Moved

It's becoming too difficult to run two blogs, two Facebook accounts, two Twitter accounts etc, so I'm combining Illustrateur with Brown Paper Bunny. I hope you'll come visit me there....I promise to provide lots of illustration, art, projects, and fun!

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Catwoman

Here is the next in my series of superheros as pin-up girls. I've always loved Catwoman, ever since I was little, and I hope you enjoy watching me paint her as much as I enjoyed doing it!

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Poison Ivy

I know it's a really early but I've already started thinking about Halloween. This will only be my second ever Halloween in the USA (and they really don't celebrate it anywhere else) so I'm pretty excited.

I was thinking about costume ideas, and Poison Ivy (from Batman) popped into my head. What do you guys think? Do you already know what you're going to go as this year, or have you started on costumes for the kids?

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BlogHer 12

Hi guys! I'm at BlogHer 12 in New York right now, and it occurred to me that you might be here too! If you are, tweet me on @js_mack or @brownpaperbunny or come past booth #1116 and say hi! I'd love to meet you face to face!

So far the events leading up to the conference have been amazing. We even had Obama Skype in to chat with us!



If you didn't make it this year, but you'd like to follow along, check out my Twitter, Viddy, or Instagram.


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Summer Dress

I've been in a real teal sort of mood lately, it just feels like such a summery color! So here's a little time-lapse video of my latest fashion illustration, done in watercolor and ink.

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Kids II

Here's the little painting that I showed you in my last post. I did this one for someone who entered my latest Viddy competition.

Are you on Viddy? If you are (and you should be) let me know what your user name is so I can find you!

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Kids

A little while ago I ran a competition on Viddy, with the prize of a hand-written letter and a custom illustration. I had such a great response that I couldn't bring myself to pick just one winner....so I picked three!

Here is the illustration I've just painted for the first of the three winners. (It's her kids).

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Viddy

In case you haven't already noticed, my latest obsession is Viddy. 15-second videos you can tag, like, share, and comment on....what's not to like?!

So, I'm running a little appreciation competition at the moment, with the prize being a mail art pack from me and an original illustration. If you're keen to enter, follow me on Viddy and like the competition video.

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Spotted gown

Here is the finished painting I whipped up for National Pink Day yesterday. You can watch me painting it in the post before this one.

I'm still without a scanner, so I'm having to take photos on my iPhone. The pink is actually neon and so bright it almost burns your eyes out...but that doesn't come across in the photo unfortunately.

I wish it was pink day every day. How bout you?

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National Pink Day

Today is National Pink Day, so I thought it was only fitting that I paint something in neon pink (the colors are a little off in the vid, sorry).

Also wore pink and made sure all my accessories (even my phone) were nice and matchy. How about you?

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World Sauntering Day

Well, it's World Sauntering Day today, so I just wanted to remind you to stop and smell the roses, take a stroll, enjoy the little things around you. 

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Patterned mini

Here's another time-lapse video of a quick watercolor, gouache, and ink fashion illustration I did this weekend. I was testing out some new paper, and I have to say it was really disappointing. The paint didn't move around the way I'm used to, and dried very patchy.

On another note, now that we're a little more settled here in San Diego I need to start setting up the studio properly. I'm on the hunt for a good large-format scanner that isn't going to cost me my first born. I'd welcome any recommendations or experiences (good or bad). 

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Summer colors

Summer colors by illustrateur featuring vintage necklaces

What are your favorite colors for summer 2012? Here are a few of mine...wonder if I could pull off wearing them all together.

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Summer is almost here!

Here's the finished watercolor from the time-lapse I posted up earlier. It's not quite warm enough for summer dresses here in San Diego, but I can feel Summer coming.

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Summer blossoms

Here's another little time-lapse video of a watercolor and ink illustration I just finished.

I'm a little obsessed with neons and coral at the moment. What are your favorite colors for summer this year?

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Neon Girl

Here's the finished illustration from the time-lapse video in my last post. It's a pity the computer doesn't seem to be able to replicate the neon colors very well, it is much MUCH brighter in the flesh!

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Time Lapse Fashion Illustration

I'm becoming addicted to time-lapse videos, and put together another little fashion illustration one. It's a little all over the place in terms of viewing angles, and I might slow it down just a touch, but it was certainly fun to put together!

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Time Lapse Painting

For the longest time I've wanted to make my own little time lapse painting video. I kept it very simple, and it could certainly be improved, but for my first try I don't think it's too bad.

Is there anything in particular you'd like to watch me paint? If you're interested you can see more of my videos on YouTube or Viddy under 'Illustrateur' (I'm hoping to do a lot more in the future).

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Take Two

I love the outfit on the cover of the April 2012 J-Crew catalogue. So much, in fact, that I've painted it twice. Once a little messier and less defined (I usually go over lines in ink or black watercolor), and one in my usual style.

I'd love to know which one you prefer and why.

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Self Portrait

A couple of months ago I signed up for the Art House Co-op self portrait project. They shipped me out a tiny little canvas and I set about painting a self portrait. I knew it probably wasn't going to be a good idea but I used watercolor anyway...turns out I should have listened to myself, it really doesn't behave very well on canvas!

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Katy Perry

I saw this photo of Katy Perry and just had to paint it! The sequins, the pink, the tutu....all so fantastic!

I used graphite, watercolor and ink, with glitter as the finishing touch. Now I just have to invent a reason to ever wear an outfit like that!

I've been working long hours at a new Social Media Director job so I haven't had a lot of time for Fashion Illustration lately, but if there is an image you think just has to be painted, send it my way. Or pin it on Pinterest and tag me as @illustrateur 

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Sketchbook Project 2012 Ltd Ed

Here's the last entry in my Sketchbook Project 2012 Limited Edition book. I'm sorry about the image quality, I still haven't bought a new scanner or camera, so I'm stuck with my phone!

I put together a quick video of the sketchbook:


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Sketchbook Project 2012 Ltd Edition

Here's the third spread in my Sketchbook Project 2012 Limited Edition book. On the left is a casual Spring outfit, navy capri pants, neutral sequin tank top and light cardigan. On the right is a work ensemble of navy capri pants, cream and black heels, business shirt, and sports-coat, teamed with a snake-skin belt.

All of the entries in my sketchbook were painted with watercolor and ink in under 10 minutes (not including drying time).

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Photo a day: May

I've decided to participate in the Photo A Day project run by Fat Mum Slim (seeing as I spend my life on Instagram these days anyway). Are you doing it?

Here is the list for May, and you can find me on Instagram as @Illustrateur

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Sketchbook Project 2012 Ltd Ed

Here's the second spread in my Sketchbook Project 2012 Limited Edition book. Are you starting to see a color theme for each spread? ;)

On the left is a casual work outfit, boots, skinny jeans, white business shirt and sports coat. On the right is a blue and white polka-dot dress that I bought for $20 and just love! I dress it up with some heels, leather belt and matching clutch.

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Reds and blues

Here is the first and last page of my Sketchbook Project 2012 Limited Edition book. I painted what I wore each day, in 10 minutes or less, using watercolor and ink.

My apologies for the image quality, since moving we haven't bought a new scanner or camera yet, so all of my photos are taken with my phone!

The image on the left is my new Marc Jacobs coat. The weather was cooler than we were expecting when we moved to San Diego, and we hadn't brought any coats with us! At least my NY boots are getting worn more than I thought they would.

On the right is my favorite work dress, it is navy and cream with big pockets and a full skirt.

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Sketchbook Project 2012 Limited Edition

In addition to doing the 2012 Sketchbook Project, I also signed up for the Limited Edition version. It's essentially the same project, but it will be made into a book at the end.

As usual, I didn't give myself enough time to finish it, and moving countries didn't help. So I rebound the book, using watercolor paper and kept it fairly simple.

My theme was Threads and Surfaces, so I made it part 2 of my regular Sketchbook and painted what I wore each day in under ten minutes.

I managed to get it into the post on the day it was due, and I hope it makes a speedy trip across the country to the Brooklyn Art Library!

I'm going to post up my entries over the next few days, and you can take a look at my regular Sketchbook Project 2012 submission here.

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Home

We've been living in San Diego for a couple of weeks now, and are starting to get settled in. We've bought the important pieces of furniture and are trying to make the new apartment feel like home.

I was able to bring most of my 'art wall' with us from Australia so at least the office / studio is looking a little more colorful.

My art wall features the beautiful work of Katie Rodgers, Charlotte Vallance, Sepialepus, Catherine Campbell, Jeannine Saylor, and Jessica Gowling.

What sort of things make your place feel like home? I'd love to see. Post a photo to Instagram and tag me (@illustrateur) or on Twitter (@illustrateur_) or post a pic directly to my Facebook page. 

Exploring the New World

I'm sorry for being so quiet on the blog front lately, but we've had some exciting news that has taken over our every waking minute!

We're leaving Australia for San Diego, California, and soon! We are due to leave in 7 days, which doesn't leave us long to finish up at our day jobs and pack up our lives before flying out.

I promise to get straight back to blogging as soon as we are settled, and if you have any tips or information about San Diego I'd love to hear it (I've only been there once).


Columbus set sail for the New World in 1492. And 520 years later it's our turn! (Although in a slightly faster ship).

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Oscars 2012

I watched the Oscars twice today, once via Twitter as they happened live, and again as the whole thing was shown on TV in Australia some hours later. Both times I was mesmerized by the beautiful gowns on the red carpet. Even the ones that weren't my favorites were still beautiful in their own ways.

While watching the rest of the awards I've done some quick watercolor sketches of my two favorite dresses. Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab Fall 2009 couture with Edie Parker clutch and Elie Saab platform shoes, and Penelope Cruz in Giorgio Armani organza.

What was your favorite red carpet gown?

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Fashion Illustration Portfolio

Fashion Illustration, a set on Flickr.

Some of my recent fashion illustrations.

Here it is!

Thank you to everyone who tried to guess what my 'sneak peek' was last week. It was a shoe! The painting was commissioned by a lovely bridesmaid as a gift for her friend who is getting married soon. They are all wearing the same antique pink, sequined shoes, and aren't they adorable!

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Shorty Awards

Feeling generous? Nominate www.fashion-illo.com for a Micro-Blog Shorty Award.

Why do I think the blog deserves to be nominated? Because, without agenda, it aims to build community, encourage sharing, and showcase the work of student, aspiring, and established fashion illustrators from around the world.

Plus, it's just getting started, and every bit of help counts!

You can fill out your nomination here: http://shortyawards.com/special_awards/microblog and be sure to tweet about it afterwards! (That's how they create the shortlist).

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Sneak peek

Here's a little sneak peek at a commission I'm currently working on. Can you guess what it is?

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Sketchbook sent!

My 2012 Sketchbook Project book is on it's way to the Art House Co-op. I titled it 'Daily threads...FAST!' because my theme was 'In 10 minutes' and I attempted to paint my outfit each day in 10 minutes or less.

You can flip through my book below, or visit Daily Threads...FAST! for a complete list of entries.

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Calendar winner

To get January started right, I offered up one of my new illustrated fashion calendars in a giveaway. Thanks to a random number generator Betsy Tucker from She Found Style is a winner. If you've ever read her blog you'll already know she's a winner, and if you haven't...get over there!

Your calendar is in the mail Betsy!

Don't worry, if you missed out you can still get one over at the Illustrateur Etsy Store.

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Custom bridal illustrations

I finally got around to listing custom bridal illustration in my Etsy store. Of course, I take custom orders for all sorts of fashion and editorial illustration as well.

I created this watercolor and ink piece for a beautiful bride, who is a bit of an Imelda Marcos in the shoe department. She bought (and wore) three amazing pairs of wedding shoes, with these satin Louboutins being the first worn and the highest of the lot.

Here is the beautiful bride showing off her magnificent shoes before going into the church.

And the final illustration, framed.

Custom illustrations make wonderful wedding or anniversary gifts. And of course, they are a fantastic way to remember your big day, especially after all those hours, weeks, months you spent finding the perfect dress and accessories!

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Jennifer Lilya comp

A week or two ago I made my first Polyvore collection as part of a Jennifer Lilya competition. I'm excited to say I've been chosen as one of the winners! I'm especially humbled because the other winning entries are so amazing! Head over to the Jennifer Lilya blog to check them out.

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