Location: Nederland
In an exclusive interview, Wendy Buiter talks about her career so far and what’s next…
Wendy Buiter’s illustrations are an extension of herself, translating her creative energy onto the canvas, brought to life by the female characters she paints, and by far the best account I’m following in twitter. Her loose, visionary style seems so effortless and radiates elegance and beauty.
So, I DM her one day asking her to be featured in my blog and she said YES!
We spoke about her illustrious & art career and her upcoming projects…
Koko: Hi Wendy! I’m worried about asking all the questions you’ve been asked already… but… How did you become a fashion illustrator?
Wendy: When I was a young child I was always drawing and painting.
Becoming a Fashion Illustrator was actually the same as becoming a make-up artist 10 years ago. I decided to become one and just did it!
Koko: How do your pieces come together?
Wendy: I work with many different mediums such as crayons, watercolors, acrylic paint, and markers. Working with all these different mediums together makes for a really nice and interesting structure.
If I am inspired by a particular photograph then I allow the image to resonate in my mind, giving my creativity some space to interpret the image.
I do also make faces and create portraits out of my own imagination. The art that I create, is really a reflection of ‘me’ and how I see the world in a fabulous way!
Koko: What techniques do you use?
Wendy: I use a variety of techniques, combining several different tools and mediums.
Koko: What qualities do fashion illustrations have that photographs or film don’t?
Wendy: Well I think that one of the main characteristics of illustration is that it is a very personal thing. It is the outcome of the interpretation of the artist that he or she is creating from an image. A photo by default has limited artistic or personal interpretation – it’s a machine. Of course you can do a lot with lightning and compositions to, for example, make an image more abstract, but in the end it’s totally different from what comes out of an artist’s head that goes straight onto the canvas with his or her bare hands.
Koko: Who has been your favorite subject to draw, portrait-wise?
Wendy: Oh there are so many inspiring faces! But what I’m really searching for are images that stand out, because of the styling or just the opposite - a simplified look.
I love faces of models with great hairdo’s, big jewelry, large ear hangers, scarf around neck or on head, hats, sunglasses etc. anything that makes the portrait bold and extravagant or exactly the opposite like simple, refined and elegant.
Koko: Which designers are your favorites to illustrate?
Wendy: Oscar de la Renta, Giambattista Valli, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana; these I like best! I like it when their fashion is extravagant, it’s so much fun to make my own interpretation of bold dresses and lots of embellished items like the SS2016 show from Dolce and Gabbana!
Koko: Which other image makers have inspired you/do you admire?
Wendy: Kees van Dongen, Matisse and Francesco Clemente!
Koko: Do you do collaborations? How do your collaborations come around?
Wendy: Yes, I’ve been doing a lot of collaborations with fashion brands lately. My art is universally applicable in various campaigns (as visuals for beauty/fashion companies and their products, in shops, product packaging etc.) Sometimes I reach out to a company or Ashley from Sugarpeel.com connects me to a brand or a company. Also they seem to find me and I regularly receive inquiries through my website or Instagram.
Koko: There seems to be a real revival of fashion illustration at the moment – magazines and websites are showcasing sketchbooks and commissioning more and more illustrators and exhibitions are popping up everywhere. Why do you think illustration excites people?
Wendy: When people see my artworks they often respond very positive, like: “Wow, did you make these, that’s so cool! I can’t do this!” And I think that that’s what makes it so interesting, art gives the audience an artist perspective. It takes a lot of practice and dedication to create a signature style. People can now say “Oh yes, I saw this image and I knew right away it was yours, Wendy” and that I think is the way to go, to make or create something that is unique yet recognizable. Something that is created with some (plain) tools that came out of the mind and perception of just one person….
Its bringing art to fashionistas, usually comprised of a younger audience, hoping they can similarly appreciate art.
Koko: Ok, so I’m a book blogger and I heard that there are a few e-books coming from you. Can you tell us a bit about it? I’m eager to know all about them!
Wendy: Sure! I also want to inspire and coach other artists so that they can pursue their dream just like I have done. I want to pass my knowledge onto others so they can do what they love and I hope to guide them on their path to becoming a successful artist.
To do so I have begun to share my experiences, business acumen, and my knowledge through downloadable guides, books, and online courses. Aspiring artists can learn from my mistakes and find inspiration from my personal journey. Most artists are very creative but business wise there is room for growth. I want to offer insights on how to be a commercially, driven, goal-oriented, savvy business women.
+ Follow Wendy
I hope you guys enjoyed the interview as much as I did!!
Show Wendy some love and leave a comment!!
Love, Koko