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The Style Line caught up with fashion illustrator, stylist and fellow LookLab insider Emily Bartley to get a true insiders look at her design process, dreams and plans for the future… And from what we found it seems that Miss Bartley can do no wrong!
How, when and why did you first get into fashion?
I first got into fashion when I decided to attend FIT almost seven years ago. I initially went for fashion design but quickly realized that drawing was my passion. I had some amazing professors at FIT who really encouraged my art and introduced me to the amazing world of fashion illustration. I became obsessed with learning about the illustrators that worked from the 1940s-80’s. Back then, illustration was still used for magazines, advertising campaigns, etc. I took all that I gathered visually and then practiced constantly. That is how you develop a ”style”, it didn’t happen overnight for me!
What appeals to you the most about fashion illustration?
I love taking a garment or collection I love and interpreting it my own way.
Tell us a bit about the design process, when it comes to creating your illustrations.
I am constantly collecting fashion images from books, magazines, etc. and looking at the seasonal collections. For my sketches, I always draw freely and never correct anything. Its all about spontaneity! For my more detailed paintings, I always make an under drawing and then transfer that to watercolor paper.
What is your favorite aspect about fashion? About illustration?
Fashion is always changing, there is always something new to see! Its so fast, sometimes I wish it would slow down so I would have time to draw every collection I loved from a season.
What inspires you?
Beautiful garments, past masters of fashion illustration, amazing styling, great photographers!
Where do you hope to see yourself in the next few years?
I would love to have my work someday exhibited next to the garments that I depict! That would be wonderful to see.
Any upcoming projects?
Right now I’m working on some drawings for Vogue Korea.
What advice would you offer to anyone looking to break into the fashion industry?
Never give up! I’ve had so many jobs in fashion- stylist, assistant at a modeling agency, retail, etc. Always keep pushing yourself to find what you love- and when you find it, give yourself completely.
Check out Emily’s new work and blog by clicking HERE!
