5 Things Fashion Illustrators can learn from the photography of Guy Bourdin

1. Bold and Dynamic Composition and Framing: 

   Bourdin's compositions often feature dynamic angles and striking poses, to create visually captivating images.  Fashion illustrators can learn from his innovative approach to framing subjects and experimentation with different compositions to create dynamic and engaging illustrations.

2. Strong Narrative Elements: 

   Bourdin's photographs often tell a story or evoke a mood, providing rich material for artists to interpret and expand upon in their own work. His ability to create narratives within a single image can inspire us to infuse our illustrations with storytelling elements.

   Innovative Use of Color and Texture:

3. Bourdin was known for his bold use of color and texture, often incorporating unexpected combinations and  glaring, clashing and saturated colours. Artists can draw inspiration from his inventive color palettes and textural contrasts to create visually striking pieces that capture the essence of cosmetic products and garments. 

4. Attention to Detail: 

   Bourdin was known for his keen eye for detail, meticulously crafting every aspect of his photographs to perfection. From the arrangement of props to the positioning of models' limbs, he paid careful attention to every element within the frame.  illustrators can study Bourdin's compositions to understand how he achieved such precision and incorporate similar attention to detail in their own illustrations. 

5. Tension and Intrigue: 

   Bourdin’s photography often had an undefined element of danger, sex and desire. There is often a sense that somthing has happened or is about to unfold. Studying hsi provocative and sometimes contentious photagraphy can help us gain a greater understanding of the powerful impact of visual imagery.

Much Ado About Mucha

Mucha is considered one of the pioneers of the Art Nouveau movement, which was characterized by flowing, organic designs and motifs inspired by nature.

Born in 1860 in Moravia (Now part of Czech Republic) one of his first commercial jobs was decorating the Emmahof castle with murals.

Famed for his iconic poster designs. Notable examples include the ones he created for the actress Sarah Bernhardt for whom he also designed stage-sets.

One of Mucha's most significant works is the "Slav Epic," a series of 20 large-scale paintings celebrating history and culture of the Slavic people. It took him nearly two decades to complete this monumental project.

In addition to posters, Mucha's instantly recognizable designs appeared on commercial products such as biscuit tins, cigarette packets, and champagne labels.

Mucha's designs also extended to jewelry, and he created several exquisite pieces for the French jewellery house, Fouquet

Mucha was a skilled photographer capturing many notable figures of his time. He did not see his photographs as works of art and their natural quality give them a fresh appeal compared to other photographs of the time.

Mucha was also interested in philosophical and spiritual themes. His "Pater Noster" is a beautifully illustrated book with ornate illustrations of the text of the Lord’s Prayer. Pictured here is Lead Us Not Into Temptation But Deliver Us From Evil, 1899

Mucha’s work was rich with symbolism such as that of the zodiac. Pictured here, The Moon and the Stars depicts celestial bodies as female figures.

Mucha’s work attainted iconic status in the Art Nouveau period and beyond. It significantly inspired the art and poster design of the Psychedelic 1960s and continues to inspire artists today.

Pictured here is Girl with the Green Hair 1966 by Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley (with just a little bit of help from Mucha!)

If you want to experiment witn some Mucha vibes in your work then check out the stunning Dropdead Gorgeous Drawing Session starring recently:

How to get the most out of life-drawing

1. Don’t worry about the finished drawing. Let go and enjoy the process rather than judging the end result. Get into the habit of creating a high volume of drawing You may end up with many imperfect ones and a few that you are really pleased with. This is a good result!

2. Show your work! Don’t be shy, share it with other artists. Sharing your work enables you to participate in a vibrant community of artists which makes life-drawing even more fulfilling.

3. Experiment with multiple tools, materials and approaches. Even if you prefer a specific medium make sure to change it up sometimes to keep the creativity flowing. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results.

4. Don’t stop! No one said drawing something as complex as the human figure is easy. Remember drawing the figure is one of the pinnacles of art.

5. Build your portfolio. If you just draw from photographs of celebrities your portfolio might look a little amateur. Take advantage of life-drawing sessions both online and on-location. These have been put on especially for artists to draw from and allow you to accumulate a large body of original images.