Hey everyone,
I've decided to practice my interviewing skills a bit, and I've decided to try interview different people within the fashion industry. This is hugely beneficial on my part, as I'm still trying to decide what genre I want to specialise in. It will also hopefully be helpful to any of you that want to be in the fashion industry! First up is Holly Shortall, and Irish fashion illustrator. I was reading OOHLALA magazine, a new [brilliant!] Irish magazine when I saw her work. Her drawings are absolutely brilliant! I love art and fashion, so I was intrigued to find out more about here. Luckily for me, Holly was 100% up to an interview, so check it out below, and also some examples of Holly's work.
~
1. Hey Holly! Tell everyone a bit about yourself.
Hmm! Well I'm 24, one of four children and I'm from Harolds Cross in Dublin. I studied Fashion Design in college and was also runner up on a TV3 show called Style Wars in 2010! That kicked off my visual merchandising career and I'm just about to make the move from Gap to a fantastic Irish company called Visual Sense, where we will be going into different Irish Businesses and creating bespoke windows and floor layouts.
2. When did you decide you wanted to be an illustrator?
I don't think I ever really 'decided', as I was always around art as a child as my parents owned an Art Business when I was growing up. I was always drawing and designing clothes. My Junior Cert art project was based around fashion- I even made a stiletto out of clay! It all kicked off about 4 months ago when I started doing personalised illustrations and set up a Facebook page.
3. What did you study in college? What was it like?
I thought Fashion Design was the way to go but I tried in and found it really difficult. Its quite mathematical and I had gotten a D in foundation maths so as you can imagine I was a bit lost. I was only 18 so there's still a possibility I might go back in a few years to try again!
4. You recently designed illustrations for OOHLALA magazine. What was that like for you?
That was a fantastic opportunity- I am a big supporter and lover of Irish fashion so I was honoured to be a part of such a fantastic magazine championing up and coming talent over here. I had done one months ago so it was a surprise for the bloggers involved- my Twitter went a bit mental once the girls had seen them!
5. What is the typical process for making an illustration?
Personalised ones take the most time, as I prefer to not to copy from photos, unless instructed to. I had an accident in a previous job which affects my arm so first of all I have to pain free and comfortable, then I will just go through the photos I've been sent and sketch out the illustration. I go over the sketch in a fine black pen and then rub out the pencil. I scan the illustration on to my computer and fill in the colours and patterns on Photoshop and Illustrator.
6. How long does it take to complete each one?
Honestly, I've spent entire days doing them before! I've done a few illustrations of men which I find really difficult as I've spent 20 years drawing and perfecting the female form, so I can be very hard on myself and spend hours and hours trying to perfect them.
7. Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years time?
Oh that's a fab question. Well the dream is to be a full time illustrator but I understand that is something that may not happen for many years! I would love to eventually be in a position where I am designing clothes without having to physically make it myself! I would love to do celebrity fashion illustrations for a big internationally recognised magazine too!
8. Who are you inspired by?
Besides the obvious such as family members or celebrities, my biggest inspiration is my best friend Grace Moore who is a fabulous stylist and my right arm! We met on when we were both on Style Wars and have been inseparable ever since. She is a prime example of hard work paying off. She recently assisted Grace Coddington on a shoot in Kerry for the September issue of American Vogue which is obviously ridiculous and huge. But that makes me think, why shouldn't I imagine my illustrations in Vogue!
9. What are your favorite trends for A/W '13?
While I wouldn't consider myself a slave to trends, I am appreciating this season's oversized pink coat and leather looks. I generally wear a leopard print coat with a black oversized jumper, big round sunglasses, leather look jeans and some black boots so I'm probably considered a little bit boring
10. Lastly, what advice would you give to budding fashion illustrator?
Another good question! I guess just keep honing your skill till your at the point where you think you want to show them off to the world. Like any business, you have to get it out there and if that means sending free stuff to celebrities then so be it! Find your niche too, everyone's different and what works for one illustrator might not for another.
*images belong to Holly Shortall
What do you think of Holly's illustrations? Do you like the idea of my new fashion career interview series?
Happy Halloween!
-Rachel x
where to find me >
Interview With A Fashion Illustrator: Holly Shortall
10.31.2013
Hey everyone,
I've decided to practice my interviewing skills a bit, and I've decided to try interview different people within the fashion industry. This is hugely beneficial on my part, as I'm still trying to decide what genre I want to specialise in. It will also hopefully be helpful to any of you that want to be in the fashion industry! First up is Holly Shortall, and Irish fashion illustrator. I was reading OOHLALA magazine, a new [brilliant!] Irish magazine when I saw her work. Her drawings are absolutely brilliant! I love art and fashion, so I was intrigued to find out more about here. Luckily for me, Holly was 100% up to an interview, so check it out below, and also some examples of Holly's work.
~
1. Hey Holly! Tell everyone a bit about yourself.
Hmm! Well I'm 24, one of four children and I'm from Harolds Cross in Dublin. I studied Fashion Design in college and was also runner up on a TV3 show called Style Wars in 2010! That kicked off my visual merchandising career and I'm just about to make the move from Gap to a fantastic Irish company called Visual Sense, where we will be going into different Irish Businesses and creating bespoke windows and floor layouts.
2. When did you decide you wanted to be an illustrator?
I don't think I ever really 'decided', as I was always around art as a child as my parents owned an Art Business when I was growing up. I was always drawing and designing clothes. My Junior Cert art project was based around fashion- I even made a stiletto out of clay! It all kicked off about 4 months ago when I started doing personalised illustrations and set up a Facebook page.
3. What did you study in college? What was it like?
I thought Fashion Design was the way to go but I tried in and found it really difficult. Its quite mathematical and I had gotten a D in foundation maths so as you can imagine I was a bit lost. I was only 18 so there's still a possibility I might go back in a few years to try again!
4. You recently designed illustrations for OOHLALA magazine. What was that like for you?
That was a fantastic opportunity- I am a big supporter and lover of Irish fashion so I was honoured to be a part of such a fantastic magazine championing up and coming talent over here. I had done one months ago so it was a surprise for the bloggers involved- my Twitter went a bit mental once the girls had seen them!
5. What is the typical process for making an illustration?
Personalised ones take the most time, as I prefer to not to copy from photos, unless instructed to. I had an accident in a previous job which affects my arm so first of all I have to pain free and comfortable, then I will just go through the photos I've been sent and sketch out the illustration. I go over the sketch in a fine black pen and then rub out the pencil. I scan the illustration on to my computer and fill in the colours and patterns on Photoshop and Illustrator.
6. How long does it take to complete each one?
Honestly, I've spent entire days doing them before! I've done a few illustrations of men which I find really difficult as I've spent 20 years drawing and perfecting the female form, so I can be very hard on myself and spend hours and hours trying to perfect them.
7. Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years time?
Oh that's a fab question. Well the dream is to be a full time illustrator but I understand that is something that may not happen for many years! I would love to eventually be in a position where I am designing clothes without having to physically make it myself! I would love to do celebrity fashion illustrations for a big internationally recognised magazine too!
8. Who are you inspired by?
Besides the obvious such as family members or celebrities, my biggest inspiration is my best friend Grace Moore who is a fabulous stylist and my right arm! We met on when we were both on Style Wars and have been inseparable ever since. She is a prime example of hard work paying off. She recently assisted Grace Coddington on a shoot in Kerry for the September issue of American Vogue which is obviously ridiculous and huge. But that makes me think, why shouldn't I imagine my illustrations in Vogue!
9. What are your favorite trends for A/W '13?
While I wouldn't consider myself a slave to trends, I am appreciating this season's oversized pink coat and leather looks. I generally wear a leopard print coat with a black oversized jumper, big round sunglasses, leather look jeans and some black boots so I'm probably considered a little bit boring
10. Lastly, what advice would you give to budding fashion illustrator?
Another good question! I guess just keep honing your skill till your at the point where you think you want to show them off to the world. Like any business, you have to get it out there and if that means sending free stuff to celebrities then so be it! Find your niche too, everyone's different and what works for one illustrator might not for another.
*images belong to Holly Shortall
What do you think of Holly's illustrations? Do you like the idea of my new fashion career interview series?
Happy Halloween!
-Rachel x
where to find me >
Hey everyone,
The title of this post is also the title of one of my current favorite songs [link below]. This was such a comfortable outfit for shopping! I love the contrast between the peak of tartan and the woolly sweater. The lipstick I'm wearing is MAC Rebel [review here], my new favorite lipstick. Its currently midterm break, and it's such a relief to have a week off! It also means lots of outfit posts for you guys, because I actually have time to dress up and go out. The necklaces are pretty cheap and old, but hey, they look good when layered together. I'm a big believer that you can look good without spending too much, yet still getting a different outfit every day! As you can see from alot of my outfit posts lately, I looove tartan. Hope you like it as much as I do!
Tartan shirt, Bag, Sweater and Jeans all from Penneys/Primark
Necklaces & ring- Funky Monkey
Boots- Heatons
-Rachel x
where to find me >
OOTD- Sweater Weather
10.29.2013
Hey everyone,
The title of this post is also the title of one of my current favorite songs [link below]. This was such a comfortable outfit for shopping! I love the contrast between the peak of tartan and the woolly sweater. The lipstick I'm wearing is MAC Rebel [review here], my new favorite lipstick. Its currently midterm break, and it's such a relief to have a week off! It also means lots of outfit posts for you guys, because I actually have time to dress up and go out. The necklaces are pretty cheap and old, but hey, they look good when layered together. I'm a big believer that you can look good without spending too much, yet still getting a different outfit every day! As you can see from alot of my outfit posts lately, I looove tartan. Hope you like it as much as I do!
Tartan shirt, Bag, Sweater and Jeans all from Penneys/Primark
Necklaces & ring- Funky Monkey
Boots- Heatons
-Rachel x
where to find me >
Hey everyone,
To say I'm happy that the Autumn weather is finally approaching would be an understatement. I love everything about the season; hot chocolate, cosy jumpers, falling leaves and rain. I picked up this sweater last week in the New Look mid season sale, and I absolutely love it! Monochrome, comfortable and a spot of leather- some of my favorite things in life. I paired it with these leggings that I got in Stradivarius over the Summer in Spain, but I actually forgot about them! Just as I was about to head out the door, it started to rain. Again, might I add. A jacket was a must have on a day like today so I threw on this navy leather bomber jacket. It was definitely worth it in the long run!
Sweater- New Look
Leggings- Stradivarius
Jacket- Penneys/Primark
Shoes- Dr. Martens
Necklace; c/o Jasper Jewellery*
Bracelet- Pandora
-Rachel x
where to find me >
OOTD- Clashing Prints
10.27.2013
Hey everyone,
To say I'm happy that the Autumn weather is finally approaching would be an understatement. I love everything about the season; hot chocolate, cosy jumpers, falling leaves and rain. I picked up this sweater last week in the New Look mid season sale, and I absolutely love it! Monochrome, comfortable and a spot of leather- some of my favorite things in life. I paired it with these leggings that I got in Stradivarius over the Summer in Spain, but I actually forgot about them! Just as I was about to head out the door, it started to rain. Again, might I add. A jacket was a must have on a day like today so I threw on this navy leather bomber jacket. It was definitely worth it in the long run!
Sweater- New Look
Leggings- Stradivarius
Jacket- Penneys/Primark
Shoes- Dr. Martens
Necklace; c/o Jasper Jewellery*
Bracelet- Pandora
-Rachel x
where to find me >
Hey everyone,
Welcome to the second installment of my Halloween Nails series. You can check out my first tutorial here, [eyeball nails]- pretty creepy stuff! I wanted to create a look that is perhaps easier than the eyeballs, and I came up with this gruesome blood splattered nails. I hope you are truly disgusted by them and try them out this Halloween!
You Will Need;
- nude nail polish
-red nail polish pen
What I Used;
-nude; essence nude glam
-red; hairspray nail art pen
Preparation;
I find it best to apply a basecoat before painting my nails, and a topcoat after. The basecoat stops the polish from staining your nails, and the topcoat will make it last longer and appear glossier. I use a Sally Hansen nail hardener as my basecoat, and an Essence topcoat.
Tutorial;
1. Paint your nails with two coat of your nude polish. I think this looks especially effective if the nude polish is similar to your skin tone, like this one I bought from Essence months ago.
2. Using your red nail art pen, trace the dripping blood design. Do this by going in up and down movements, in different sizes.
3. Fill in the red with the red pen or similar red nail polish.
4. On a few of the nails, I added some red drops for a true splattered effect.
What do you think? Will you be trying this look out next week?
-Rachel x
where to find me >
Halloween Nails; Dripping Blood Nail Art Tutorial
10.25.2013
Hey everyone,
Welcome to the second installment of my Halloween Nails series. You can check out my first tutorial here, [eyeball nails]- pretty creepy stuff! I wanted to create a look that is perhaps easier than the eyeballs, and I came up with this gruesome blood splattered nails. I hope you are truly disgusted by them and try them out this Halloween!
You Will Need;
- nude nail polish
-red nail polish pen
What I Used;
-nude; essence nude glam
-red; hairspray nail art pen
Preparation;
I find it best to apply a basecoat before painting my nails, and a topcoat after. The basecoat stops the polish from staining your nails, and the topcoat will make it last longer and appear glossier. I use a Sally Hansen nail hardener as my basecoat, and an Essence topcoat.
Tutorial;
1. Paint your nails with two coat of your nude polish. I think this looks especially effective if the nude polish is similar to your skin tone, like this one I bought from Essence months ago.
2. Using your red nail art pen, trace the dripping blood design. Do this by going in up and down movements, in different sizes.
3. Fill in the red with the red pen or similar red nail polish.
4. On a few of the nails, I added some red drops for a true splattered effect.
What do you think? Will you be trying this look out next week?
-Rachel x
where to find me >
Hey everyone,
I have been LOVING alot of New Look A/W items lately, and some of them are featured below in this wishlist. The fedora is so cute, and I need a new hat! I couldnt find the grey bag I saw instore online, but I fell in love with this one too. I longed for a fur coat last Winter but never got around to buying one-this year I most definitely am, and this one has a gorgeous stand up collar. I currently use the Real Techniques foundation brush, however I've heard rave reviews about the stippling brush and I feel my foundation brush is currently just rubbing my foundation around my face- not cool!. The two sweaters are super quirky, and quite funny, I adore them!
FEDORA || BAG || FAUX FUR COAT || REAL TECHNIQUES STIPPLING BRUSH ||
AINT LAURENT WITHOUT YVES SHIRT || CAT SHIRT
-Rachel x
AINT LAURENT WITHOUT YVES SHIRT || CAT SHIRT
-Rachel x
where to find me >
Wednesday Wishlist #4
10.23.2013
Hey everyone,
I have been LOVING alot of New Look A/W items lately, and some of them are featured below in this wishlist. The fedora is so cute, and I need a new hat! I couldnt find the grey bag I saw instore online, but I fell in love with this one too. I longed for a fur coat last Winter but never got around to buying one-this year I most definitely am, and this one has a gorgeous stand up collar. I currently use the Real Techniques foundation brush, however I've heard rave reviews about the stippling brush and I feel my foundation brush is currently just rubbing my foundation around my face- not cool!. The two sweaters are super quirky, and quite funny, I adore them!
FEDORA || BAG || FAUX FUR COAT || REAL TECHNIQUES STIPPLING BRUSH ||
AINT LAURENT WITHOUT YVES SHIRT || CAT SHIRT
-Rachel x
AINT LAURENT WITHOUT YVES SHIRT || CAT SHIRT
-Rachel x
where to find me >
Hey everyone,
Believe it or not, I've been on the look out for a new body cream recently, so I was delighted when I was sent this to try out courtesy of Market Match. Roger & Gallet are a brand that I've constantly seen in Irish pharmacies, but I've never actually used any of their products before. The Fleur d'Osmanthus collection is the latest from the brand, inspired by a Chinese Garden of Eden. The brand states that "Notes of floral, citrus and wood burst on contact with the skin, for a truly unique experience"- and I completely agree with this statement!
As soon as I opened the parcel, I was hit by scents of mandarin, orange and slight musky hint. It really is divine! I love applying body lotion after a bath or shower, it really does feel great after a long, cold day. I had been previously using a thick body butter, so I was intrigued to see what the consistency of this would be like. It's white in colour and very light- I actually think it could be a slight thicker just for a nice feel. After applying, it left my skin wonderfully soft and smooth, as I would expect from a good quality body lotion.
I adore this product overall. I think it's perfect for Winter, it has a real Christmas-y scent to be honest. It would be a lovely gift for someone for Christmas too, and there's also a fragrance, soap, body oil and shower cream in the collection too. I can see myself trying out the fragrant water, as the scent of this body lotion is heavenly. Retailing at €13.75 for 200ml, this is worth the money without doubt, and as a bonus, the bottle is pretty big. A little goes a long away with this, so I can see it lasting right through Winter!
Have you ever used Roger & Gallet? Will you be trying out the new Fleur d'Osmanthus collection?
-Rachel x
* This product was sent out to me courtesy of Market Match PR
where to find me >
Roger & Gallet Fleur d'Osmanthus Body Lotion* | Review |
10.21.2013
Hey everyone,
Believe it or not, I've been on the look out for a new body cream recently, so I was delighted when I was sent this to try out courtesy of Market Match. Roger & Gallet are a brand that I've constantly seen in Irish pharmacies, but I've never actually used any of their products before. The Fleur d'Osmanthus collection is the latest from the brand, inspired by a Chinese Garden of Eden. The brand states that "Notes of floral, citrus and wood burst on contact with the skin, for a truly unique experience"- and I completely agree with this statement!
As soon as I opened the parcel, I was hit by scents of mandarin, orange and slight musky hint. It really is divine! I love applying body lotion after a bath or shower, it really does feel great after a long, cold day. I had been previously using a thick body butter, so I was intrigued to see what the consistency of this would be like. It's white in colour and very light- I actually think it could be a slight thicker just for a nice feel. After applying, it left my skin wonderfully soft and smooth, as I would expect from a good quality body lotion.
I adore this product overall. I think it's perfect for Winter, it has a real Christmas-y scent to be honest. It would be a lovely gift for someone for Christmas too, and there's also a fragrance, soap, body oil and shower cream in the collection too. I can see myself trying out the fragrant water, as the scent of this body lotion is heavenly. Retailing at €13.75 for 200ml, this is worth the money without doubt, and as a bonus, the bottle is pretty big. A little goes a long away with this, so I can see it lasting right through Winter!
Have you ever used Roger & Gallet? Will you be trying out the new Fleur d'Osmanthus collection?
-Rachel x
* This product was sent out to me courtesy of Market Match PR
where to find me >
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