It’s challenging to be a fashion illustrator nowadays. With the comeback of the art form, many unbelievable talents have emerged. I catch up with Holly Jade Farmer, a Fashion Illustration student at London College of Fashion, to find out how she strikes the balance between tradition and technology.
Holly, how are you today?
It’s been a really inspiring day. I’m half way through an animation project for my third term on my course. Right now I’m brimming with ideas and inspiration – despite having a really tight schedule and other projects on the go.
What were you like as a child?
As a child I was very imaginative; I spent a lot of time writing stories and creating interesting characters with complex backgrounds and personalities. Dolls and playing the original PC game, The Sims, as well as sketching and using my first graphics tablet where my main creative outlets. I also loved karaoke and writing poetry.
Digital softwares or pen and paper?
Both. I believe it’s nice to strike a balance between the use of traditional media and computer software. As modern technology is becoming more a part of our daily lives, it is essential for any artist to be able to adapt to that environment. The computer should be used as a valuable tool, as important as any brush or pencil. You don’t have to digitally draw from scratch, but using the computer to enhance, edit or draw over a scanned image can bring your work up to date and appeal to a modern and digitalised generation. Not only this, but it’s worthwhile for artists to take advantage of the Internet – it’s surprising what opportunities you can receive by having a strong online presence!
Describe a typical day of yours.
On the weekdays, I have college. We usually spend the whole day in the life drawing studio working from a styled model. In the evenings I continue working in my sketchbook to hone in on what I’ve learnt at college and expand my research and practice. At the weekend I work at the art shop Green and Stone, I love working alongside other, more experienced artists and learn more about new mediums. In my free time I visit galleries or art events with friends.
How do you feel about the state of fashion illustration today and what drew you to the field?
Currently, fashion illustration is on the rise. This is great news for people like me hoping to get into the industry as magazines are beginning to once again appreciate the work of artists. Fashion illustration is a great alternative to photography as personally, I feel it has a more organic feel. I find it fascinating when an artist can successfully capture the essence of a patterned skirt, or the feel and texture of a leather jacket. I was drawn to the field from my love of painting portraits and the figure. I find my passion for bold colours and prints is suited to this subject.
Who are your favourite fashion designers that stimulate your creativity?
I’m inspired by a range of people, places and things, not necessarily just fashion designers. My most favourite designers are those that focus on avant-garde or surrealism such as Iris van Herpen and Schiaparelli. A lot of my inspiration also comes from music or poetry. I’ve been listening to a lot of Bjork recently and find myself increasingly influenced by her songs.
How difficult is it to develop a signature style and what advice would you give to other artists aspiring to do the same?
Don’t try. Don’t think about developing a style whilst you’re drawing. Forget about it. Don’t settle for a style before you are ready. You can easily fall into the trap of thinking you need to have a style, but the more you loosen up and experiment with a variety of techniques and methods the better your ‘style’ will become in the future as you will be more versed and experienced in a range of techniques. Allow yourself to try things outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes, young artists can try too hard to find their own mark and way of working, that they loose sight of the possibilities to be explored. Unfortunately, this can cause the artists to be almost unable to adapt their method to various projects if it doesn’t suit their aesthetic. Causing opportunities to be missed. In all, developing a style comes naturally, but for now my advice would be to not think about it too much – focus on being as diverse and adaptable as you can.
Any other mediums you’d like to explore?
As I’ve mentioned I’m currently working on an animation project. I’m finding myself really enjoying the possibilities available with this medium. I’m becoming increasingly inspired day by day as I learn and also whilst I make mistakes. I will definitely be continuing with animation in the future. Apart from this, I’d love the opportunity to try large scale painted wall murals/graffiti for private interiors or boutiques.
What was the last exhibition you visited in London and what did you think of it?
I recently went to see the exhibition of Richard Diebenkorn’s abstract paintings at the Royal Academy. I adore his use of blocked colours and modern compositions. When looking at his work it feels as though you’re being drawn right in to the scene and it gives a fresh perspective on the world around us.
If you weren’t pursuing fashion illustration, what would you like to do?
I would never want to do anything that wasn’t truly inspiring to me or had no aspect of creativity. I know I would always have chosen something where I can explore and use my hands to create art or something beautiful. Perhaps I’d venture off into interior design or print/ pattern design for fashion, as these are also things I’m influenced by daily.
Nada Abdul Ghaffar
