Inglese per la moda - fashion design and illustration

Fashion illustration and anatomy

Whether you will be drawing your own creations or for the fashion industry, illustration begins with designing the human figure; therefore, it is important to study anatomy. Often, to glamorize the image, proportions may be exaggerated or elongated. To make the garments appear to fit in a realistic way, it is necessary to study body measurements. It is important that the illustration is read easily so that it can be made into a garment without difficulty.

Drawing media and techniques

The basic tools used by an illustrator are pencils and a layout paper pad, which is semitransparent. Pencils may be of different grades and colours. Felt tip pens, aquarelle paints (water colours), and pastel crayons can allow for greater experimentation and effects. Rulers are used for straight lines, and a flexi curve is used for drawing curved lines. A kneaded eraser may be used to correct mistakes. After the design is completed, it is important to use a fixative spray to keep it from smudging. Being experimental in both artistic approach and materials helps to make an illustration innovative and successful.

Questions to answer

• How do you draw your figure, and are your figures' proportions realistic or exaggerated and why?
• What is your favourite media? (pencil, markers, ink, aquarelle, pastel, tempera…)
• What technique do you use? (e.g., soft colours and effects or strong colours with expressive lines)