Katie Rodgers is a very successful fashion illustrator and creator of the amazing blog Paper Fashion. I am absolutely in love with her work, she works traditionally (which I love) and her work seems to have real heart to it which isn't found often with fashion illustrations. Katie's illustrations have been published in ElleGirl, CosmoGirl and The Great Big Book of Fashion Illustration just to name a few.
Did you always know you wanted to be an Illustrator?
Nope! I always loved art, but never thought of it as a career. I went into industrial design instead... but somehow found my way back to illustration along the way (and so glad I did!).
What is your career highlight so far?
Being able to do what I absolutely love, and start my own business with it.
What are your goals for the future?
To learn to give up some of the control, and bring on other people to help expand and grow my business... to stationary, cards, products, etc.
Do you have any tips for illustrators just starting out?
Find you're unique voice, and never stop illustrating! Don't compare yourself to others, and go outside and just LOOK around.
Do you feel getting a degree is necessary or is it better to go out there and try things yourself
I learned so much getting a degree in industrial design. It was more about the experience that taught me more than I ever could've imagined. I do think education is important, but I don't think a degree in necessary. The internet is full of free information... and tools to help you get to where you want to be. Education helps to point you in the right direction, introduce you to amazing resources and people, and give you the opportunity to explore.
Do you have any tips on how to get your work noticed?
Don't be afraid to put it out there. Be confident, and use the internet and social media to your advantage. Also, try doing a unique project you haven't seen! I used to illustrate well known blogger's and influential people in the industry... things like that grab people's attention.
Do you feel Fashion Illustrations are as important as photographs?
Absolutely. They represent something different than a photo... photos often represent actual fashion, but illustrations represent the idea of fashion.
Where do you see illustrations going in the industry? It feels like they are being used and seen more frequently lately.
Who knows! I try not to plan too much... and just see where life takes me. I do want to start illustrating more of my own designs though.
Is there anything you wish you knew before coming into this industry?
Sometimes not knowing things is best. You discover things along the way that you can only understand from experience.
Describe working in the industry in just 3 words
Colourful. Imaginative. Thrilling.
Thank you Katie!
Don't forget to check out Katie's blog www.paperfashion.net
Interviews posted every Wednesday on TallBoyBlog.blogger.com
No comments:
Post a Comment