Fashion Illustration Business * The Dream Came True
Fashion designer and fashion illustrator Lovisa Burfitt lives and works in Paris since 2002. She has been working as an illustrator since she graduated from the Beckmans School of Fashion in 1997, and in 2001 she was invited as a guest student at the Royal College of Art in Stockholm.
Today Lovisa is my guest on “Design Your Fashion”. Are you curious to know how she express her creativity, how she started her own brand, or how was the experience to paint the walls from the H&M stores or to cover the little SMART cars with Lovisa Burfitt drawings? You’ll find reading the following interview…
Enjoy!
How did you became an illustrator?
I kind of got started by accident, I graduated from Beckmans School of Design, a bit discouraged. I had so many teachers talking about how hard the business would be. In my education I also drew a lot of nudes and fashion drawing. So my passion for that really grew up.
I did my final collection as we all did in my class. I started to get demands from boutiques and stylists. And started to produce a line of denim. It kicked off then and there, and I found myself doing a new collection every season since then. I had fun and I couldn’t stop!
How has your education benefited your career?
In my education I drew a lot of nudes and fashion drawing. So my passion for that really grew up. I worked very hard on practicing, and we had a lot of drawing education every week.
As for contacts, it has also led to a lot of work with people from the same school (Beckmans School of Fashion, and The Royal College of Art) who later became Graphic Designers and Art Directors at Advertising Agencies.
Why did you choose fashion illustration as a focus of your work?
It is my channel to express creativity and art. I happen to have the feeling for fashion and tendencies, but i am not necessarily drawn to the whole fashion circus.
My joy is grander when I’m drawing. Just working. It gives me a kick. It’s therapy to stay sain.
How would you describe your style?
Meticulous in details, a clash of poetry, punk and playfulness.
What is your creation process?
I scribble in my notebook, on the metro or anywhere. I wake up at night to make some scribbles.
What technique and materials do you use?
I mix everything, ink with brush, steel feather, felt pen, acrylic, crayons etc.
What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
Always be creative, alert and think “new”…
What are the greatest stresses in this job? What causes you the most anxiety?
Mostly it is if I’m entering a new project with a new technique that I haven’t tried before. I usually feel confused and upset, till I have tried and tried and found it.
Then it’s all good and smiley and happy again.
How do you market/promote your work? Where are you selling the illustrations?
Word of mouth, and my agent who is helping me a lot with this…
Agentartists , My Website, YourWallpaper, Wonderwall, Artbox-int
What are some favorite projects you’ve completed and why?
I recently covered the walls of H&M flagship stores in a few cities as Milano, Tokyo, and Copenhagen with my drawings. Keep your eyes open for new cities popping up with my drawings on the H&M walls!
I also just did a collaboration with the SMART car, covered them in Lovisa Burfitt ‘s drawings.
What has been your greatest success?
H&M flagship stores, it was such a fun and creative job to do.
Who would you like to have drawn?
Hmm let’s see.. Johnny Deep.
Is illustration the only type of art that you do?
I also have a fashion line in my name BURFITT.
Do you have a mentor? If yes who? It’s important for a fashion illustrator/ designer to have a mentor?
My teacher from The Royal College of Art, Marie-Louise Ekman who is a fantastic parson, artist, and now the manager of the Royal Theatre in Stockholm has a lot of influence on me.
I also have a lot of role-models, such as Frida Kahlo, Claude Cahun, Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano.
Is there a dream project you wish to pursue one day?
I really want to draw for VOGUE ITALY, and to do drawings, designs and hats and masks for designers such as Westwood, Galliano and Gaultier.
What factors should prospective students consider when choosing a school? Are there any different considerations for those who know that they want to specialize in certain areas of the field?
Yes, I suggest you to do some research about the school, perhaps ask old students for advice, so that you know well what the school is putting in focus as education.
Is there anything else you can tell us about yourself, your career, or the profession that would be interesting or helpful to others aspiring to enter and succeed in the field?
Have endurance and practice a lot! Be patient, because if you want to get established it can take a long time but it is worth it. Be eager to get better and learn more! In the same time, have fun!
All photos are copyright Lovisa Burfitt
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