Fashion Illustrator, Zhenya Z's Work Is Eye Catching & Capturing Attention Of Art Galleries Around The World
Zhenya Z, a talented fashion illustrator, whose colorful backgrounds, luminous details, and realistic approach to facial features sets her apart from other illustrators. To say her work is eye-catching is an understatement. It is as if the model’s face pops out of the illustration, bringing it to life. Her work has caught the attention of art galleries around the world. She has worked with Condé Nast, Grazia Italy, Grazia Australia, L'Oréal Paris, Garage NYC, and more. She also teaches online courses for fashion illustrators.
When did you realize that you wanted to be a fashion illustrator? Did your love for fashion or art come first?
When I was a child, I always loved to draw and sew clothes for Barbie. I received an architectural education and worked for eight years in urban planning design. But I always drew portraits and sketches of clothes when I had free time. I started working as a fashion illustrator full-time in 2019.
It’s important to have a distinguishable and unique style as a fashion illustrator. All of your work is recognizable. How did you come up with your own style?
I researched a lot of works by different illustrators and artists and identified the features that they use in illustration. For example, it is the use of a paper background (negative space) or the play of light and shadow contrast. It helped me find my style in illustration.
Are there any artists that you look to for inspiration?
I find inspiration from modern fashion designers. I like to look for unusual graphics in clothing design. I like many fashion designers, but Miuccia Prada inspires me. She has a good sense of the present and the future.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process is simple. First I watch fashion shows and make rough sketches for myself. Then I choose the image of the model from the collection, which caused me strong emotions.
Another reason that your work is recognizable is the colored backgrounds that you use. How do you decide which color to use? Do you pick a certain color to convey a certain mood or feeling?
I don't have a clear strategy for choosing a color. It looks like spontaneous decisions. Pink and yellow colors predominate in my catalog of colors. I just love the colors.
What are your favorite types of art mediums to use?
I love a dry extra soft bed. I feel and understand this material quite well. But I also love watercolors, ink, and digital graphics.
Many of your illustrations are inspired by fashion shows, campaigns, models, magazine covers, etc. You recently did one inspired by Raf Simons’ collection. Have you ever made illustrations based on your own fashion designs?
Yes, I love what Raf Simons does. He's a cool minimalist. I was drawing my own fashion design sketches, but then I forgot about it. I have some ideas and I’ll implement them in the future.
Who are your favorite fashion designers at the moment?
I like the vision of Miucci Prada and Raf Simons. I love the modern couture of Daniel Roseberry and the brightness of Alessandro Michele. And I love Maria Grazia Chiuri.
What is your favorite illustration that you have done so far?
I can't single out one illustration because I give a part of my soul to each work. I know that tomorrow I will try to make an illustration better than yesterday. I think I will show the best works in the future.
Outside of illustration, what do you enjoy doing?
I like to read psychology, neuroscience, business, marketing, and management. I read every day. It helps me become a better version of myself.
What has been your proudest achievement so far?
I will not list collaborations, because I share information about projects on social networks and am proud to work with magazines and participate in exhibitions. But most of all I am proud that I decided to become a fashion illustrator. It wasn't an easy decision, but I'm happy now. I feel like this is my way and it's right for me.
What advice would you give anyone interested in becoming a fashion illustrator?
There are five, main recommendations that I can give to a novice fashion illustrator. First, learn different techniques of using materials and ways of stylization in the illustration. This will help you to have a knowledge base to create your creative style. Second, experiment, try to combine different stylization techniques and techniques until you find what you like. When you find it, draw 10-20 works in this style. it will help to improve your style. Third, be informed about what is happening in the fashion world and give your interpretation. Fourth, you need to know the basics of marketing to promote yourself while you don't have an agent. And, fifth, love your creativity and try to be the best.
Social Media.
Instagram @zz_fashion_illustrator
Interview by Taylor Houston, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Coordinator, PhotoBook Magazine
*All images by Zhenya Z
