Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration Book Tour!

Hello! 

Previously as I try to search in vain for British street parties, I was slightly disappointed at the lack of them in my community. Or it could be the fact its all hidden away, and only invites only??

However, one thing I am invited to, and I am delighted to take part in 'Five of the Best' in Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration Book Tour! Which starts in Convent Garden with Tatty Devine on Tuesday 10th, 6pm-10pm. I will be there with lovely fellow illustrators Jo Cheung and Gemma Millie, chatting, merriment and doing some live drawing!

The book tour will travel around Edinburgh, Brighton, Oxford, Bristol and back to London again. 

There's more information and you can book your place here.

Also I was super chuffed to see a feature about me on Grafik Magazine website! It is a really sweet write up and perfectly describes the way I work. Better than I can describe myself at times, so I can thank Amelia enough.  Check it out!

It seems to be an exciting night and come by if you can. 

Regardless, will keep you posted. xx 

London Fashion Week: Kirsty Ward

Of lately, I've been having a hard time, due to myriad of events. (Most people, I think, would know what it is, especially if you're on Twitter). Which have made me reflect and question  for a long time, being freelance, whether I am worthy enough or good illustrator/ artist, y'know, etc, etc. It's not been meant to be self pity post, as I got over that already.  However what happened, did make me lose my confidence and I think it's best to honest with you and to myself. Otherwise this Blog won't be put to good use.  :) 

L O N G     O V E R D U E . . . . 

I created Illustrations for this year's London Fashion Week for Amelia's Magazine! Alongside lots of talented illustrators in that post. The designs of simplistic and (I love ornamental jewellery) of Kirsty Ward.

This is slight different approach to how I normally do my illustrations with more of the Mixed Media input than using acrylics as the primary medium.  Also a minimalist background! instead of masses of sporadic colours.  In conclusion, It's always good to try out new things, further my practice. 

By the way, I just want to say,

 Thanks for reading

xxx

Voluptuous 21st Century Girl

Just a little simple illustration for you all. Based slightly on true conversation between me and a colleague at work. He was describing female body types, as you do! Out of curiosity I asked his opinion on what he thought was my body type. He said, " I was "VOLUPTUOUS..." 

And he described that word very well including funny hand gestures. After all that, I was flattered and it's a really nice word to be described. Lot more oomph than described "curvy," no? So there's lots of kinds of Voluptuous-ness and here is mine. We come to accept all body types and I am happy to be "Voluptuous." Mmmm 

The Launch! Of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration

It is the morning after, and it's a great feeling Im feeling, after attending the launch of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration and meeting really talented and fabulous people. The venue was 123 Bethnal Green Road, and the party started downstairs in the lower floors, with live band. It was bustling and lively atmosphere if you can tell them the photos!

Also I had chance to meet my fellow illustrators who are also in the book! I found it's really nice to see the face behind the illustration.  I also met jewellery designers, Maxine of Little Miss Delicious with amazing blue hair cute bracelets and Maggie Angus who seagulls/ship earrings I really love! So check them out!

L-R: Me, Natsuki Otani, Lesley Barnes

Me with Zarina Liew

Jenny Robins and her man. 

With Andrea Peterson

Rachel De St. Croix

With Joana Faria.

With the lady herself, Amelia Gregory who worked hard all night. 

Amelia cutting a delicious cake from Lily Vanilli. So much white chocolate!  

It was a great night out, on another note,

 I wish I had chance to meet everyone I missed. Perhaps another illustration meetup in order, methinks...Mmmm. 

If you not had chance to buy the book, you can always link here xxx

Moi in Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration!

It's here it's here it's finally here! The brightest star in a form of book. That is called Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration. As most of you know, the journey from the Open Briefs, selection process, proofs and now I have physical print in my hands. ^_^

My illustrations is featured along with many talented illustrators. The book got a really natural pearlescent cover which perfectly suits Andrea's work. Also throughout the spreads, there is a organic feel, which carries through to promote ethical fashion designs. 

Self Portrait 

I really like the jazzy backgrounds and the layouts, which Amelia worked hard to produce. On a final note, I am extremely happy and proud to be part of the journey and it's a great start to 2011. 

Maxjenny Illustrations

The Compendium is perfect for illustrators, designers, fashionistas and the coffee table. You can buy a copy, clicking on the link here (where it includes free postcards). Alternatively, you can buy it from Tate Galleries, Design Museum, Magma Book Shops. 

xxx

Bring on 2011! Happy New Year!

Hello! And a Happy New Year!
Like the title, bring on 2011! Quick post for now, been working few shifts lately during the holiday period.

Now into the seasonal spirit, I had brief moment to reflect and clarity. Which is why I like New Years celebration then Christmas. New Years like everyone is a fresh start, clean slate and a progression. Sorry to repeat hehe, what can I say, that you all haven't heard from everyone else already.

On a brighter note, I've celebrated last night with old friends with an impromptu limo drive to Brighton! It was wicked! The photos I've taken are not so good. If you wanna see the limo, click here.

So a resolution, take more risks and go on to many more adventures! ^_^

Hope you all have a great start to the New Year and let's see what 2011 may bring. xx

Proofs from: Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration!

Hello! 

On very bleak snowy week, hope you all wasn't disrupted too much by the weather. With winter firmly in place, especially the bitter wind slapping my face. To be honest, I've been having the blues. Rants about the travel and government not preparing, etc, I really wanted to see how other countries cope with the snow. 

Anyhoo, what brought a smile to my face was the proofs (courtesy of Amelia) from Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration. And it looks.... A M A Z I N G. Filled to the brim with colour and very talented illustrators. I was fortunate to have my neighbours, Kellie Black, Erica Sharp with me on the spreads. 

Gorgeous spreads of Jo Cheung, Natsuki Otani and Jenny Robins

I can't wait to get my copy and open it up on Christmas Day. Like a giddy child. Put it on your Christmas List, get your copy. Proof is in the flesh, why not order the real thing. Finally, Thank you Amelia, for working so hard on making this happen. 

xx 

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration

It's here, it's here! After all the anticipation for last months, Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration is here and ready to Pre-Order! Definitely the right timing to put it on your Christmas list, ;) It features a wave of talented illustrators (Including yours truly) and inspirational ethical fashion designers. From the cover (by gorgeous ArtistAndrea) to back cover, it is a treat for the eyes. You will be spoiled. xx

Buy a copy here.

Happy Halloween! Flamingo Magazine

Happy Halloween!! 

In the spirit of Halloween, I created an illustration recently for Flamingo Magazine of Zola Jesus. An atmospheric singer with a unique voice.  Her videos are thought provking, eerie and gets you to the point of specific memory. Because of this, I wanted to portray her as a ethereal entity,  a shadow, a mist, the wind. As a result, it looked a bit suitable for this celebration. 

In vain, I brought sweeties for the kids, lets hope they don't knock on the door and egg the house..... Mwhahaha xx

Amelia's Magazine: Basso & Brooke

For London Fashion Week, illustrations of Basso & Brooke. Check it out and see the full article here. A bit more rainbow Technicolor effect, I think works better on white background. 


Also a bit of NEWS, I recently did a video interview with Amelia (herself) for  Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration with more fellow illustrators. Finished an illustration for a client. Time does flies, 

So Watch this Space... xx

Mooncup, yes...

Evening! It's been awhile from my last post, and foremost

See 'the Ideal Period' here

Quick illustration update. Another beauty for Amelia's Magazine, one about the...ahem Mooncup.  See the full article here.

An alternative to tampons, and my best friend uses it religiously. This was a challenge, especially my first impressions of this product feels icky.  So I thought the retro 'pin up' girl theme advert would be suitable, making it less icky and more sexy hehe. 

Finally, I'm on my internship at Penguin Group with Dorling Kindersley, and I am loving every minute of it. I am learning so much how publishing works and also how illustrators are commissioned/ working within the team, etc. Also really truly understand how much of the work goes into these amazing extensive books.  So it explains my lack of presence on the good ol' internet. 


Let me know if you enjoy this and I speak to you soon! Have a lovely week xx

Hello! It's Veja Darkroom

Just finished this illustration yesterday for Amelia's Magazine, yet to be posted up onto the web. Nevertheless I couldn't wait to show you all, especially I am so pleased with the colour schemes. Also it came out well especially the type. The illustration is of a shopfront selling limited Veja Ethical bags. Hope you like it. Lots more to come! 

xxx

3. "Wish you were here"

Image courtesy of House of Fraser 

Last but not least, part three. And it's another addition to Amelia's Magazine, for her article pre thoughts on recent Vintage Goodwood Festival. It's really fascinating read and especially the debate emerges on how festivals should really market itself to the audiences. From the press photos, I would have loved to experience it myself and lapped it up (the advertisers. creators would love that)  But I am digressing....

Work in Progress

For awhile now, I really wanted to try more retro colouring/style to my images. Using limited colour palette, the blues and yellows, hints of red reflecting a past history. With this illustration I wanted it to reflect on lifestyle painting illustration you see in Women's Homes Magazine.  There are some bits I would improve otherwise I really enjoyed working this way. I hope it shows. 

That's it for now. But I got loads more illustrations to show off soon. So I won't neglect this blogspot. Have a good evening and speak soon xxx

Final Result 

2. The Progress of Ziad

Hello, how are you? As promised, it's part deux!.

Another illustration for Amelia's Magazine, this time it's for interview article with Ziad Ghanem (Matt's ultimate favourite designer). I jumped at the chance to do the illustrations for this article because, just look at Ziad's pieces, they are just beautiful and dying to be illustrated.

From the sketch to painting. The Work in Progress.

I drew the portrait of Ziad and I have to admit I was a bit of perfectionist with this piece. After several attempts and eraser markings, I decided to go against my usual "colour explosions" (as some might call it hehe) and experiment with classic black and white with limited colour palette.

See the full article here 

The final result is quite intense, stark background and dynamic. This is one of the portraiture I enjoyed painting. Especially with the limited colour palette, I'll continue to do just that and possibly more men's pieces and portraiture.


Many thanks to Ziad who really loved the article and the illustrations and gave a shout out on his Facebook page. Gotta head out again to work so I'll see you again in Part Three! xxx

1. "Don't forget to..... blog"

Hello! How are you all? 

It have been awhile and lots of things been happening. Most of you know, I have been juggling with my illustrations and day job alongside. While I have been illustrating, I have neglected my poor blogspot. 

Therefore I am spoiling you with not one, or two but THREE illustrations! Hope you like it, lets get started before I head off to work! 

Hot off the press, I created my submission for lovely Balladof, "Dont forget to write."I had a lot of ideas while brainstorming, (my sketchbook looks very much like mad ramblings.)

Overall I am pleased with it, after several drafts. I am emerging into the editorial essence of illustration. Quick post, I will see you at part deux! xxx

To Protector, with Love

Hello there! What do you for love eh? It's my beloved boyfriend's birthday and I thought I make a handmade birthday card (right under his nose) without him noticing. The illustration is of the protector surrounding his arms with love. 

P.S The animals are us based on our Chinese Year.

Until then, xxx

Maxjenny Forslund

All finished! My submissions for Amelia's Magazine Open Fashion Brief. I have chosen to illustrate talented and dynamic Maxjenny. Couldn't help myself, such luscious colours. Nevertheless I really enjoyed painting them while holidaying in Wales :)