Fashion Illustration

Proportion Humans are usually drawn with the equivalent of 8 “heads” tall, but fashion design does nine in order to elongate the legs to show the fashions more.  (This is why models are tall and thin, and Barbie was made to mimic the fashion illustrations).

These proportions are NOT real, but fashion designers use the 9-head, ultra skinny system because it showcases the fashions best

Examples of Croquis drawings The Croquis In fashion, the term “croquis” refers to a quick sketch of a figure (9 heads tall) with a loose drawing of the clothes that are being designed. Often a large number of croquis drawings will be created for one finished look, which is fully drawn and finished. Examples of Croquis drawings

Creating the croquis yourself Step 1 Set up 8 1/2 x 11 paper with 1 line down center of paper, then horizontal lines every one inch down the paper. Add two dotted lines where indicated, and add labels. Always start out your croquis with this template until you get used to drawing in proportion. Step 2. Add geometric shapes to get a sense of where the body parts fall on the nine segments, and their proportions. Note: the shoulders are two heads wide. Balance body on each side of the center line. Step 3. Now draw the human figure with curves. Emphasize that arms and legs are NOT tubes. Notice the undulations in arms, legs, and ankles.

You can also use a template Note the feet: they are always angled so you get the full effect of the fashion

How to draw faces in Fashion Illustration http://www.ehow.com/video_4405310_drawing-faces-fashion-illustrations.html

Layering your colours It’s important to layer your colours so you get more authentic colours and textures

Use shading to create depth and form

Shading and layering colours will give your designs body and make them look more authentic Be as detailed as you can, adding seams, pleats, buttons, zippers, patterns, textures, etc Note: the faces do NOT have to be this detailed!

More examples

Assignment Create two fashion illustration designs 1) The first design must: Showcase a fall or winter fashion using eco-friendly materials outlined in the article titled “Impact of Textiles and Clothing on the Environment” 2) The second design must: Showcase an outfit that might be worn in the future. The time frame is up to you (could be in 100 years or 10000 years from now). For example, this could be an outfit that we have to wear because of extreme climate change/global warming. Or maybe a post- apocalyptic outfit to wear as protection from the outside world. Let your imaginations run wild! See the handout for student examples

Make sure to label your designs! Add important information such as: fabric choices and other important details