Behind the Scenes: With Rebecca Schneider of xo, Bex Studio - Nfocus Magazine

The Art of the Instant Sketch

In a recent profile for Nfocus Magazine, artist Rebecca “Bex” Schneider revealed the signature line she uses to disarm guests at high-end events: You look so sketchable. Operating as xo, Bex Studio, Schneider has carved a niche in Nashville, New York, and beyond, transforming live portraiture into a centerpiece for luxury gatherings.

From Alabama Roots to IMG Branding

Schneider’s aesthetic sensibility was forged in Alabama, where she turned to fashion catalogs to bridge the gap between her environment and the industry she craved. This early immersion taught her that art and fashion are two halves of the same narrative, a philosophy she later refined while working at IMG in New York. Her tenure at the entertainment conglomerate, where she originally pursued a career as a model agent, gave her the perspective of a brand architect. She applies that same precision to her commissions today, understanding exactly how luxury labels curate their identities.

A Roster of Global Commissions

Her signature style—whimsical, elongated figures reminiscent of classic fashion illustration—has caught the eye of the world’s most recognized names. Her portfolio now includes work for Hermès, Rolls-Royce, Vogue, Lillet, Glossier, and the Waldorf Astoria. By moving from the hyper-competitive New York market to Nashville, she has successfully transplanted those metropolitan sensibilities into the burgeoning Southern arts scene.

Tactile Alternatives to the Digital Snapshot

In a market saturated by smartphone images and digital uploads, Schneider offers a deliberate, tactile alternative to the photo booth. At corporate functions and private celebrations, her live illustration stations serve as interactive anchors. She works with a rhythmic efficiency, starting with skin tones and cycling through pen colors to minimize downtime. She refers to her subjects as “Bex Babes,” focusing on capturing personality traits rather than mere photorealism. Often, clients are startled to find she has documented subtle characteristics they assumed went entirely unnoticed.

Blending Exclusivity with Southern Warmth

Schneider occupies a unique space where the polished, often guarded world of luxury meets the openness of Southern hospitality. While her work commands a high-end price point, her process is defined by a desire to make guests feel seen. For the artist, the value lies in the immediate, human connection forged across the table, providing a personalized form of recognition that remains rare in the corporate event circuit.

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