Fabulous Fashion Illustration

Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, may well think fashion illustration has gone the way of the dodo but many fail to agree. Evocative, vibrant, expressive – fashion illustration is a powerful tool where ideas are realized and personalities are captured.

From stylish glossies to ad campaigns fashion illustration is very much alive and well. One illustrator to catch the eye of late is Craig Zipp. Distinctive, striking and witty - Craig’s illustrations are nothing short of fabulous check out some of his creations along with his story so far below…

Craig on his creations…

‘I've been doing fashion illustration in my spare time for over ten years. I have a huge interest in the subject, especially depicting how fashion accessories play a part in the scene. All my fashion drawings feature an emphasis on accessories, be it a Chanel quilted leather 2.55 handbag or a pair of Christian Louboutin boots. I'm a huge admirer of the work of contemporary fashion illustrators such as Penny Sobr, Sue Macartney-Snape and her smart caricatures, and photographers Guy Bourdin and Dafydd Jones. They have been quite a big influence on my art.

I have worked as an artist in the video games business for ten years, which has given me the opportunity to work on the latest computer arts technologies and I have learnt to work to strict deadlines. I have taken on small commissions for fashion illustration, including private work for various clients and a lot of websites. I designed a series of logos for ‘The Fashion Spot’.

I also like to draw concepts for shoes and bags. I worked at Karen Millen as a bag designer for a year, but I prefer to illustrate rather than design. However, the experience I gained working at a top fashion studio was extremely valuable. My handbag drawings have improved dramatically.

I have a traditional art college background and I'm proficient in most media from pen and line work to acrylic painting on canvas. At present, I live in Brighton and I am continually getting ideas from the amazing array of fashions in the town, it's an exciting place to be and I love sitting at coffee bars and sketching characters.’

To view more of Craig’s illustrations visit:

http://www.artmajeur.com/craigzipp/