to me with a design to be rendered is when the concept is ready.  All the details have been chosen for the space - floor plan, flooring, paint/wallpaper, lighting, furniture, and styling.  I recommend a minimum of three weeks before a presentation to complete the rendering. Rushing does not serve anyone well. 

What is the biggest advantage in having a hand drawn rendering to show a client?

Not everyone can visualize a design. Fabrics and paint swatches on a presentation board are not always enough. A rendering brings the vision to life. It takes the guesswork out of the equation. 

What advice would you give to artists like yourself who are interested in breaking into the design industry?

I always have the same answer, "Learn 1 & 2 point perspective, and find your style." Don't try to copy others. Finding your niche sets you apart. Most of all, have fun doing it! 

To see more of Jane’s amazing work, visit her website and give her a follow on Instagram! We LOVE the work she did on our #SNTriDeltaTraditional project and we can’t wait to see the beautiful work she creates in the future!

To see the full Tri Delta Traditional Reveal, click here!

P.S. — check out more Industry Spotlights, including a Q&A with Steve Hoedemaker & Tim Pfeiffer of Hoedemaker Pfeiffer and a piece on the fabulous Kelsey Grose from The Farmer’s Daughter.