Interview with American fashion illustrator Blair Breitenstein
Punk rock on paper
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Step-by-step demonstration of creating a female portrait using a free technique with elements of unique style.
Demonstration of creating a female portrait from reference with detailed comments and conversation with the Artist, questions from the audience and honest detailed answers.
Demonstration of creating a female portrait from reference with detailed comments and conversation with the Artist, questions from the audience and honest detailed answers.
Description
«I think it is important sometimes just be at the present and enjoy the moment» B. Breitenstein
Blair Breitenstein is a well-known fashion illustrator from New York City. She creates artworks for Chanel, Oscar de la Renta and Prada, and is a regular contributor to VOGUE and Vanity Fair. In an exclusive interview to the ARTLIFE ACADEMY Blair spoke about the secret of a rapid career takeoff, self-confidence, the first illustration sold.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
Tell us about your family: was someone related to art?
Blair Breitenstein:
My grandpa was an artist: he actually worked as an illustrator with Walt Disney in 1950.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
The brightest childhood memories?
Blair Breitenstein:
I absolutely loved dancing when I was a child. If I wasn't at a ballet class I was at home drawing from magazines.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
Who do you consider your teachers in the profession?
Blair Breitenstein:
I really look up Donald Robertson and David Downtown. David Downton's book «Masters of Fashion Illustration» is essential to aspiring fashion illustrators.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
Do you consider yourself successful? What is success for you?
Blair Breitenstein:
I do! I love my job which to me is as successful as you can get.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
Why do your works so admire other people as you think?
Blair Breitenstein:
I think because it is not perfect. My work shows that art can be fun, simple and quick. Those faces don't need to be perfect and proportions can be off yet you can still have a masterpiece.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
What qualities must an artist have in order to become successful?
Blair Breitenstein:
Confidence. If you don't share your work with others, no one will ever see it.
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ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
Do you like social networks?
Blair Breitenstein:
I love Instagram!
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
Is it a part of the job?
Blair Breitenstein:
Yes, Instagram is also like my portfolio for perspective clients.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
Who do you subscribe to Instagram for, who do you follow?
Blair Breitenstein:
Some of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow feature pictures from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. They are a refreshing alternative to the repetitive content of modern fashion.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
How long does it take to create one picture?
Blair Breitenstein:
It is always different. It can take from 20 minutes to 2 hours!
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
Your work is compared to «punk rock on paper», and what kind of music inspires you?
Blair Breitenstein:
I don't listen to music when I paint. I like to listen to podcasts.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
Where do you get energy for creativity?
Blair Breitenstein:
I take breaks. When I travel, I like to leave my supplies at home. I think it is important to sometimes just be at the present and enjoy the moment.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
What inspires you in other people?
Blair Breitenstein:
Patience!
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
Do you have a professional dream - a big project or a creative idea that you want to bring to life?
Blair Breitenstein:
I would love to create a coffee table book.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
What does participation in the ARTLIFE FEST 2019 meant to you?
Blair Breitenstein:
I think this festival was a new step in my career. I have never been given the opportunity to teach and interact with so many other artists. And I was very happy to hear what people at the festival are most curious about.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
Do you remember the first picture sold? Who bought it, how much did it cost? How was it, what feelings?
Blair Breitenstein:
I used to sell my work for $25 on Etsy.com. I don't remember, who it was, but I was truly honored and almost in disbelief that someone was willing to buy my art. But, this sale gave me the confidence to keep going.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
What are they, your customers - can you describe them with three adjectives?
Blair Breitenstein:
Creative, whimsical, independent.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
If you were a fairy tale hero or superhero, who you want to be and why?
Blair Breitenstein:
I don't love fairytales or superheroes… I admire strong women who exist in this current time.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
If there was a time machine, where would you go on it?
Blair Breitenstein:
New York City in the '80s!
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
When do you feel happy?
Blair Breitenstein:
I feel happy when I am surrounded by my best friends and a good meal.
ARTLIFE ACADEMY:
What could you advise aspiring artists?
Blair Breitenstein:
Develop your own unique style. We are constantly surrounded by content and in order to be noticed you must stand out.
Blair Breitenstein has her own online course «Fashion Illustration» at ARTLIFE ACADEMY, so you can learn how to become a fashion illustrator from the beginning and create your stylish artworks for your portfolio.
Join the course to get inspiration for your creativity, learn new skills and find out the artist's way in fashion illustration.
Join the course to get inspiration for your creativity, learn new skills and find out the artist's way in fashion illustration.
Online course
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ACCESS FOR 3 MONTHS
Get the hang of the stylized designs in the world of fashion and illustrations for beauty magazines!
During the course, you will learn to:
- Make stylized fashion images designs
- Create expressive sketches in 20 minutes
- Convey model movement and poses
- Build an artistic career in fashion illustration
During the course, you will learn to:
- Make stylized fashion images designs
- Create expressive sketches in 20 minutes
- Convey model movement and poses
- Build an artistic career in fashion illustration
Online class