The woman behind the illustration: Meet Olivia Elery
Olivia Elery has carved a niche in the fashion industry with her striking, elegant illustrations. Since moving to the United States, she has attracted a host of clients including Sephora, Louis Vuitton and David Yurman. Now, with a new course out, we discuss her work in the fashion industry…
1. What should we know about you?
I was born in Eastern Europe and about 10 years ago I moved to the States to pursue my dream of becoming a fashion illustrator.
2. How did you start out?
I always loved drawing since I was a little girl, in my twenties I decided to focus more on what brought me joy and passion and started my Instagram account. It took me a few good years of hard work and developing my skills to be noticed and eventually work with major brands. Hard work, consistency and patience always pays off.
3. What are your favourite fashion brands?
I love Elie Saab, Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, Louis Vuitton to name but a few.
4. Who/what inspires you?
I find my inspiration in fashion editorials, magazines, old cities and the latest fashion trends.
5. How demanding is your job?
It is like a roller coaster. There are periods of tight deadlines, meetings, and last minute project changes and sometimes there are weeks or months where you have time to focus on your personal art projects. Enjoy the free time.
6. What advice would you give to those who want to be fashion illustrators?
My advice would be to draw every single day. Once you do that your art will improve and you will get noticed. Work so hard that they can’t ignore you anymore!
7. Have you got any future projects lined up?
Yes, my fashion illustration course is out now and is available on my Instagram. Also quite a few interesting commissions for fashion brands in the next few weeks that I will be able to talk more about once the work is done (lovely NDAs).
This interview was not paid.
All photos come from her Instagram: @olivia_elery
