Illustrator of The Week – Helen Bullock

Fashion designer and illustrator Helen Bullock was during London Collections: Men, as well as during Milan and Paris Men’s Fashion Weeks, SHOWstudio‘s artist in residence where she drew many looks from various shows and designers. Her colourful and spontaneous drawings interpret the collections with a unique and abstract approach, giving the viewer an opportunity to experience the collection and the clothing in a wholly different way. Besides this exciting SHOWstudio adventure, Helen teaches illustration and runs her eponymous print-based label.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, Helen. What is your background?
My background is printed textiles and I have recently graduated from my MA at Saint Martins.

How did you get into illustrating?
I started teaching illustration whilst on my BA, and really started to develop a passion for the subject. It also started to become really important to my design work, and just something I generally enjoyed.

What is your style?
Spontaneous – intuitive – speedy – linear. And when it calls for it – colourful. Oh, and at times a little awkward.

How did you find London Collections: Men?
I’ve really enjoyed it; I also covered Milan and Paris. It’s really awful, but I rarely look at the menswear collections, and I’m realising how narrow that was of me. There are some really strong details and beautiful lines and really chiseled faces, which are super to draw!

What was your favourite show / collection?
London wise, I really loved Agi and Sam – it was a joy to draw! JW Anderson was ‘interesting’, really very strong to illustrate; some really amazing lighting and make up, with such an unexpected overall look-. I’m not entirely sure I appreciate the aesthetic in terms of a collection, but from the point of view of drawing it, it was a great experience! Some highlights from Milan and Paris: Versace, Dolce & Gabbana; Trussardi was really beautiful with a great set, and Yoji Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons were really enjoyable, both visually and to draw.

Have you done live illustration before?
Yes, this is my 4th season. I usually go to the shows and draw from the audience, but here at SHOWstudio I’ve been drawing from images as soon as they appear. It’s actually been great, as there’s a sense of urgency to get the drawings done, and I’m drawing shows one after another, which pushes me to try new approaches.

How did you find it?
Love it! Today is my last day – I’m very sad!

Do you prefer live illustration over illustrating in the studio?
I like the energy from the show. But working as I am at the moment as part of a team, there’s equally a great feeling. Plus, like I said, doing so many shows and at speed keeps things really fresh. Also, when I’m drawing live, I always have to add a little more to the image back at the studio.

From which collection do you think your illustrations turned out best?
From this season? Christopher Shannon, Agi and Sam, um, JW Anderson, McQueen – yeah! I’ve lost track; I feel like there’s been so many. You do one show and have to look straight to the next, so no time to linger on favorites… or disappointments!

ZR