Fashion illustrators are some of the most intriguing artists, as they manipulate and configure the art of fashion design. Viewing models paving the runway or lookbooks from the most recent collections, they interpret what they see in to a 2-dimensional form. We had the opportunity to interview various fashion illustrators of mixed mediums in a mini-series feature collection, Illustrated.
Jessica Durrant: Freelance Illustrator | Atlanta, Georgia
C.P: Favorite designer(s) to draw inspiration for sketching and why?
J.D: I am drawn to Alexandar McQueen when I want to create something voluminous, dramatic and a bit avant garde. But I also love Chanel, YSL, Valentino, Lanvin and Dior. I am a lover of fashion design. I just really appreciate so many different types of designers. I find fashion design to be an art form. Pure and simple. Some of my illustrations are my own designs. Although I have no intention of becoming a clothing designer. I just want to paint and draw a woman in a fabulous dress or outfit.
C.P: What medium do you add to your fashion illustrations? (watercolor, collages, paint, etc.) What makes your illustrations particular to you?
J.D: The bulk of my work is done in watercolor and pen. I find that most of my artwork is more about what I leave out, rather then what I put in the composition. I love an unfinished line, dripping and splattering of paint, and a clean white background. I always start each piece by first drawing the eyes. I love a strong eye with full lashes. There's something very striking and appealing about a woman's eyes that can draw the viewer in.
C.P: Fashion nudes, why or why not?
J.D: I learned so much when I was in college from my years of drawing nudes. It is imperative to become a better artist to study and draw from the nude. I currently haven't created any nudes lately, and it's mainly because I'm so absorbed in illustrating fashion and portraits. I think it can be provocative and it can be tasteful and beautiful. It depends on the piece and the artist's intent. Some people will always think nudes in art is provocative. Which is a shame because if you go to any great museum in this world you will see nudes. The human form is certainly one of the world's most beautiful creations. Artists everywhere know that if you can master painting the human form, you've achieved a technical hurdle that leads you to being able to paint anything you want.
C.P: If given the opportunity, what design house would you sketch for and why?
J.D: What a fun question! Maybe Dior. I think that aesthetic of a cinched in waist, red lips and a cat eye-very 1950's, is such a great look that I would love to paint. They used to have the great Rene Gurau illustrate for their advertisements in the 40's and 50's. I wish more designers would employ fashion illustrators to do advertising work like they did in the first half of the 20th century.
C.P: Do you consider illustrating as just a hobby? Where would you like to take your illustrations?
J.D: Art has always been in my life. It was always a dream to sell my own creations someday. Through commissions, freelance jobs and my online sales, I have been able to now make a living as an illustrator. I would love to continue doing what I am doing now. Creating what I love and connecting with people from all around the world thru my work.
All images are copyrighted by Jessica Durrant.
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