Fashion Illustrator
The work of a Fashion Illustrator is to create sketches, drawings, and other works of art related to the fashion industry. They use their drawing, digital skills, and graphics to curate images for newspapers, fashion magazines, apparel companies, and designers.
RUDDERLY MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Professionals from the industry take you under their wing. Personalised 1-1 mentorship
1 ON 1 TIME WITH SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONALS ACROSS INDUSTRIES
IMMERSIVE MENTORSHIP STRUCTURE WITH A REAL WORLD ASSIGNMENT, TO GIVE YOU A SNEAK PEAK
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KEY SKILLS
Good communicator
Strong portfolio with a good body of work
CAD
Dexterity in sketching skills
Good with collaboration as you end up working with designers, clients, tailors etc.
Ability to work with various mediums such as charcoal, pencil, paints etc.
Strong visualisation
Judgement of colours, textures etc. to translate the designer's vision
Excellent rendering skills
Creating illustrations that are eye catching
A unique style of illustration that makes you stand out
Obsservation
Understanding human body proportions and exaggerating
PROS
Freelancing opportunity
You get to envision a designer's idea and implement it in your own style
You may end up working for the top most fashion designers
Expression of creativity for a living
Experimenting with different materials and mediums
You get to see your designs turn into apparel
The patterns and styles you create can be trendsetters
You will be up to date with the latest trends
Flexibility in work schedule
Decent salary and perks of getting discounts at the label you are working for
CONS
Long working hours
Many drafts for the design may be expected
Developing your own style will take a significant amount of time and effort
Tight deadlines
May require a stong portfolio as the job is extremely competitive
OPPORTUNITY TYPES
GOT WHAT IT TAKES?
Creating designs for your own brand
Implementing the designer's ideas in the form of sketches
Working for employers, publications and manufacturers
Freelance
Drawing sewing patterns
Using drawing skills to design clothes as well as accessories
Love and good eye for fashion
Skills in CAD
Creative
Good visualisation skills
Great eye for detail
Strong Portfolio
Formal training in illustration
Maintaining a sketchbook
KEY OPPORTUNITIES
Books
Podcasts
Networking Groups
Interesting Facts about the career
Notable Illustrators in the past: Paul Iribe (1883–1935), Carl 'Eric' Erickson (1891–1958), Erté' Romain de Tirtoff (1892-1990), Christian Bérard (1902–1949), Max Hoff (1903 – 1985), Dagmar Freuchen (1907-1991), Ruth Sigrid Grafstrom (1905-1986), Rene Gruau (1909–2004), Irwin Crosthwait (1914–1981), Lila De Nobili (1916–2002), Bernard Blossac (1917–2002), Kenneth Paul Block (1924–2009), Andy Warhol (1928–1987), Antonio Lopez (1943–1987), Joel Resnicoff (1948–1986)