A few years ago I decided to try and make the whole illustration thing a way for me to make money, it was an enormously scary decision and I was so nervous about really trying to do this as a living. I saw Company Magazinehad an illustration competition and decided to enter, I didn't win but the art director really liked my work and wanted to commission me for my first published fashion illustration, I soon found out how passionate they were about new talent, art and fashion. They took a chance on me and made people take me seriously. if anyone comments on my work it's because they've seen it in company. I'm sad to hear they're going but I wanted to thank them for letting me be in the magazine over 14 times with my drawings. You're going to be missed.

New Skirts and New Items

It's an exciting day! My new fabric arrived and i've been making my new cushions, glasses cases and pouches. I've also got a lovely new skirt from Zara, it's off white and pleated.  It's a little long, so i'm going to take it up to just above the knee.

I wanted in involve some of the things I make into my posts, and especially the fashion side of things to show how they can be used and styled. My glasses cases have been made with my kitty print on them as a prototype, i'm selling them for £10 on my website here. My phone fits in it too, so i'm popping that in there when I don't need the glasses. 

I'm working so hard to get lots of products together, i'm pleased to see some of them getting stocked in shops and i'm trying to expand my hand made items so I can try and be more self sufficient. Illustration wise I've been making lots of new prints and working with new companies which i'm really excited to talk about! until then, thanks for reading!

Primark top £2.50 Blazer (Given to me) Zara Skirt £39.99 Primark Slingbacks £7

Company Magazine Illustrations March 2013

Woo! It's been a crazy month of work for me, I've done loads, and they're all being released at once, these were drawn very late last year (drawn the same time as the Paris Issue work) These are my favourite drawings so far, They seem so delicate and really represent spring (drew lots of little flowers)

We went through a few outfit changes, added various accessories, removed things and worked out what looked better, I'm really pleased with the final result, I roughly drew out the placement of the products for them to be replaced with the photographs, 

Any thoughts on the drawings?

Susie Bubble

 Whilst flicking through the couture week photos, I always have a look through the front row, it's really interesting to see the style of the people who attend, and how they're influenced by fashion, of course it's different for everyone, but Susie Bubble is a lady who always stands out to me, her style is so unique, She is aware of the trends but doesn't let them control her, she wears what she wants, and it never comes across in attention seeking way, Even the brightest and extraordinarily colourful outfits appear to be put together with not only thought but a humble love and understanding of fashion.

When I see an image that I want to draw, it bugs me for a while, I can't get it out of my head, I think about how i'll draw it what colours i'll use and if i'll add any mixed media, I love being bugged by inspiration.

I envy those who will wear an outfit regardless of how others may react, I do wonder how i'd dress if wasn't so conscious of people's opinions. Saying it sounds very shallow, but i'm sure it's something that people can relate to. Having said that, the blogging world is really taking over, and with that is more exposure to new trends within different countries, which is an exciting and inspiring time, a few clicks and you can find the most stylish in any place you may want, It's great to challenge your perception of style and try things out of your comfort, I think susie is doing just that, and I'm excited to take a few more risks this year.

 If you haven't heard of Susie or her work (i'm 100% sure you know who she is) then check her out here 

Carboot

I'd really love to shop new more often, but unfortunately money does get tight now and again, so it's always wise to save where and when you can. My dad has been going to car boots and second hand shops all of his life, when I was little I was constantly dragged around bored out of my mind, flicking through books which felt a hundred years old, however, when I took a few pounds to spend on a sunday I really made it go far and it was surprised how good things were if you took the time to look.
 I decided to go back this morning with my dad as I haven't been for a while. I took £10 with me and made it my budget, (Big spender, I know). I usually like to have an idea in my head of what i'll buy, I had my heart set on some nice small heels, however at a place like this it's hard to be too specific as you never know what will be there. 

My First purchase was a thick red jumper with a nice high round neck, I'm planning to wear it underneath my long beige coat. It was £3, I always feel cheeky trying to lower the price, however, that is not an issue for my dad, he got a pound off it, and the lady grumpily stuffed it in a bag, (I felt bad, but it was pretty funny) Next was a pair of shoes which i'd usually despise, such a small heel! I'm 5'2, I need more height. I'm going through a "Carrie, Sex and the City" phase at the moment and kept running into long skirts with court shoes and kitten heels, and at two pounds I thought I may as well try them, a little insole is needed but they fit pretty nicely, These are super comfortable and look great with black trousers and a white blouse, as they're a little lower than i'd usually wear they are less formal and go with more outfits, So i'm pretty happy about that little find. Lastly is my new watch, I recently got a lovely one in the sale from Miss Selfridge, I find that it's a little big for me as it's non-adjustable, it's not a massive issue it just sits on my arm a little higher, It's also more suited to an evening, So this lovely thing is going to be my everyday watch.
 £7 in total for nearly a whole outfit. Oh yeahh.

 Afterwards I went out to take some pictures, putting my new jumper to the test, i'll be honest, I was a little hot! and i'm the coldest person ever :D

Fashion illustration new working in progress

So we're fast approaching the NEW YEAR!
so i thought i'd show you what i'm up to and the plans for 2014, I've already finished a few Illustrations which will be in magazines early next year! which is mad to think i've already completed work which will be shown in the new year. (for two of my favourite magazines) I'll post them when the magazines are out! :D

This particular piece is in it's very early stages is drawn from some reference images that were taken by a friend of mine of a lovely model called Amy, She was great to photograph and gave me some amazing photos to draw from and play around with, I brought some roses on set so i could draw them and then visually build them all around to how I wanted, etc.
 This particular piece is only for my own illustration portfolio, but it's nice to do something for myself and explore some new ideas, techniques i'm working with.

If you can see the detail in the lips and eyes you can tell how pain staking it was to create all the little grooves and shadows, it's a difficult territory to be in, as I still wanted to retain the Illustration quality and not make it too realistic.

 Now! This lady is Laila Daho  you may recognise her from youtube! she does some awesome vidoes on make-up lifestyle etc, i'm working on a banner for her youtube, and this is a very early stage of the work! 

Christmas Cards

Well, It's December, Already! Where has this year gone?
 We all had goals and ambitions for the year, mine was to gain more exposure within the Illustration word.
set up a shop! (DONE)
 and, I think, to explore my artistic style a bit more.

I do think i've achieved a little of it, i'm never 100% happy with my work, but i'm ok with that, personally i don't think i'll improve if i'm content (I think i've said that a lot)

I've made some really girly Illustrative christmas cards, they're luxurious, pretty and delicate, and are perfect to send to those friends who love Fashion and all the stereotypical girly things I adore too ;)
I wanted to experiment with the pink and gold colour palette, I think it works really well as a christmassy Card to go along with presents or as a gift card, After xmas I will be selling these as Happy Birthday Cards too!

They're £5 for a pack of 5! or £1.50 each
The pack can be a mixture of the two designs or of one only.
It's up to you, but be quick, They're selling out :)
You can buy them HERE

Fashion Illustration Lauren Conrad

 New Illustrations, I wanted to start some really detailed work with some watercolour bits added to it, i decided to draw the lovely Lauren Conrad, She's perfect for me to draw, i adore her fashion sense and the craft work she does, I wanted the illustration to reflect her feminine style.

Close up of the illustration, i tried to add extra details in the Lips 

A work in progress of the a new piece of Artwork,  It's going to be a large piece with lots of delicately illustrated flowers and roses! I can't wait to finish this piece as it'll be for sale once i've completed it,
 I'm adding lots of pastel shades, pinks, purples and some lovely limes.




 I'll keep you all updated!