I’m so excited to introduce you to one of my dearest friends, Jane Gianarelli, who also happens to be an integral part of my design biz. EBI has a long history with Jane. She has been providing beautiful hand drawn renderings for years and they have been invaluable to the visual presentation we offer our clients. She’s also provided me with loads of entertainment in personal social settings and at industry events that we attend together. I sure could share some good stories!! 😉

Photography by Brady Bates

Although we can see the big picture of the finished space as we build the design scheme, our clients sometimes have difficulty imagining it. Being able to show our clients a detailed glimpse of the completed project helps them move forward with excitement and confidence.

Take a look at this rendering Jane proved us for a past project:

And here’s the actual room once we installed:

Girl’s got some skills, wouldn’t you say?

We asked Jane a few questions so you could get to know her a bit. Read on…

Tell us a little about yourself – 

I was born and raised in Colorado Springs, CO. Growing up I was a jock. I competed in gymnastics during my elementary years. Dealing with major knee problems, my doctor told me to quit gymnastics so my knees could heal. A few years later I took up volleyball and lived for the sport through my junior and high school years.

My daughter, Jordan, just graduated from my Alma Mater, Colorado State University. She has a B.S. in Health and Exercise with a concentration in Sports Medicine. I call her my “mini me” and we’re often asked if we’re sisters. I have a B.S. in Apparel Design and a minor in Merchandising.

I have lived in Denver, Portland and now reside in little Downtown Culpeper.

Throughout my career I have worked in restaurants, managed various clothing stores and a Pottery Barn. I’ve always had a love for interiors and found an opportunity to get 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. Then 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 soon fell in love with supporting other designers through renderings and realized that’s what I wanted to do!

Have you always loved art/drawing? When did you recognize that you had a gift?

I have always loved art. I knew in the 3rd grade that I was drawn to sketching and coloring. Growing up, art was always my favorite subject in school. I never considered it as a major but was sure to always take art classes in college. I have recollections of loving perspective drawings in high school art class. I was fascinated with how an image would come to life in 3D using a few points on a piece of paper.

Why interiors? Do you dabble in any other specialty?

I’ve always adored interiors so, for me, it was a no-brainer. I grew up in a home that was decorated beautifully and remember every remodel through my childhood. I’ve not had time to dabble in any other specialties because I’m too busy rendering – but I do love watercolor! It’s been a few years since I’ve picked up a brush. Watercolor is a different medium and takes me a few days to acclimate. I would love to make more time for watercolor to see what I could create.

Can you tell us a little bit about the process of completing a rendering?

Renderings are a simple three step process. The space begins in pencil with multiple iterations sent to the client before continuing on to the second phase of ink. Finally the coloring happens with reviews before sending the final rendering. All communication is done via email and pictures taken with my iPhone. A file is sent to all clients – including the process, a check list of what is needed to complete a space and the document includes a price guide.

What is your favorite room to draw for clients? Why?

My favorite rooms are kitchens and bedrooms. For kitchens there’s something about the cabinets. I think it’s all the straight lines and a clean look. For me there’s also beauty in bedrooms. The spaces are always tranquil and relaxing.

What is the most challenging part of the rendering process?

The most challenging part is the sketching. It definitely takes me the longest. I am self taught and have no formal training in perspective drawing. I go through a lot of erasers!

If things get too busy, I have an assistant to help with the sketches. I still do all of the coloring. It’s my specialty.

TV or music as your sketch/color? 

I listen to Spotify while I work. I’ve created two playlists that I really love. I find that music keeps me calm. Listening to podcasts and movies while I work stresses me out. I save podcasts for the car.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part is the feedback from my clients. My day is made when I hear how renderings helped “seal the deal” and the designer’s client writes a check on the spot! I know how difficult it is running a design business and supporting other designers brings me joy.

Are you a night owl or an early riser? 

I’m a night owl for sure! Always have been. It’s easy to stay up until 1am bing watching Netflix. But, coffee in the morning is the best part of my day.

You can see more of Jane’s renderings and learn more about her process here.