All illustrations by Alina Zamanova
The world of fashion is her proverbial oyster, as illustrator Alina Zamanovacontinues to expand her portfolio with an open mind for different techniques and mediums. Currently studying for her BA in Fashion Illustration at the London College of Fashion, Alina recently showcased a cross-section of her work at Fashion Styleology‘s ‘Illustrating Dreams’ exhibition.
What does your studio look like or where do you work?
Currently I’m working in my room where I live, which is in a student accommodation building. The room is not big, but there’s a plenty of space on the desk to work, and the floor of course. In the future I’m dreaming of having a studio space where I can have bare walls which I will cover with illustrations, and lots of canvases, roles of paper, brushes, etc. to work on my projects. And big, big windows, maybe with a balcony even, where you can have a coffee and read a book for a break.
What defines fashion illustration?
Usually, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear ‘fashion illustration’ is perhaps the drawn image of a model representing some famous brand. Despite that, for me, the artist decides what defines fashion illustration. Nowadays we can be as free as we want in interpreting our ideas and thoughts, whether it is art, fashion or music. So, in my opinion, there are no borders or terms to define anything related to fashion.
What do your illustrations tell us?
My illustrations don’t always have a straight message or explanation behind them. It always depends on the brief and story before the creation of each image. Some of them can even be seen to reflect a bit of a dark mood sometimes, but I can definitely say that I always draw while being in a good and creative mood.
Why fashion?
I’ve always been interested in art AND fashion at the same time, and I eventually found a way to combine both interests in one. For me, fashion is something where you can see hard-working and creative people, making something spectacular, fashionable and arty, which then will be shown in one image, or in a fashion film, or on the garment. There are so many ways to say something you feel to the world through fashion – that impresses me, and here I am, trying hard to gain more experience in that field.
Where do you find inspiration? Which magazines do you consult?
The inspiration can be found anywhere for sure. I can spend all day flicking through different materials, artists, magazines and sometimes still don’t find any inspiration. And sometimes it comes to me so unexpectedly that I’m not even ready to realise what is it and where it comes from. Personally, what I find really inspiring are architecture and textures, books about life drawing and cartoons (I love the way people can illustrate and create a specific character). There is no specific magazine I can pick up, but for sure it is DASH magazine, REVS, Hunger, i-D, AnOther, etc.
What makes your work germane?
My work is something I like to share with people and I cannot say for certain what makes my work germane. Only the audience can decide whether to accept the art / fashion I bring and share with the world or not.
Please tell us about your technique(s).
I work in different mediums; no restrictions at all. From the simplest pencil drawing to acrylic painted portraits. Fashion illustration is something where I can work and combine as much mediums and materials as I want. Recently, I was working on a series of illustrations made on handmade, marbled paper with acrylic paint and pencil. I’m also currently experimenting with textures and trying to find some interesting new way to apply them on paper.
Where are you heading to?
Since I’m still a student, I’m studying hard and trying to gain as much knowledge as I can. As for a career in fashion illustration, I don’t see any borders and do not want to restrict myself to one field, which is why I’m working as a freelancer in various ways, e.g. as a film maker(animator), textile designer, fashion worker, illustrator and artist.
Thank you for your time.
Interview: NoéMie Schwaller
