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How did you begin illustrating? Was it something you were always interested in? I've just always loved drawing and it's the one and only thing I think I've been good at! When did you realize this had the potential to become a full-time career? I studied Graphic Design because it felt like a 'real' job in the art world, but really I always wanted to be an illustrator – I just never knew back then that it was a possible career choice! Aer working as an Art Director in ad agencies for several years I packed everything up and moved to London. It was in London that I worked in a million different creative jobs and in my final job there realized that I had a burning desire to be an artist. At this time I'd became the Art Director for Liberty Department Store and whilst I loved art-directing fashion, I loved illustrating it more. I started to do very small illustrations for Liberty and from this, art directors saw my work and little commissions began to follow. Aer about a year I found myself with non-stop work. I wasn't earning a fortune but I'd never been happier and I knew I was going to do this forever. As my clients got bigger and better I was able to be a little more selective and just work on briefs that I knew had a great creative opportunity. en in 2006 I got a call in the middle of the night from Candace Bushnell's publisher asking if I would illustrate her next novel 'One Fih Avenue'. is was when things took off at rapid speed for me. Her book became a New York Times bestseller and I met with Candace and she asked me to illustrate all her previous books including the cover of 'Sex and e City'. Once 'Sex and the City' was released, I was contacted by TIME magazine in New York to create portraits for them. Following this, I began illustrating for Tiffany & Co, Chanel, Dior, Cartier, Vanity Fair, Italian Vogue, Bergdorf Goodman, Laduree…Ironically, at the same time as my work finally took off I had my first baby! It's funny, I always tell people that I haven't really slept since 2006! How did you get involved with the fashion industry? Do you see art and fashion sharing any similarities? I became very involved with the fashion industry once I started working with the larger luxury fashion brands. I think both art and fashion completely inspire each other. I find it so interesting that different trends and movements transcend into wearable pieces of art. I've always considered beautiful couture pieces very similar to beautiful sculptures. As you mentioned, you have quite the client list. Is there anyone you haven't worked with yet that you'd still like to? Vivienne Westwood or I'd love Tom Ford to call me – that V U E N J . C O M 26

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