rachelschwartzmann@yahoo.com
As the The Style Line continues to expand, it truly is important to showcase all areas of the fashion industry and the emerging young talents within. I was lucky enough to stumble across the beautiful work of Pat of the blog Caffeinated. A true talent, I caught up with her to get the low-down on the in’s and out’s of being a fashion illustrator.
How, when and why did you first become interested in art and design?
I’ve always been creative, I think all children are. There was a distinct moment when I was elementary and my friend’s older brother was there to chaperon us on a trip. I wandered over to this round table too small for him where he was bowed over in concentration, I wanted to know what he was doing. So, I looked and before me a mouse was coming to life with a few strokes of the pencil. It was so magical. That day the trip was to see Beauty and the Beast, I was mesmerized. I was bitten. Done. From that point on I scribbled furiously everyday. It only intensified as I grew up; I found it as a means to express myself and convey feelings, there was a lot of open-endedness to colors, shapes and lines I couldn’t find in words. This eventually flowed over into Photography and Graphic Design.
Tell us a bit about your artistic endeavors and experiences.
My peers and I were invited to illustrate Fashion Portraits at Lord & Taylor during Fashion’s Night Out. The response from everyone getting their portraits done was incredible and we all had a lot of fun. I also attended the Oscar de la Renta Fall/Winter 2011 show to illustrate the runway looks.
Where and what are you currently studying and what do you see yourself doing after you leave school?
Graduated with my AAS in Fashion Illustration from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, currently studying Toy Design. After I leave school I want to be busy with Fashion Illustration and designing Toys, I’ll definitely want to combine the two down the line.
Tell us a bit about your design process. What would you say you struggle with at times?
My process usually starts with coffee and an idea. Sometimes I might be flipping through a magazine a photo might catch my eye, a sentence from a book, or a stranger’s outfit on the subway. Then a few sketches to feel out of the figure(s) and layout. Move on to inking and colors, this is the part where I just let go. Do I have splashes of colors, loose lines or selective details? It’s like trying on different outfits. I could say the biggest struggle I have is finding when to stop.
What inspires you? Whose (art)work do you admire? How does it influence your own work?
So many things inspire me everyday, the people I’m surrounded with and living in this swallow you up and spit you out beautiful City. Fashion Bloggers, display windows on the small streets of Soho, flowing graffiti on walls, photos by Sarah Louise Johnson. Some artist I admire are Sam Weber, Daniel Egneus, Lin Ran, Bil Donovan, Mucha, David Downtown, Elvgren, Adam Hugh and many more. They all have a distinctive style and energy in their work; this is what I want. My pieces to have their own vibrancy.
How do you want to be remembered?
That I was happily doing what I loved, who played, was always caffeinated, and hopefully inspired a few people along!
Do you have any advice for those looking to break into the design field?
Be passionate. Create and practice everyday. Be open to inspirations that may come from places you don’t expect. Make connections and smiles.
